Ms. Pratt’s Classroom Handbook:The ABC’s of 1st Grade

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Absences: If your child needs to miss school, please remember to call the office at 580-767-8070 telling us why your child will be absent.

Academic Vocabulary: Each grade level has vocabulary words to become familiar with throughout the year. Our categories are Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies.

Accelerated Reader (AR) Computer Program: Students may begin taking AR Tests when they have mastered Sight Word List A. This is typically after Christmas Break. First graders usually begin with books from the library that are coded with a yellow dot on the spine of the book. The STAR Reading Test will provide your child with a reading level that you will be made aware of once your child tests at a probable reader in STAR Early Literacy. (See Testing for more information) You will then be able to go to www.arbookfind.com to check the reading level on books your child reads. Your child will need to read the book at least twice before he/she takes the AR test on the book. This strengthens reading skills and comprehension.

Allergies: Please let me know of any allergies your child has, as well as any other medical conditions I may need to be aware of.

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Behavior Management: I believe students thrive on positive recognition and praise. I work hard to create an environment of friendship, manners and respect in my classroom. I expect my students to make appropriate or “right” choices. I strive for consistency and will start the school year with clear expectations.

Classroom Expectations:1. Listen and follow instructions2. Be kind and helpful to self and others3. Be safe4. Use good manners5. Follow classroom rules and procedures

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6. Make appropriate or “right” choices7. Can’t never could so we won’t ever use that word

Positive Punches: Each student will receive a “Punch” card.

He/She is responsible for keeping this easily accessible. Students can get “punched” when they are caught doing an exceptional job, whether that is going out of his/her way to

help someone or working super hard quietly. Students may also get punched for being responsible with their school supplies. Once the card is full, the student can choose a prize out of the one card prize box or save the card in the bank and accumulate more. There are different level of prizes that go up to a 4 card prize box.

Mr. Potato Head: We have a Mr. Potato Head that lives on my desk. He starts out as just a potato. The class can earn pieces to Mr. Potato Head when they receive praise or compliments from an adult (other than me) or a specials teacher. The good behavior must continue throughout the day the compliment is received because they are capable of losing the piece or pieces earned that day as well. The class will decide together what celebration or prize they want when they fill him up. We will try to do a larger celebration every tenth Mr. Potato Head. This is a great way to build team work.

Classroom Consequences:

1. All students begin their day on a green “Monkey Manners” card.

2. Students making a “wrong” choice (not doing their work, talking when they should not be, etc.) will be verbally reminded of our classroom rules and

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expectations at least twice before they are asked to flip their “Monkey Manners” card to yellow.

3. Students will flip their card to red if they continue to make “wrong” choices during that day. A red card will result in something being taken from the student on this day, such as time out of recess for example. If a student gets more than one red card anytime throughout the week, he/she will not be allowed to participate in “Fun Friday” activities.

4. If the behavior is consistent and/or these steps do not result in a student following the rules and expectations of the classroom a note will be sent to his/her parents or a phone call home will be made.

5. If all these consequences have been exhausted and there is still no behavioral change, the student will be sent to the principal’s office.

Birthdays: We have lots of birthdays to celebrate this year. Please contact me prior to your child’s birthday so arrangements can be made if you plan on sending class treats. Remember that it is a district policy that all food served must be pre-packaged (not made at home).

Braum’s: Students may receive up to 6 free ice cream certificates from Braum’s for reading 500 minutes read outside of school. Minutes are totaled from the monthly book logs and added together at the end of each month. Your student will receive the Braum’s certificate at the end of the month he/she accumulates 500 minutes of outside reading time.

Breakfast: Research shows that children who eat breakfast learn better than those who don’t, so please be sure your child is eating breakfast every day. We serve breakfast in our cafeteria starting at 7:30 am. Contact Ms. Randall (580-767-8070) for more information. Free and reduced prices are available to families who qualify.

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Cat Care: Cat Care is the after school day care service offered through Ponca City Public Schools. Students enrolled in the program meet in the school cafeteria at the end of the school day. Go to www.pcps.us for more information or call the Board of Education to enroll your child in the program.

Centers: Students will rotate to different Literacy Centers 3-4 days a week starting at the end of August or beginning of September.

Certificates: Students have the ability to earn certificates for accomplishments throughout the year. I give awards for mastering Sight Word List A, B and C and Math Fluency +/- 0-4, 5-7, 8-10 and Mixed. These will be given out at the Rise and Shine Assembly the following day upon completion. Certificates are also given out for every 100 books read. Books are totaled from book logs at the end of every month. Certificates are given out at the Rise and Shine Assembly for these as well. I will always let students know if he or she is to receive one of the above mentioned certificates. Character Certificates based on the WILDCAT Way are given out monthly. A student does not know ahead of time if he/she will be given this award but parents will be notified.

Chromebooks: We are fortunate to have a class set of chromebooks. We will use these to STAR test. We also will use these for ST Math, Prodigy, Exact Path, etc. Your student will be assigned a chromebook that will only be his or her chromebook for the year. They are not allowed to leave the school and must be cared for properly. Please talk to your child about being responsible with electronic equipment. We have had several keys end up missing in the past. Hopefully with them getting assigned certain ones, this will help.

Communication: Communication between school and home is vital to your child’s success. I will be using Remind to send reminders for various things throughout the year. This is a way for me to send a text or email to all those in the class who have signed up. You may respond to those texts or emails. All

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students have a Take Home Folder. This folder will have your child’s Daily Assignment and Behavior Log. You may write a note for me in the comments section of this log. You may also reach me by phone or email. Please feel free to contact me for any reason and I will get back with you as soon as possible. However, I do ask that you be courteous of my time away from working hours as this is my family time. I will not send messages after 9:00 pm or before 7:15 am. I ask that you please do the same. School: 580-767-8070 School Email: prattm@pcps.us

Conferences: Trout schedules Parent/Teacher Conferences during the first and second semesters of school. However, you or I may request additional conferences throughout the year if needed.

Creation Station: We have an area in our classroom designated as our “Creation Station”. Students may bring crafty things from home to add to this. Items that have been brought in the past are things like toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, Kleenex boxes, yarn, beads, stickers, etc. Students are allowed to use the creation station during Fun Friday time. All items must be able to fit in their backpacks so please do not allow your child to bring anything larger than this.

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Daily Assignment and Behavior Logs: Students will get a new assignment/behavior log every week. This has homework assignment for each day, a behavior section with green, yellow, or red to indicate the color card your child was on that day, and a comments section for parent-teacher communication. Please sign this daily and place in the red take home folder to come back and forth to class.

Dismissal: Students will be ready for pick up by 3:05. Please make EVERY EFFORT to be on time to pick up your child. Your child may become very upset when you or your child’s ride is not here on time. It does not matter if your child rides with other

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students from our school or not, ALL first graders are dismissed through the front doors of the school and need to be picked up in the front parking lot. There will be staff outside directing you to pull through the circle. Cones will be out for cars to pull up and get your children. We will not allow them to go to your vehicle unless you are pulled up to the cones. Please pull forward past the cones to assist your child with his/her seatbelt or booster seats so we can keep the line of cars moving to the cones. If you choose to park your vehicle and walk up to get your child, you must do that using the crosswalk that is located at the front entrance to the school. There will be a staff member there assisting. I ask that your child notify me that he/she is leaving so that I am aware.

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Early Dismissal: If your child needs to leave school before the regular dismissal time, you must go to the office to sign him/her out. Our secretary will call for your child to meet you in the office.

Electronic Devices: All electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, ipads, ipods, kindles, smartwatches, etc are not allowed at school. We understand that some students may have cell phones to contact parents before or after school, but students are not allowed to have these or any other electronic device out during the school day. Because of the large number of students bringing these devices now for the purpose of contacting parents, we are not able to house these in the office. We will not be responsible for any of these items. If you allow your student to bring any such item to school, it is at his/her risk.

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Fun Friday: Students who do not receive more than one red card during the week will earn “Fun Friday”. “Fun Friday” will be in the afternoons for approximately 30-40 minutes. We will do

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class science projects during this time or students will be allowed to play games, do free centers or use the creation station. This will begin toward the end of August or first of September.

Field Trip: We will be going on a field trip in May to Tanganyika Wildlife Park near Wichita, KS. I will send permission slips home informing you of all the details regarding the trip. Please return permission slips and money as soon as possible once they are sent home. We will also try to take a field trip to the Ponca City Library near the end of the school year as well. We will often request parent volunteers to chaperone field trips.

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Grades: Grades will be coded as a 4-beyond what is expected, 3-what is expected, 2-struggling some, 1-does not grasp the concept. The grade scale computes to 80%-100%=3, 50%-80%=2, 50% and below=1. Only work considered to be above 100%=4. Daily work will be given a number score as well. If the score is written as 8/10 for example, that will be converted in the gradebook to a 3 because it computes to 80%. If the score is 2/10, it would be a 1 because that is 20% correct. Not all work will be recorded in the grade book. Grades are only taken on the standards required for the quarter. The curriculum map that shows the standards for each quarter can be found on the Ponca City School Website (www.pcps.us) under Schools-Trout-Ms. Pratt’s First Grade or from www.pcps.us Departments-Curriculum-Elementary Files-First Grade Files. The best way to know how your child is doing on his/her classwork is to look at and go over all papers that are sent home.

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Handwriting: Handwriting is taught with Payne Phonics.

Health: Please let me know of special circumstances that may affect your child (i.e. medications that may make him/her sleepy, a death in the family, etc.) Also please let me know of any

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allergies your child may have, especially food allergies. We will have an instructor from OSU Extension Community Education Programs come in for 7 lessons on Health in March and April.

Homework: Books will be sent home on Mondays with a parent sign sheet starting with our first Journeys Lesson. I ask that you first read the book with your child on Monday, then let your child progress reading the book him/herself throughout the week until Thursday night. The book and sign sheet will need to be returned to school Friday. Reading the book numerous times will help the child become a more fluent reader. Word Work homework will also be sent home weekly. These are very short daily activities. I do not return these after they are turned in on Fridays. This is something you should help your child with so you will know how he/she is doing on the assignment. There may also be times that other assignments will be sent home. The homework assignments will be brief and reinforce what we are learning at school. This will give your child a chance to “showcase” what they are learning.

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Illnesses: The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when the decision may affect your work schedule and alternate arrangements need to be made. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill. This helps them to feel better quicker and prevents others from becoming ill. Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy.

Independent Reading: Because children learn to read by reading, they need plenty of opportunities to read independently. By giving the children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature-rich environment and a lifelong love of reading.There is no minimum reading time requirement, only that they have the opportunity to read or be read to as many evenings as possible. (This should equal to be around 20 minutes a day.) There is a Reading Log in their Take Home Folder, and a parent

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should sign it each evening. This log is their record of books read. The goal of reading is to get the child in the habit of reading daily, thus fostering a love of literature.

Interventions: Intervention includes work with individual students and small groups on skills being taught in class. Students who receive intervention will be determined through Literacy First Testing, STAR Testing, and teacher observation.

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Library: We will visit the library weekly throughout the year. Students will take home a form that needs to be completed to check out books from the library. Students may bring their books back any day after checkout, or keep them at home until library day. If books are lost or damaged, you will be asked to replace the book. Our library day is Tuesday at 1:30. Literacy Centers: During our Literacy Center time, children practice reading and writing skills while I work with individual children or small guided reading groups. The station activities are designed to strengthen their phonemic awareness, letter/sound knowledge, listening skills, reading fluency, oral language expression, and letter/phonics formation. This is the perfect time to volunteer with assisting a group of children or working one on one with a child!

Literacy First: Literacy First Testing is done on all students individually at the beginning of the year, mid year (December) and at the end of the year. Students will be retested on any areas mastered in April or May of Kindergarten. Students are assessed at others times as teacher sees necessary throughout the year. First graders are given Phonological Awareness Skills Test (PAST) and Literacy First Phonics Assessment.

Lost and Found: We have a Lost and Found at Trout. I encourage you and your child to check it periodically for any missing items. Unclaimed items are donated to Goodwill. Please

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label your child’s outerwear, hoodies, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc.

Lunch: Your child may choose to bring a lunch from home or purchase a hot lunch. I take the class to the lunchroom and assist them with milk, juice and condiments. However, I do not stay with them while they eat. There is a teacher assistant assigned to each grade level in the cafeteria. First Grade lunch is from 11:05 am -11:25 am with recess immediately following lunch until 11:40 am.

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Math: We are using McGraw-Hill My Math curriculum and other materials as needed. The My Math material does not go in order with our curriculum map/standards so you will see that we skip around on lesson numbers. We will also be using a computer program called STMath. The computer program uses a game like technology in which students figure out varying degrees of complex problems.

Medication: If your child needs to be given a medication during the school day, forms must be signed and the medication must be in the original container. Medication is given in the office. This includes cough drops, throat lozenges, etc. Please contact the office for forms and further information if this need arises. I ask that you inform me if your child is taking any behavior modification medications.

Money: Whenever you send money with your child (lunch, field trip, book orders, etc.) please put it in a sealed envelope or zip-loc that is labeled with your child’s name and the money’s purpose.

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Newsletters: The class newsletter will go home in your child’s folder each Monday. It is very important that you read the newsletter so that you can keep your child prepared for the

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week’s events. The newsletter will contain information about our classroom activities, schedules, events, and spelling words.

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Parties: There are two school-wide celebrations each year. The first celebration is a “Fall Party” held in November. The second celebration will be around Valentine’s Day. Our homeroom parent usually organizes these events and coordinates volunteers and donations. If you would like to help, let me know!

Password Sheets: Each student will have his/her own password sheet that is kept at their desk. This will have their usernames and passwords to programs we use at school. If you would like a copy of this sent home, please let me know.

Powerschool: Powerschool is the online program we use to enter your child’s attendance and grades. You must first get a code and login (if you have not done this in previous school years) to sign up and link your child to your account. If you have done this before in Pre-K or Kindergarten, you do NOT need to do this again. Once you have done this one time, you are linked yearly with PC Schools. Powerschool can be assessed by going to PCPS main website-go to Parents then Parent Portal. There is also a link from our class website.

Prize Boxes: Our prize boxes are filled by me. They have things like bookmarks, pencils, kids meal prizes, coloring books, fidget spinners, stuffed animals, etc. I appreciate any help you would like to give me in making sure they stay full. You may send things at anytime. Please send these labeled as to their purpose.

PTA: We ask that you please consider joining the Trout PTA. The cost is just $5 and meetings are held the last Monday of every month at 4:00 pm in the library. There are several opportunities throughout the year that the PTA goes above and beyond for Trout students and staff. We would love for you to be part of that. Also, like Trout PTA on Facebook to get the most current and up to date information about our school’s happenings.

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Questions: Instead of asking your child, "What did you do in school today?" Try asking more specific questions such as, "What book did you read during story time?", "What did you learn in math?", and “Who did you play with at recess?”. Show that you are interested, and most likely, your child will respond positively and more openly.

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Reading: Our reading curriculum is Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Journeys. This is a research-based, comprehensive curriculum. Read the weekly newsletter for more information on what we are reading and studying each week.

Reading Logs: Reading Logs will be in your child’s Take Home Folder. Your child will be able to earn certificates to Braum’s and Pizza Hut if he/she meets the goals set for each. Watch in newsletters to see when the Pizza Hut and Braum’s certificates begin. The goal for the month will be written at the top of the month’s log. This is typically 20 books a month. Braum’s certificates are given for every 500 minutes read, not to exceed 6 free coupons per student. Award Certificates are awarded at the 100 book mark.

Recess: Outside Recess is determined by the weather (typically if temperature is above freezing and it is not raining, snowing, etc, students will go outside). The children will play either indoors or outdoors after lunch (11:25 am – 11:40 am) and in the afternoon (usually for 15 minutes in the last hour of the day). Afternoon recess time is determined by specials schedule and the other First Grade class schedule because we try to take both first grade classes out at the same time. Please keep outside recess in mind when helping your child select clothing for the day.

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Remind: Remind is a free, safe, and simple messaging system in which you can sign up to receive text reminders for upcoming class events (picture day, field trip, etc.). This is a whole class message system. You are able to reply to this. There are several ways to join. You may go to this link: rmd.at/he2a23 or text @he2a23 to the number 81010. If you’re having trouble with 81010, try texting @he2a23 to (703) 429-2716. Follow the instructions to sign up for Remind. You will be prompted to download the mobile app.

Report Cards: We will do standard based grades on a scale of 1,2,3 or 4. This is similar to how grades were done in Kindergarten. Paper report cards will not be distributed. Grades will be available to view on Powerschool and will available every quarter. If you do not have access to the technology to view these and need a paper printout of your child’s grades, please contact the office for the forms that will need to be completed.

Restrooms: We have restroom breaks scheduled in our day. Students may also go as needed throughout the day. However, I do ask that students not disrupt my teaching lessons or reading stories. If it is an emergency situation, students have been told to use our classroom restroom without waiting on permission. Please make me aware of any medical problems that might require frequent restroom trips.

Rewards: Your child will receive verbal praise on a regular basis for doing the “right thing”. If your child does not receive a red card more than one time in the week, he/she will be able to participate in “Fun Friday”. Individuals can be rewarded with punches in their cards. Students may trade in their punch cards for prizes. Students may accumulate up to 4 cards. One card means that he/she may get a prize from the Prize Box 1, 2 cards-Prize Box 2, etc. The prizes in the prize box increase with the number of cards accumulated. This card system is designed to help students learn the discipline of saving. Students must have 2 cards in the bank to get in the 2 Prize Box. This means not just having filled 2 cards total if they already “spent” one. I explain this like a card is a dollar and each prize box cost that amount of

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dollars so they can’t get a $2 prize if they only have $1 because they already spent $1 at the $1 Prize Box. Whole group will be rewarded with Mr. Potato Head pieces. See Behavior Management for more information.

Rise and Shine Assembly: We have rise and shine assembly at the beginning of each school day beginning at 7:50 am in the school gym. Our class will lead student body in the Pledge of Allegiance, Oklahoma Flag Salute, Trout School Creed, Trout School Song and the Moment of Silence the weeks we are chosen to lead. First Grade will be responsible for leading the Rise and Shine Assembly the weeks of October 28th – November 1st and March 9th – 13th. We will also lead December 16th – 20th with the other First Grade class. It is a Trout tradition that First Grade perform the Night Before Christmas in our pajamas. This year the performance will be on Friday, December 20th at the Rise and Shine Assembly. I will send more information with the dates when time gets closer. You are always welcome to attend Rise and Shine Assembly. Please watch for dates in the weekly newsletter.

RSA: Reading Sufficiency Act-Students will be placed on an RSA if he/she scores below grade level on the STAR Reading Test. This test is given monthly. Students on a RSA will be given intervention to try to meet the skills he/she is lacking.

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Schedule: We do reading (guided reading) and Literacy Centers in the mornings. Math, Social Studies and Science is done in the afternoons. All specials are in the afternoon from 12:30-1:10. Our Specials Schedule is as follows: Monday-Physical Education (PE)Tuesday-Music and Library Wednesday-MusicThursday-ArtFriday-Physical Education (PE)Please ensure that your child wears tennis shoes on PE days. Students are not allowed to participate in PE if proper shoes are not worn. If proper shoes are not worn it impacts the chances of

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the class receiving the “Golden Whistle” Award given by Ms. Landes for class team work and participation.

Scholastic Books: Each month students will be able to order books from the Scholastic Book Club. Scholastic is a great way to help foster your child’s love for reading and to help their home libraries grow. Not only does it benefit your child, but it also helps our classroom accumulate bonus points. I use the bonus points to get free items and books for our classroom. Scholastic books are a great value, too. Most books are priced below retail. Of course, I’m not trying to pressure you (or your child) to spend, but if you purchase books anyway, Scholastic is a great resource. If you’d like to order:

Checks made payable to “Scholastic Books” is best if you do not order on the website.

Make sure the books you are ordering are clearly marked on the order form.

Double check your total before sending your order to me. Please send orders to me in an envelope or baggie labeled

with your child’s name and “Scholastic Book Order”.You may also order online at www.scholastic.com/readingclub using our class code: M2KPR. There is a link to this from our classroom website as well. Science: Science will be taught in units and kits. We will be doing the following kits this year: Balancing and Weighing, Weather, and Organisms. We will also be doing other experiments and lessons throughout the year. Sight Words: Sight Words List A needs to be mastered by Christmas Break. Sight Words List B needs to be mastered by Spring Break. I can send paper copies of these lists if requested. Kindergarten Sight Words, Lists A,B, and C can be found on the classroom website. Snacks: We will only do snacks on special occasions, such as birthdays. You should send enough for our class. Please call the office or message me for a current count of students in our class.

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We currently have 26 students in our class. Again, please alert me to any food allergies.

Social Studies: We will be using Studies Weekly handouts for Social Studies. We will also use various technology to add to our learning of People and Neighborhoods, Families, Needs and Wants, Places we Live, Our Country’s History, and Special Americans.

Spelling: Spelling is included in phonics instruction. We will work on learning to spell sight words, word families, and words first graders most often use in their writing. Spelling tests will eventually include a dictation test, but this will not begin until the second semester. Spelling words will be printed on the newsletter sent home on Mondays. All spelling tests will be given the last day of the week.

STAR: Renaissance STAR is a formative assessment we use. First grade students will begin testing on STAR Early Literacy, but will be transitioned to the STAR Reading Test. Students will also take the STAR Math Test. Students will take these tests monthly. More information on these assessments can be found at www.renaissance.com

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Take Home Folders: Your child’s Take Home Folder is very important and will travel with him/her to and from school every day. Be sure to empty the folder on a daily basis. Daily Assignment and Behavior Logs, Reading Logs, homework assignments, graded papers, weekly newsletter and miscellaneous notes such as Po-Hi mini clinics, sports sign ups, etc. will be in this folder.

Tardies: If you bring your child to school later than 8:00 A.M. you will need to walk with him/her to the office and sign in. It is very important that your child arrives on time so that he/she can get settled in and ready for the day.

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Technology: Students will be signed up to use online programs provided by the school. More information on these will be sent later in the year as we get it all set up.

Transportation Changes: If your child’s transportation for any given day changes, please try to alert me by sending a note in your child’s Take Home Folder AND by calling the school office before 1:00 P.M. If you send a note, please be sure it includes your child’s name, the date, and your signature. If no call was made to the office and/or your child fails to bring a note (or get it to the teacher) and is supposed to do something different from the normal schedule, your child will not be permitted to do something different from his/her norm. Before your child departs in the afternoon, I ask that they let an adult know they are leaving. Please remind them to make this effort. This is to ensure safety.

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Visitors: All guests, including familiar faces, must sign in and get a name tag in the school office. You need to have a driver’s license or ID to enter the school. Trout welcomes and encourages family involvement. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to have a safe environment for your child.

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Website: Ponca City Public School website is www.pcps.us. You can get to Trout School by clicking on the Schools tab across the top of the page. You will find a list of links on the top of the Trout homepage to various things such as school menu, handbook, etc. There is a link to Trout Classrooms also. You can then click on First Grade-Ms. Pratt to access our class information, curriculum maps, standards, sight word lists, flashcards, handbook and other web links.

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Wonderful Websites: Here are a few wonderful websites. There are many others. Watch for me to send home more in newsletters. www.starfall.com, www.pbskids.org, www.funbrain.com, www.abcya.com, www.coolmath.com, http://teacher.scholastic.com/clifford1/index.htmhttp://www.primarygames.com/reading.htmhttp://www.thekidzpage.com/learninggames/shelf.htmhttp://disneyjunior.com/http://www.getreadytoread.org/games/game2/index.html

Wish List: Throughout the year, I may request items that we need in our classroom. You just never know when I may need something that you’re about to throw away!

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You: Please remember that you are your child’s FIRST and most important teacher. No one can influence your child’s life in the way that you can!

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ZZZzzzzzzzz: Please make sure that your child gets plenty of rest each night. Setting and keeping a bedtime helps them to be alert and ready to learn each day! Below is a chart showing the recommended bedtime for your child’s age and wake up time.

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