Welcome To Back to School

Night! The Whale Class

First Grade Ms. JonesMs. Sofia

Welcome! Thank you so much for coming tonight!

A strong teacher-student-parent connection is key to your child’s

success. There will be time at the end for any questions. If you have a

question about your specific child please email me and we

can schedule a time to meet. Thanks!

All About Me!

I am from the state of Maine and have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Farmington. Upon graduating, I started my career in international education, teaching both the American and PYP curriculum in international schools in South Korea and in Turkey. In addition, I have a lot of experience teaching children in different learning areas, having even taught skiing and environmental education in outdoor summer camps.  I also enjoy participating in school extra curricular programs, having previously coached cross-country, track, swimming, and assisting student violinists in orchestras.

In my classroom it's all about love, support and respect. I encourages thinking and inquiring skills that will promote learning both in and out of the classroom. I am also an enthusiastic lifelong learner and I want to inspire my students to love learning too!

I love traveling the world, playing the violin, reading, practicing yoga, hiking and snowboarding.

What does learning look like in first grade?

First grade is a very foundational level for all students. It is a place for students to master the basics and begin to grow as independent

thinkers.

In first grade we have a lot of small group learning where we reach the child where they are at. We follow key learning expectations to guide our students and challenge students to

inquire further.

Program Of InquiryOur First Grade Units of Inquiry: - Communities- 5 Senses- Weather- Animals and their Habitats- Cultures- Imagine That! - PYP info night Sept. 16

Language and MathWe use many different resources to guide our

inquiry into language and math. Both language and math are incorporated into our unit of inquiry

as well as times when it is stand alone.

Language: Daily 5, Sight Word Materials, Phonics programs, Raz-Kids, Words their Way, and Writer’s Workshop

Math: Bridges and Mathletics.

We also use our Ipads and the Smartboard to enhance our learning.

Other subjects in first grade. Throughout the week the students receive these additional subjects: -Spanish-Music-Music Instruments-Art-Drama-Technology (In-class)-Library-PE

BirthdaysYou are more than welcome to bring in birthday treats to celebrate your child’s birthday here at school. A few important reminders: *No Nuts at all*Cupcakes or cookies are preferred. *You must contact me at least two days prior to find a time that fits in our schedule. *It will need to be after lunch. *No goody bags please. ☺ *Invitations need to be for all students in the class Otherwise you will need to contact the students privately.

Classroom Behavior System-NO Bullying Zone-Kelso’s Choice

-Learner Profiles-House Points

-Classroom Agreements-Whole class/team Dojo

IPadThe students will need to be responsible to

bring a charged Ipad to school each day ready to use for learning.

Ipads are used to learn and discover. They are able to research, explore, experiment,

problem solve, work independently as well as in group while using their Ipad.

New Apps will be added when needed.

HomeworkThe first grade policy on homework is around 30 minutes per night. Their homework will be: -Read for at least 20 minutes each night. They can use Raz-Kids or any book they have. They will be able to take books home on Thursdays from the library. -App Exploration-Mathletics (On the Ipad) -Sight Word Practice-Notebook/Journal Writing

Important Information-Please send a hat and water bottle everyday!

-They also need to bring their Ipad and zip folder with their materials and library books.

-PE uniform to be worn on Tuesday and Wednesday-If there are any changes in transportation you must

email transportation as well as myself with the information prior to !

Please do not hesitate to email me with any questions or concerns. I will get back to you as soon as possible.

ejones@themetropolitanschool.com