October News!

Hello families! October is a very fun month at school! Our class is currently doing fun Halloween/Autumn activities in the classroom. Today began the first day of our new reading groups. I am very proud of the progress your children are making in reading! In first grade, our goal is to be reading on (at least) a level 12 by December. Seven students have already reached or surpassed this goal! Seven more students are on track to reach the goal by December! Way to go, readers!!

This week is also exciting because the BOOK FAIR is here! Send money with your child if you'd like them to purchase books or items from the fair.

Friday, October 21, will be "Arnold Service Day" at school. Each class will be participating in a project around the school campus to beautify and clean our school. Our class will be planting flowers along the classroom exterior wall and then extensively cleaning our classroom! Send your children to school in clothes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. :)

Fall Break will be October 24 - 29. Cleveland City Schools will be CLOSED! Have a RESTFUL and BLESSED fall break!

Upcoming Events

Hello friends and family! I hope that you had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. I know I did! I spent the weekend resting up and spending time with my friends and family. I'm also ready to get back in the classroom with your sweet children. The next couple of weeks are going to be full of activities. Reading groups are in full swing! You'll notice your child bringing home a leveled book to read aloud to you. This is VERY important practice for them because the books are specifically on their reading level. Being able to read fluently is vital in first grade. Your child's goal is to be able to read at least a level 12 by December.

Don't forget that Friday, September 9 is the Grandparent Luncheon. If you made a reservation with the school, we will be sending you more information regarding your child's lunch schedule for that event.

Also, our first FIELD TRIP is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14! We will be going to the Apple Valley Orchard! This is a first grade tradition, and we always have a GREAT time! That week we will be focusing on an "Apple Unit" in class. We will be incorporating an apple theme into our reading, writing, math, science, and social studies lessons. Please sign and return the field trip forms by September 9.

Have a great week! :)

We're Off to a Great Start!

Wow!! We made it! The first few days of school are over. We are now getting into a routine. I am so pleased with the students' behavior and responsibility while learning all of our procedures. They are also working hard on their classwork. We have covered lessons in reading, writing, science, and math! In a couple of weeks we will be starting our small group reading sessions. I feel truly blessed to be in a position to teach your children. There's nothing like helping a child learn and watching the sense of accomplishment on their face when they've done something independently. What a joy!

This week we are reading and writing words with the short i sound, as well as the final x sound. Our sight words are: and, take, up. They should also be reviewing: in, on, the, way, with. In math we are working on comparing numbers to 10. They have learned the terms more, fewer, greater than, and less than. Please review these topics with your children at home.

Have a WONDERFUL week! Contact me if you have any questions/concerns.
sbbrown@clevelandschools.org
423-715-6028

First Grade Supply List

The required first grade supply items are:

1 school box
1 box of tissues
2 large pink erasers
1 Clorox disinfecting wipes
1 backpack

The school provides crayons, markers, scissors, paper and glue. Of course, there are other items that we use throughout the school year that are not on the supply list. Any materials you could provide would be extremely appreciated! Here are some additional (not required) items that would be very helpful during the year:

pencils
large pink erasers
extra glue sticks or bottles
extra Kleenex boxes
dry erase markers
Scotch tape
thumb tacks
small prizes for "Purple Box"

Welcome Back to School!

I am thrilled to welcome you to first grade! I hope that you and your family have had a restful and enjoyable summer. I am very excited about the upcoming school year. The students have been in my thoughts and prayers for weeks. I am committed to help students achieve success in academics as well as build their character and confidence throughout the year. It is my hope that the students will feel safe, successful, and loved in our classroom. I feel a child’s success depends heavily on the support that is given to them at school and at home. I look forward to working with you and being partners in your child's education. This blog is one form of communication that will include information, announcements, and classroom activities throughout the school year. The next few blogs will include info regarding the supply list, classroom rules, procedures, activities, schedules, etc. Please contact me with any questions or comments. My email is sbbrown@clevelandschools.org. This is going to be a wonderful school year!