First Day Reminders

Thank you for coming to our Open House last week! Before our exciting first day, here are some important reminders…

Student Information Forms – Please send the student information forms (received at Open House) back to school on Monday. Double check to make sure that your contact information is correct for our files.

Me Bags – At Open House, your child also received a Me Bag. We will enjoy sharing these bags during the first week as we get to know one another. Please make sure that your child’s name is on his/her bag before sending it to school on Monday.

Water Bottle and Snacks – Your child should bring two healthy nut-free snacks and a filled water bottle (no juice please) to stay fueled every day. Water bottles should be labeled with your child’s first and last name. Morning and afternoon snacks are essential for maintaining energy and attention. Please do not send candy or sugary snacks. High sugar foods cause an energy crash that makes learning difficult. If your child ever forgets a snack, we have a great supply of graham crackers (thanks to your donations!). For more information on snack ideas, you can check this Nut Free Snack List.

Morning Arrival – Students should go right to the 2/3 playground when they arrive at school. They will have a few minutes to play before the bell rings. Please remember that students dropped off need to walk around the school to the playground. They should look for the sign that says Mrs. Bast by the 2/3. This is where we will line up every day.

**Finally, with the start of a new school year many students experience some anxiety. This is very normal! The excellent blog post below lists practical strategies to help children through stressful moments. Above all, reassure your child that second grade will be the best year ever! Looking forward to seeing those wonderful second graders on Monday. 🙂

13 Powerful Phrases Proven to Help an Anxious Child Calm Down   

 

First Day Reminders

Before our exciting first day, here are three important reminders…

Blue Folders – Please send the blue homework folder (received at Open House) back to school on Tuesday. You can place all of your child’s important papers inside and I will make sure that they are delivered to the correct locations. This folder will be used to transport important notes and homework every day. Please help your child empty this folder each night and look through the papers together. You can use the blue folder to send lunch money or notes about transportation changes. **If your child has an appointment at any time during the year and will be arriving late or leaving early, please email me beforehand or send a note to school. 

Lunch Choice – Please discuss your child’s lunch choice together each morning before he/she comes to school. Your child can choose either the Blue or White lunch (Sept. Lunch Menu) or he/she can bring a lunch from home. Milk can also be purchased to go with a packed lunch. Choosing lunch is always our first task of the morning and your support at home helps your child to be quick and confident when making this choice at school.

Water Bottle and Snacks – Please make sure to send two healthy nut free snacks and a filled water bottle (no juice please) to keep your first grader fueled every day. Morning and afternoon snacks are essential for maintaining energy and attention. Please do not send candy or sugary snacks. High sugar foods cause an energy crash that makes learning difficult. If your child ever forgets a snack, we have a great supply of graham crackers! For more information on snack ideas, you can click the Healthy Snack link found on our First Grade Information page.

Thank you! Looking forward to seeing those wonderful first graders on Tuesday. 🙂

Homework

Your child is bringing home the first homework assignment of first grade! Look in your child’s blue folder for a parent letter to sign confirming your commitment to help with math homework and also for a math review page for your child to do. Find a homework time that works best for your family. This could be before or after dinner or even in the morning before school. The homework should only take 5-10 minutes. However, I know how busy families can be and if there is ever one of those nights this year, just write me a quick note or email.

Please look for the blue homework folder every day. This folder is used to transport important notes, completed assignments, lunch money, and homework from school to home and back again. When your child comes home from school, remind him/her to take the blue folder out of his/her backpack so that you can examine it together. There are two inside pockets; one for items that stay at home and one for items that need to be returned to school. Feel free to send me notes or lunch money (in a labeled envelope) on the Return to School side. I will check the papers inside the homework folder each day. After you look through the folder, please sign the parent signature box found on the Daily News.

Encourage your child to be responsible for his/her blue folder. This is an important step in building independence! For more information about first grade homework, you can read this post found on our First Grade Information page.  Homework in First Grade