Welcome to First Grade!

Sue Johnson's Class: 1SJ Voice-Mail: (763) 506-1764

Email: susan.johnson@anoka.k12.mn.us

Andover Elementary Office: (763) 506-1700

Welcome to first grade! First grade is such a fun year with many new learning experiences and activities. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your very special first grader. It is my belief children learn best in a positive, accepting environment with a consistent set of rules and expectations. My classroom is set up so that each child may feel comfortable and safe while at school. I value you as parents and hope that we can work together to make this year a positive experience for your child. Please contact me with any concerns or questions you or your child may have throughout the year. Below is some information to help you get to know our classroom routines.

Rules and Expectations: Each year my class develops their own set of rules and expectations for our classroom. We create rules so that everyone will feel safe, comfortable and respected while at school. All the children are expected to follow the rules and treat others with respect. I know children make mistakes just like adults, and when a rule is broken I use that time as an opportunity for learning.

Conflicts: If a child has a conflict with another child, I ask them to go to our classroom “bridge” (an area where we solve problems in our room) and tell each other what happened, how they feel and what they want the other person to do or stop doing. If they can’t solve the problem, then they can come and ask me for help.

Green Dragon Awards: Green Dragon Awards are school promoted awards used to encourage good behavior. During the week, I use Green Dragon awards as a way to reward a behavior that contributes in creating a positive learning environment. Please sign and return all Green Dragon awards. They are entered into a weekly drawing for prizes.

Stop and Think Slips: If a child breaks a rule at school, he/she will be given a verbal reminder of the rule. If the behavior continues, he/she will bring home a “Stop and Think” slip and will miss out on 5 minutes of “Free choice” time at the end of the day. If a “Stop and Think” slip comes home, please take some time to discuss with your child his/her behavior, sign the slip and return it to school the next school day. Thank you for all your help in this area, parent input and involvement is so important in making our classroom successful!

Blue Slips: Blue slips are used in our school if a child is not respectful of others or is not walking safely in and around the school. If two blue slips are received in the same month, the child must stay after school for detention.

Peek of the Week: At the end of each week, I will send home a “Peek of the Week” showing the schedule and reminders for the up coming week. This will also be posted on my website.

Book Orders: Throughout the year I will send home a Scholastic Book order if you are interested in ordering a book for reading enjoyment. Please return the order by the requested due date, they will be ordered online the next school day. I will also send home information on how to order books online.  This can be an easy and quick way for parents to order books!

Birthdays: Please feel free to celebrate in the way you feel is appropriate for your child. If you choose to send Birthday treats, remember they must be store bought.

Take-Home Envelopes and Homework Folders: Each Wednesday your child will bring home a Take-Home Envelope with important school information inside.  Please empty the folder, sign and return it to school the next school day.  Homework folders will be used when homework is sent home for your child to complete.

Homework: First graders should do some reading as homework every night. Reading time at home should be a fun and positive experience for you and your child. Every Friday I will send home Book Bags containing a reading book and information about a reading strategy your child is working on. There will also be Math homework sent home during the week to reinforce math skills we are working on in the classroom.

Reading to the class: Your child may read to the class at anytime. Sign and return a note along with the well-practiced book. Reading aloud is a part of our first grade learning and will be encouraged in our classroom.

Library Books: Please help your child to remember to return his/her library book by the next Media Day. If your child’s book is not returned he/she will not be able to check out a new book.  Our Media Day is on Day 4 this year.

Lunch: Our lunchtime is 10:50 - 11:18 each day. You are welcome to join your child for lunch any day. Please help your child work on memorizing his/her lunch number. Send all lunch money in an envelope labeled with your child’s name and lunch number.

Recess: We have recess from 12:50 - 1:15 each day. All first graders will go outside every day unless it is raining or too cold. (Our school office watches the temperature and lets us know if it is too cold to go outside.) Once winter season begins, your child must have boots, a hat, mittens, and snow pants when there is snow on the ground. Please remember to label ALL clothing and winter gear!

Arriving Late: If your child is late, please stop in the office before sending him/her to class.

Pick-Up: Please let me know with a note or phone call if you will be picking up your child from school. Please do not leave me a voice mail, as I might not receive it before school is out. You can call the office and have them put you through to our classroom directly.

Snack: Please send a snack with your child each day. Our snack time will be in the afternoon right after recess.  Thank you!!

Conferences: We will have two formal conferences during the year. We will use the fall conference schedule for the spring conferences. Reminders will be send home with your child.

Supplies: Please check with your child occasionally to see if he/she needs anything. I will also check and send a note home or include it in the peek if there are any needed supplies.

Volunteers: If you are interested in volunteering during the day, please let me know. I usually start coordinating a volunteer schedule mid-September. We will also need volunteers for classroom parties, fieldtrips and other special events. More information will be sent home regarding those volunteer opportunities. Thank you!!

Messages: Please do not leave important voice-mail or email messages during the school day. I often times do not have time to check my messages until the end of the school day. If you need to get an urgent message to me, please call our school office. I will respond to all other messages at the end of the school day. Thank you!!