September

Dear Parents,

  Welcome to the World of First Grade!

  I’d like to congratulate you and your child for surviving the first few weeks of first grade.  Believe me, I know what kind of accomplishment it is!  Some may have experienced what I call the beginning of  “ First Grade Blues Syndrome.”  This is when your child wakes up with a stomachache or headache, says that he/she is very tired, and as he eats his bowl of cereal, crocodile tears swell up in his eyes.  Well, those are some general characteristics of “First Grade Blues.”  I’m sure your child’s transition into first grade will be as painless as possible.  I do have some recommendations:

1. Be sure your child gets enough sleep (8:30 is a recommended bedtime for first graders).
2. Eat a well balanced breakfast.
3. Most importantly- give your child a big hug before he/she leaves the house.

Already I have seen some progress in your child’s daily work.  They all seem to becoming better adjusted to the work and the responsibility of being a first grader.  I assure you that these feelings of insecurity will soon be gone and your child will feel like Colene Hoose School is his/her second home.  If you are concerned at all about how your child is adjusting to first grade, feel free to email me or send a note.  I hope to answer any questions about the routine of first grade and anything about the curriculum you child will be learning this year at Curriculum Night,  _________

Or school provides many programs.  As a result, our children often carry money to school.  Please write the child’s name, what the money is for and the room code (1S) on the outside of the envelope.  Many times children put money on my table unmarked and then can’t tell me if it belongs to them!

Also, I need to know whether your child is eating a hot lunch on the following school day.  We need this estimated count so the cooks can prepare the correct amount of food.

Conferences will be in October.  You may have signed up at Open House, or I assigned you a time later.  These conferences will be different than what you may be used to.  The conference will be ‘student-led.’  Your child will be showing his/her work and telling you how he/she feels about school and learning. 

Our class does a lot of language experience activities.  Please encourage your child to participate in Show and Tell.  This use of language will help your child with reading.

I am confident that this year will be filled with growth, achievement, and excitement for your child.  I look forward to seeing you again at Curriculum Night.  I value a close relationship with my students and their parents.  Please feel free to contact me throughout the school year (schumajm@unit5.org or 862-3440) with any concerns.  I hope we will work closely together to make your child’s first grade experience a very positive and happy one.