Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year and room 502, my name is Amy Jensen and I will be your child’s classroom teacher this year as well as the first grade team leader. This is my 8th year teaching first grade and my fifteenth year teaching. I know this will be a positive year for all of us as we build on past successes and learn new things. With a home and school partnership, your child’s academic and social skills will become even stronger. This year we will embark on a journey to become fluent readers, awesome writers, and stellar mathematicians. We will learn about our world, magnets, soil, animals, and living a healthy lifestyle. Together we will have many exciting learning adventures!
COMMUNICATION:
Your child will be bringing important papers home every Thursday in their homework folders. We will not have the traditional “Thursday Folder” in first grade this year. Additional notes may occur when we have special activities approaching.
You are welcome to email me if you have questions or concerns, my email address is: ajensen@lps.org. I check email before school and again after school. If it is something that needs immediate attention, please send a note with your child or call me at school 402-436-1170.
We also have a class website that will have the weekly spelling list and other information posted. You may visit that page at http://wp.lps.org/ajensen/
ARRIVAL:
Students should come through the front doors, (door 1). Students will be supervised in the East gym each morning. They are to arrive after 8:00 and the first bell rings at 8:10. I will escort students from the gym to our classroom at 8:10 and begin class at 8:15.
*Students coming for breakfast should be here no earlier than 7:45.
DISMISSAL:
Students who do not attend Willard, ride the bus or a daycare van will exit the building with me everyday out of door 2. To ensure your child’s safety, children will remain with me by the fence in front of the first grade area until they are collected.
SCHEDULES:
We are on a 5 day rotation schedule for specials. Please check that your child is wearing appropriate shoes on PE and Wellness days.
Our classroom’s rotation is as follows:
Day A: PE (Starting Aug. 15)
Day B: Art
Day C: Wellness
Day D: Computer
Day E: Music
The first two school days this year and every PLC day will be a day zero and all specialists will combine groups for a whole first grade activity.
HOMEWORK:
All first graders will be bringing home DAILY math homework. It is the expectation that children return their homework the following school day. Please support your child’s education by looking over their work and by asking them to explain what they are learning. This discussion helps children gain a deeper understanding of concepts. Spelling will begin in September this year. A weekly list will come home with the testing day circled.
STAR OF THE WEEK:
Your child will have the opportunity to be the “Star of the Week” this year. More information about your child’s special week will come home at a later date.
BIRTHDAYS:
Due to LPS policy changes, edible treats are no longer allowed. Please consider coming to eat lunch with your child on their special day. Sending other non-food items such as pencils or stickers would be an alternate way to celebrate.
BOOK ORDERS:
Book orders will be sent home periodically, usually every other month. These books are a less expensive way to provide books for personal reading at home.
TISSUES:
Our classroom is always in need of tissues. If you could help, please send a box to school with your child. Your donation is greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please contact me at 402-436-1170 or ajensen@lps.org.
Once again, welcome to first grade, I can’t wait to work with you and your student!