Welcome to First Grade!

Reading

What is Daily 5?• Daily 5 is a way of structuring reading instruction

so that every student is engaged in meaningful literacy tasks that allow them the opportunity to practice what they have learned in class.

• Read to Self• Listen to Reading• Word Work• Work on Writing• Read to Someone

What is CAFÉ?C – Comprehension

(I understand what I read.)

A – Accuracy (I can read the words.)

F – Fluency (I can read accurately with expression.)

E – Expanded Vocabulary (I know, find, and use interesting words.)

Mini-lessons are focused around these 4 components. Students are taught reading strategies for each area.

Letterland

Letterland

Letterland is a phonics program with the emphasis on phonics patterns, such as diagraphs, blends, and long vowels.

Each week a list will be sent home consisting of the tricky words and words that will correlate with our phonics lesson that week.

Day 1: Read each word on Lists A, B, and C two times.

Day 2: Word Sort

Day 3: Write 5 sentences using at least one word from each list. Don’t forget the Tricky Words.

Day 4: Written practice test. Use 10 random words from Lists A, B, or C. Have an adult call out the “new sentences” and write down the dictated sentences.

Does this look familiar?

What is Guided Math?

• Guided Math is a framework for structuring math time so students develop deep conceptual understanding and mathematical proficiency.

How does Guided Math work?

Benefits of Math Workshop

• Students develop independence, stamina, and accountability.

• The framework adapts to district-adopted curriculums and state mandates.

• Teachers are able to meet differentiated needs, helping to ensure that all students meet standard.

Reading Homework

Reading Log

Comprehension Practice

Math Homework

We recommend that first graders practice math skills at home using Sumdog least twice per week. Your child will need his/her log in information.

Sum Dog Math: http://www.sumdog.com/

ABCYA! www.abcya.com

Letterland HomeworkMonday: Read each word on Lists A, B, and C two times.Tuesday: Word SortWednesday: Write 5 sentences using at least one word from each list. Don’t forget the tricky words.Thursday: Written practice test.Have an adult call out 10 random words from Lists A, B, or C. Have an adult call out the “new sentences” and write down the dictated sentences.Please sign your child’s Letterland Homework and return to school each Friday.

More info will come as we schedule our field trip dates. We will need plenty of chaperones!

Field Trips

Science Fun for Everyone There will be five in-school field trips that enhance our

science curriculum.

Each quarter we will be visited by a scientist that will go over all the objectives in a hands – on experience. These will include:

Measure TreasureAstro Adventures

Living LabSoil Rocks!

Funky Forces

Parents are welcome to come and learn with

their child.Off campus field trip - TBA

Field Trip Payments

· Information about field trip payments will be sent home when it becomes available.

Field Trip Volunteers· If you plan on volunteering in your

child’s classroom or being a chaperone on a field trip, you must register and be cleared as a Level 3 volunteer with Wake County Schools.

· You must reapply each school year. · You can register at any Wake County

school by October 31st. *Make sure you sign up for Durant Road Elementary.

School-wide bullying prevention program intended to help clarify for students, staff

and parents what defines bullying and how it differs from peer conflict.

Bully 1 2 3 • -Before labeling behavior as bullying, it must meet the three following

criteria:• REPEATED - Does the behavior happen over and over again?• INTENTIONAL - Is the behavior intentional, or on purpose?• INTIMIDATING - Is there an imbalance in power, or does the

behavior create feelings of helplessness, intimidation, or fear?

• -If all three criteria are met, the behavior is labeled bullying and will be handled accordingly by school administration.

• -If only one or two of the criteria are met, the behavior is most often labeled peer conflict and students are encouraged to practice conflict resolution skills and seek assistance from adults when needed

• -Four primary types of bullying (verbal, physical, social, and cyber) are reviewed and students are provided with strategies if they or someone else is bullied

• -Students are encouraged to create a positive climate for learning, tolerance and acceptance

Why Join the PTA?Mission: To improve the education and educational experience of every student at Durant Road Elementary school.

Join the Durant Road Elementary School PTA Now and Become a Sustainer

JOIN: Durant Road Elementary School (DRES) PTA is fueled by the power of local support through PTA membership. If you value the programs that the DRES PTA provides to our school community, please consider joining today. Your $10 tax deductible membership dues, help maintain all of the great local programs and events sponsored by the DRES PTA throughout the year. These programs enrich the educational experience and wellbeing of every DRES student.

MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES: With your annual membership dues, you’ll receive a DRES car sticker (pictured above) and a 1 year subscription to the Durant Dispatch. You’ll have access to important news and information about DRES PTA sponsored events and programs and opportunities available to DRES PTA Sustainers.

BECOME A SUSTAINER: Become a DRES PTA Sustainer by providing support throughout the year in the form of donated:

Time Items

PROGRAMS YOU’RE SUPPORTING THROUGH PTA MEMBERSHIP DUES: International Night, Art Fair, Carnival, Culture Arts Performances, DRES Fitness Club, Rocking Readers, Field Day, Kids Coaching (tutoring), Family Reading Night, Reflections (National PTA Art Contest), Curriculum Nights, Technology Purchases, Literacy Support, The Durant Dispatch, Backpack Buddies, Book Fair, Kindergarten Picnic, Teacher Mini-Grants, 5th Grade Celebration, 4th Grade School Supplies, Community Outreach, Yearbook, Grant Writing, Choirs Nights, and Fundraising Coordination (Boosterthon, Spirit Nights, Box Tops and Labels for Education Contests).

Member Information

Member #1: Name:

Email:

Member #2: Name:

Email:

Anyone can join, ask Grandma and Grandpa to support your school through PTA membership. Student Information

Student #1: Name:

Teacher: Track:

Student #2: Name:

Teacher: Track:

School Community

Skills, Talents and Resources

Strong PTA and Strong

School+ =

2015/2016 PrioritiesFundraising: Raise $55,000 to fund various projects•Technology purchases•Teacher Provisions & Mini-Grants•Literacy Support

Event Execution: Schedule and Complete all planned events•Field Day•Family Reading Night•International Night •Cultural Arts Assemblies

Parent Involvement •Improve participation at events •Enroll 350 members •Succession planning

Communication •Drive awareness and understanding of school events

Now What?• Visit the PTA table on your way out for handouts• Join the PTA• Support your student in getting pledges for the

Boosterthon Fun Run• Link your store cards to this school • Save Box Tops and Labels for Education (we will have

contests throughout the year)• Read communications that come home from the PTA• Ask a PTA representative how to get involved with our

organization – share your ideas• Consider volunteering at an event or on our Board

Boosterthon 2015 Video

Let’s Have a Great Year!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Email is best.