Mrs. Peterson's Pirates
Classroom Guide
Purdy Elementary School
2015-2016
Absence If your child is ill, please call the office (253-530-4600) and inform us of your child’s absence and the reason for it. This is for your child’s safety. If a student must leave early for a doctor’s appointment, please go to the office to sign him out and the secretary will call him to the office.
Allergies We are a nut free classroom. Children are asked to have nut free food only in the classroom. Food containing nuts may be eaten in the lunchroom. If you send snacks to school for the classroom, keep this in mind.
Attendance A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parent, and the school. Your child's progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is key.
Arrival Students should arrive between 8:50 and 9:00 AM. Students should not arrive prior to 8:50 AM since supervision by the school staff is not available. School begins promptly at 9:00 AM and ½ day dismissal is 12:15 PM. Full day dismissal is 3:30.
Art Children will have many opportunities to experience different mediums of art throughout the year. We have a fantastic Art Teacher, Ms. Jay. She works with the children once a week.
Backpacks Please provide your child with a backpack for carrying notes, papers and projects. A change of clothes should be kept in the backpack. Also, students will be given a “Go Home” folder containing important school information each week.
Birthdays Birthdays are special occasions for young children. Please contact me in advance if you wish to send in a treat to acknowledge your child’s birthday. We serve the treat as snack for that day and sing “happy birthday”. BALLOONS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE BUS! PLEASE do not bring balloons and/or gifts to school. Please note that you are under no obligation to celebrate your child’s birthday at school in any manner. Please do not send birthday invitations to school unless the whole class is invited as this can cause hurt feelings.
Breakfast Breakfast is available for purchase from 8:50-9:00 am.
Buses Buses arrive and depart at the rear of the school. Expect some significant delays in the afternoon in the first few days of school, as it takes time to insure all children get on the right bus and depart at the correct stop. If your child will be riding a different bus on a given day, you must send a note to the office.
Common Core Standards Grounded in extensive research, the standards define what all students should learn in Math and English Language Arts/Literacy to ensure they graduate from high school well prepared for college and the workplace. The new standards feature an increase in rigor, with a focus on critical thinking skills and problem solving. For more information about the Common Core State Standards please visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/
Community Our classroom is a small community where teamwork and good relationships are expected. We will spend time learning class procedures and practicing them. Each student is expected to act within our standards of behavior. By establishing good manners and self-control, they will learn to respect themselves, their teachers, and their classmates.
Computers We are fortunate enough to have computers in our quad. We use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce math, readiness and reading skills.
Conferences Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for October. This is a goal-setting conference where we talk about grade-level academic and social standards and set individual goals for your child. Please feel free to schedule additional conferences at any time throughout the year if the need arises.
Discipline My goal is to teach your child how to be a contributing member of our classroom and school community. Many children come to school with limited social experiences. Our classroom is a community where expectations are clear and where your child has plenty of opportunities to successfully meet those expectations. I use visual and oral cues to remind children when they need to correct a behavior. We will build our classroom expectations together in the first few days of school.
E-mail e-mail is a very effective tool for communication as I don’t often have the block of time needed during the day to make phone calls. I will mostly send classroom communications through e-mail so please be sure that your e-mail address is up to date in the front office. I check e-mail several times throughout the day. My address at school is:
[email protected]
Field Trips We typically take one field trip each year. Siblings are not permitted on Field Trips. Chaperones must have Washington State Patrol clearance. Paperwork for this is available in the front office.
Go-Homes These are envelopes which come home once a week, usually on Thursdays. They contain communications from the school, district, classroom, PTA, as well as school work and homework assignments. Please read through the go-home, initial the front cover and return the empty envelope with your child the next day.
Handwriting Without Tears This is our handwriting program developed by occupational therapists. It allows are children to learn to form their letters in the most natural and stress free manner, taking into account fine motor abilities at this age.
Health Please let me know of any special circumstances which may affect your child’s physical or mental health. These could include medication that may make him sleepy, a previously restless night, etc. Also, please let the school nurse know of any allergies your child may have.
Illness The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the morning. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill. We have medically fragile students in school. Also, children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy. Generally, if your child is contagious or will not be able to function in the classroom without disruption (i.e. frequent runny nose, or loud frequent cough) you should keep your child home. Fever must be absent and normal (without the use of medication) for 24 hours before a child is considered not contagious and can return to school. If your child has a communicable disease such as chicken pox, strep throat, etc, please notify the office as soon as possible.
Independent reading Children learn to read by reading, and they need plenty of opportunities to read independently. Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. By giving the children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature-rich environment and a life-long love of reading
Emergency information Please be sure your information stays current in the front office in case we need to contact you. Be vigilant in updating your information any time it changes, thank you.
Label Please label all your child’s belongings sent to school. Particularly coats, sweaters, mittens, hats, etc. The “Lost and Found” ends up with hundreds of dollars in lost items each quarter.
Library The children go to the library one day a week. In the library, Mrs. Cook will entertain them with a story. The children will have a chance to select a book to borrow for a week. Please help your child learn to treat these books with respect.
Lunch We eat lunch at school each day from 11:30-11:50 in the commons. Students may choose from the lunches offered at school or may bring a nutritious lunch from home. All students have a lunch account which is used to purchase items from the lunch room. More information is available at www.PSD401.net under the Central Services Tab-Nutrition Services-Nutrition Services Overview
Math The first grade mathematics curriculum provides students with mathematical experiences that help them develop number sense and a positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue through their school career and their lives. Our curriculum aims for student understanding of math concepts. Skill, by itself, does not answer the question, How and when should I use each skill? Answering that question requires understanding. Skill and knowledge by themselves do not help students solve new and unfamiliar-looking problems. Problem solving requires applying learning to new and unfamiliar tasks. It is like literacy instruction: students need to know what to do when they get stuck or puzzled if they are going to be successful users of mathematics skills.
Music We enjoy music activities daily in our classroom. We also have a very experienced music teacher, Mrs. Paulson, who works with the children weekly.
Newsletter Our classroom newsletter will be e-mailed to the address on file with the office. This will keep you informed about what is happening in our class. The school newsletter is also sent electronically on a bi-monthly basis.
Outdoors We spend times outdoors daily unless the weather is very poor (extreme cold or pouring rain, etc.) . Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately.
Parent Involvement Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school! We are always happy to have your help for special activities in the classroom. Requests for help will be published in the newsletter. We hope that you can come and join in the fun!
Parent Pick-Up You may opt to provide your own transportation for your child to and from school. Parent drop off and pick up is located at the front of the school. Please drive slowly and use extreme caution when driving in this area as it can become congested. Be vigilant, be patient, and follow the directions of the staff located in the pick up area. Park only in designated areas.
P.E. Physical Education classes are offered to the children weekly by our energetic PE teacher, Mrs. Walloch. Please be sure your child wears athletic shoes on her PE days.
Phonics We will be doing a lot of word work in class to learn word patterns, sight words, and spelling. Jump on board and play word games at home.
PTA Parent Teacher Association which supports many valuable educational and fun activities including book fairs, movie nights, chess club, student store, scholarships, and field day to name just a few.
Recess Playtime is important for social skills and provides a break for the children from the formalities of the classroom. The children will play outdoors each day. Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day. If your child is too sick to play outside, he is too sick to come to school. There is no supervision available for children to stay indoors at recess.
Report cards Report cards are issued every nine weeks. These reports reflect the progress your child has made toward the First Grade Common Core State Standards.
Restrooms Restrooms are located in the nearby hall. Children will be permitted to use the restroom as needed throughout the day.
Room parents The room parents' job is to be available for any number of things: to help coordinate parties and activities; to seek volunteers for field trips and events; and to help with fundraisers and PTA events. Being a room parent is a great way to be involved in your child’s school life. Let me know if you are interested in this position.
Snack Snack time is provided daily after 2nd recess. It is a short 10 minute break. Children may bring snack from home or I will offer them a snack from our classroom snack cupboard when available. Our snack cupboard is stocked from wonderful parents like you. I will send e-mails throughout the year asking for snacks. Nut Free please!!!
Toys Bringing toys to school is discouraged because they distract the children from learning. If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt.
Transportation Any time your child’s transportation arrangements change from the daily routine, you must send a signed note informing us of the changes or phone the front office. We need to be notified of changes prior to 3:00 PM. Getting your child home safely and with the appropriate person is of the utmost importance.
Visitors Purdy has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are required to check in at the school office. Purdy welcomes and encourages family involvement. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.
Volunteers Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged. There are many ways you can contribute. All volunteers must be fingerprinted and cleared through the Washington State Patrol. Please stop by the office to complete this important safety measure.
Writers’ Workshop Our writing curriculum will help students learn to write fiction and non-fiction genres. Students will learn the writing process and will use pictures and words to express their thoughts.
ZZZZs Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day!
Classroom Guide
Purdy Elementary School
2015-2016
Absence If your child is ill, please call the office (253-530-4600) and inform us of your child’s absence and the reason for it. This is for your child’s safety. If a student must leave early for a doctor’s appointment, please go to the office to sign him out and the secretary will call him to the office.
Allergies We are a nut free classroom. Children are asked to have nut free food only in the classroom. Food containing nuts may be eaten in the lunchroom. If you send snacks to school for the classroom, keep this in mind.
Attendance A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parent, and the school. Your child's progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is key.
Arrival Students should arrive between 8:50 and 9:00 AM. Students should not arrive prior to 8:50 AM since supervision by the school staff is not available. School begins promptly at 9:00 AM and ½ day dismissal is 12:15 PM. Full day dismissal is 3:30.
Art Children will have many opportunities to experience different mediums of art throughout the year. We have a fantastic Art Teacher, Ms. Jay. She works with the children once a week.
Backpacks Please provide your child with a backpack for carrying notes, papers and projects. A change of clothes should be kept in the backpack. Also, students will be given a “Go Home” folder containing important school information each week.
Birthdays Birthdays are special occasions for young children. Please contact me in advance if you wish to send in a treat to acknowledge your child’s birthday. We serve the treat as snack for that day and sing “happy birthday”. BALLOONS ARE PROHIBITED IN THE CLASSROOM AND ON THE BUS! PLEASE do not bring balloons and/or gifts to school. Please note that you are under no obligation to celebrate your child’s birthday at school in any manner. Please do not send birthday invitations to school unless the whole class is invited as this can cause hurt feelings.
Breakfast Breakfast is available for purchase from 8:50-9:00 am.
Buses Buses arrive and depart at the rear of the school. Expect some significant delays in the afternoon in the first few days of school, as it takes time to insure all children get on the right bus and depart at the correct stop. If your child will be riding a different bus on a given day, you must send a note to the office.
Common Core Standards Grounded in extensive research, the standards define what all students should learn in Math and English Language Arts/Literacy to ensure they graduate from high school well prepared for college and the workplace. The new standards feature an increase in rigor, with a focus on critical thinking skills and problem solving. For more information about the Common Core State Standards please visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/Corestandards/
Community Our classroom is a small community where teamwork and good relationships are expected. We will spend time learning class procedures and practicing them. Each student is expected to act within our standards of behavior. By establishing good manners and self-control, they will learn to respect themselves, their teachers, and their classmates.
Computers We are fortunate enough to have computers in our quad. We use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce math, readiness and reading skills.
Conferences Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for October. This is a goal-setting conference where we talk about grade-level academic and social standards and set individual goals for your child. Please feel free to schedule additional conferences at any time throughout the year if the need arises.
Discipline My goal is to teach your child how to be a contributing member of our classroom and school community. Many children come to school with limited social experiences. Our classroom is a community where expectations are clear and where your child has plenty of opportunities to successfully meet those expectations. I use visual and oral cues to remind children when they need to correct a behavior. We will build our classroom expectations together in the first few days of school.
E-mail e-mail is a very effective tool for communication as I don’t often have the block of time needed during the day to make phone calls. I will mostly send classroom communications through e-mail so please be sure that your e-mail address is up to date in the front office. I check e-mail several times throughout the day. My address at school is:
[email protected]
Field Trips We typically take one field trip each year. Siblings are not permitted on Field Trips. Chaperones must have Washington State Patrol clearance. Paperwork for this is available in the front office.
Go-Homes These are envelopes which come home once a week, usually on Thursdays. They contain communications from the school, district, classroom, PTA, as well as school work and homework assignments. Please read through the go-home, initial the front cover and return the empty envelope with your child the next day.
Handwriting Without Tears This is our handwriting program developed by occupational therapists. It allows are children to learn to form their letters in the most natural and stress free manner, taking into account fine motor abilities at this age.
Health Please let me know of any special circumstances which may affect your child’s physical or mental health. These could include medication that may make him sleepy, a previously restless night, etc. Also, please let the school nurse know of any allergies your child may have.
Illness The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the morning. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill. We have medically fragile students in school. Also, children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy. Generally, if your child is contagious or will not be able to function in the classroom without disruption (i.e. frequent runny nose, or loud frequent cough) you should keep your child home. Fever must be absent and normal (without the use of medication) for 24 hours before a child is considered not contagious and can return to school. If your child has a communicable disease such as chicken pox, strep throat, etc, please notify the office as soon as possible.
Independent reading Children learn to read by reading, and they need plenty of opportunities to read independently. Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. By giving the children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature-rich environment and a life-long love of reading
Emergency information Please be sure your information stays current in the front office in case we need to contact you. Be vigilant in updating your information any time it changes, thank you.
Label Please label all your child’s belongings sent to school. Particularly coats, sweaters, mittens, hats, etc. The “Lost and Found” ends up with hundreds of dollars in lost items each quarter.
Library The children go to the library one day a week. In the library, Mrs. Cook will entertain them with a story. The children will have a chance to select a book to borrow for a week. Please help your child learn to treat these books with respect.
Lunch We eat lunch at school each day from 11:30-11:50 in the commons. Students may choose from the lunches offered at school or may bring a nutritious lunch from home. All students have a lunch account which is used to purchase items from the lunch room. More information is available at www.PSD401.net under the Central Services Tab-Nutrition Services-Nutrition Services Overview
Math The first grade mathematics curriculum provides students with mathematical experiences that help them develop number sense and a positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue through their school career and their lives. Our curriculum aims for student understanding of math concepts. Skill, by itself, does not answer the question, How and when should I use each skill? Answering that question requires understanding. Skill and knowledge by themselves do not help students solve new and unfamiliar-looking problems. Problem solving requires applying learning to new and unfamiliar tasks. It is like literacy instruction: students need to know what to do when they get stuck or puzzled if they are going to be successful users of mathematics skills.
Music We enjoy music activities daily in our classroom. We also have a very experienced music teacher, Mrs. Paulson, who works with the children weekly.
Newsletter Our classroom newsletter will be e-mailed to the address on file with the office. This will keep you informed about what is happening in our class. The school newsletter is also sent electronically on a bi-monthly basis.
Outdoors We spend times outdoors daily unless the weather is very poor (extreme cold or pouring rain, etc.) . Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately.
Parent Involvement Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school! We are always happy to have your help for special activities in the classroom. Requests for help will be published in the newsletter. We hope that you can come and join in the fun!
Parent Pick-Up You may opt to provide your own transportation for your child to and from school. Parent drop off and pick up is located at the front of the school. Please drive slowly and use extreme caution when driving in this area as it can become congested. Be vigilant, be patient, and follow the directions of the staff located in the pick up area. Park only in designated areas.
P.E. Physical Education classes are offered to the children weekly by our energetic PE teacher, Mrs. Walloch. Please be sure your child wears athletic shoes on her PE days.
Phonics We will be doing a lot of word work in class to learn word patterns, sight words, and spelling. Jump on board and play word games at home.
PTA Parent Teacher Association which supports many valuable educational and fun activities including book fairs, movie nights, chess club, student store, scholarships, and field day to name just a few.
Recess Playtime is important for social skills and provides a break for the children from the formalities of the classroom. The children will play outdoors each day. Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day. If your child is too sick to play outside, he is too sick to come to school. There is no supervision available for children to stay indoors at recess.
Report cards Report cards are issued every nine weeks. These reports reflect the progress your child has made toward the First Grade Common Core State Standards.
Restrooms Restrooms are located in the nearby hall. Children will be permitted to use the restroom as needed throughout the day.
Room parents The room parents' job is to be available for any number of things: to help coordinate parties and activities; to seek volunteers for field trips and events; and to help with fundraisers and PTA events. Being a room parent is a great way to be involved in your child’s school life. Let me know if you are interested in this position.
Snack Snack time is provided daily after 2nd recess. It is a short 10 minute break. Children may bring snack from home or I will offer them a snack from our classroom snack cupboard when available. Our snack cupboard is stocked from wonderful parents like you. I will send e-mails throughout the year asking for snacks. Nut Free please!!!
Toys Bringing toys to school is discouraged because they distract the children from learning. If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt.
Transportation Any time your child’s transportation arrangements change from the daily routine, you must send a signed note informing us of the changes or phone the front office. We need to be notified of changes prior to 3:00 PM. Getting your child home safely and with the appropriate person is of the utmost importance.
Visitors Purdy has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are required to check in at the school office. Purdy welcomes and encourages family involvement. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.
Volunteers Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged. There are many ways you can contribute. All volunteers must be fingerprinted and cleared through the Washington State Patrol. Please stop by the office to complete this important safety measure.
Writers’ Workshop Our writing curriculum will help students learn to write fiction and non-fiction genres. Students will learn the writing process and will use pictures and words to express their thoughts.
ZZZZs Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day!