Dear Parents,
Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year! I hope that you are enjoying each moment of this summer vacation! I also hope that everyone is looking forward to the quickly (but not too quickly) approaching new school year! I rely heavily on email for communication and my website will play a vital role in how students complete their work this year as we continue to integrate technology into the class on a grander scale. Please email me at stephanie.toney@somers.k12.ct.us to confirm I have the correct address so that I may populate the class email group.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help ease the transition into a whole day of school:
Snacks: Each morning we will have a 10-15 minute snack in our room. The children should bring one easy to eat, healthy snack item, such as grapes, pretzels, carrots, crackers, etc. that don't make too much of a mess and can be eaten quickly. They should also pack a drink. Please make sure your son/daughter knows which is snack and which is lunch. You may put a label on a separate bag to help him/her. Please be aware of our school's allergy needs/ policies.
Lunch: We have found that eating in the cafeteria can be overwhelming for some first graders. We encourage you to send your child with a lunch for the first week or so of school until he/she feels comfortable with the process. Once you think your child is ready, please take time to check out the menu and discuss the choices with your child. The lunch menu can be found on our school website www.somers.k12.ct.us .
If your child is purchasing a lunch at school, please send the money in an envelope or bag with his or her name on it, as well as what they would like to order. The menu online is printable so you can refer to it when helping your child decide what they would like to order. The choices are hot lunch (changes daily, refer to menu), weekly special (changes weekly, refer to menu), grilled cheese, ham and cheese, soup, salad or chef salad. This will help speed up the ordering process in the morning and avoid any confusion at lunch time.
If your child would like to purchase milk, juice, water or a small snack to eat with the lunch they brought with them to school, please follow the same procedure and mark the envelope or bag so your child and teacher know what the money is for and it doesn't get misplaced.
Birthdays: Due to the large number of children in our school with food allergies and diabetes we are asking that you do not send in any food items. If you would like to send in a pencil, sticker or another small token you may do so. Presently our class has 19 students.
Supplies needed: Your child will need to bring a backpack and lunchbox to school each day. They will also need a 3 ring binder (1/2 inch) and headphones (preferably noise canceling). This year we will be using iPad minis as an instructional tool. If you would like to purchase a cover for your child's iPad mini, you are encouraged to do so, but it is not required. I will also address purchasing optional insurance during open house. All other materials (pencils, crayons, markers, etc) will be supplied. Please label ALL of your child's personal belongings!
Parents often ask if our class needs anything. These are a few items that are frequently used and would be appreciated:
- tissues
- ziploc baggies (gallon size)
- glue sticks
- plastic spoons and forks
- hand sanitizer
Homework: Starting
midway through September, we will begin having homework. In first
grade homework will take about 15 minutes to complete. The goal of
homework is to review and/ or supplement what we have been working on in
class. It may be practice of first grade reading (words and skills),
handwriting, math (facts, concepts, and vocabulary), and
occasionally science or social studies related small projects. First graders are expected to read every night.
Some of your child's homework will be completed online with programs
such as IXL (math practice) and Raz Kids (reading practice). More
information to follow.
I hope that this has answered most, if not all, of your questions. But if it hasn't, please refer to my website for more information or send me an email. This year will be an exciting adventure for all of us and I am here to help you and your child embrace and make the most of it!
Mrs. Stephanie Toney
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