Friday, September 2, 2011

FIRST GRADE MCMONTHLY NEWS

Congratulations to the first graders!

We had a great first two days of school!

THEME

We will be incorporating all major subjects into our main units of study revolving around apples and manners. We are also getting to know one another in our class "team" and are starting to become experts at all the routines. Please encourage your child to accept their new first grade responsibilities. The "Golden Rules" attached to the hard copy of the monthly news will help them keep up the good work!


LANGUAGE ARTS

We are excited to have a balanced literacy program in the classroom which targets a wide variety of learners through guided, shared, and independent reading, and our Words Their Way phonics program. We will also begin to develop writing skills revolving around the "Writing Workshop" model and our class themes.

MATH

Our Growing With Mathematics program begins by reviewing grouping, patterns, and numbers through 12. We will be using literature and manipulatives to reinforce problem solving.

REMINDERS

Mon., Sept. 5: No School, Labor Day
Fri., Sept. 9: Scholastic Orders Due
(orders to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Mon., Sept. 12: Favorite Book Due
(note to be sent home on Tues. 9/6)
Tues., Sept. 13: 1st Grade Parent Coffee, 9:30-10:15
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Thurs., Sept. 15: School Photos
Sun., Sept. 18: Family Picnic, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Thurs., Sept. 22: Open House, 7:00-7:25, Parents Only
(*Bring datebooks/planners)
Fri., Sept. 23: Get Acquainted Page Due
Thurs., Sept. 29: No School, Rosh Hashanah

BIRTHDAYS

Sat., Sept. 17:   Remy Sufrin
Tues., Sept. 27:  Isaac McMullin
Fri., Sept. 30:  James Caliendo

(I will send home a birthday note a few weeks before your child's special day so you can join in the birthday celebration.)

SPECIAL NOTES

Thank you all for sending in supplies and paperwork!

All Ox Ridge students have been asked to have a bus-time book or magazine available to help maintain peace (and promote reading!) in our hallways. Please have your child bring a small book for that time.

Ox Ridge Snack: The children have the opportunity to order an afternoon snack from our cafeteria. I have encouraged the children to talk to their families about how often, and if, they can buy this extra snack. The snack money will be deducted from the students' lunch accounts.

If you still have your child's summer reading journal, please send it in to class this coming week, so we can send along the good reading news to the Library!
Please note that when you receive the Photo Day sign-up form, you may choose your background color. Please send your response back to the classroom before 9/15.

Sharing will occur when a child is Superstar of the Week (details to come). If they have something they wish to share and simply can't wait for their Superstar week, they can bring it in on Mondays. If time permits, we will have a brief sharing time that afternoon.

Please feel free to call me at school with any questions or concerns (203-655-2579, ext. 1142). You can also email me at cmcgettigan@darienps.org.  I will respond as quickly as possible, but sometimes, due to our class schedule, duties, or meetings, I might not be able to respond until the end of the day.
I hope to see you all at the Open House evening when I will explain in more detail about our schedule, curriculum, homework, and class routines. Please bring your calendars, as I will have our Conference sign-up sheet available that evening.


Thank you so much! I look forward to working with your children in first grade!

Cathy McGettigan













Thursday, September 1, 2011

WELCOME!

Welcome to Mrs. McGettigan's First Grade!


The first day of school was Thursday, September 1, 2011.

I hope you had a fantastic summer!

Our first grade year is filled with lots of exciting activities!
Please check our first day letter which includes information about our classroom routines and paperwork.

Be on the lookout Friday or next week for our September newsletter to learn about many upcoming events.
 
Here's hoping that all families are almost back to normal after Hurricane Irene breezed through.

Last Year's Info Below