Dear First Grade Families,
I hope everyone is well. Here is all the information that you and your child will need for this week, 9/18-9/22. I want to keep you informed about the exciting things happening in our first-grade class. Please take a moment to read through this week’s updates to avoid questions that are clearly stated on all emails/ reminders. I would greatly appreciate it!
Catechetical Sunday, Sept 17
Please join us on Catechetical Sunday mass at 11am. All families welcome! Students must wear their complete formal mass uniform to get a free dress pass from their teacher.
Communicating with Ms. Martinez
As we kick off this school year, I want to emphasize the importance of open and honest communication between us, parents and teachers. Your input and feedback are invaluable in ensuring your child’s success and creating a positive learning environment.
If you ever find that your child is struggling to meet homework deadlines or facing any personal concerns that may affect their academic performance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I understand that life can be unpredictable, and I am here to support your child’s educational journey. Together, we can find solutions to address any challenges they may face.
I want to express my gratitude to the parents who have already reached out to me regarding their concerns, questions about my emails, or when personal emergencies affected their ability to meet deadlines. Your proactive approach to communication is greatly appreciated.
Additionally, I encourage you to share any comments or feedback you may have about me. Constructive feedback helps me continuously improve my teaching methods and ensures that I provide the best educational experience for your child.
It is always beneficial to start with positive presumptions towards each other. Building a foundation of trust and collaboration will lead to a healthier parent-teacher relationship, benefiting your child’s overall development.
Homework
If you missed my email last week regarding our homework procedures and sample homework, you can check out my school blog and click on the links related to the homework. http://www.stanthonygardena.org/first-grade/
Please make sure to follow the daily assignment on our weekly homework list that will be sent on Monday. Kindly sign the homework list and your child’s behavior chart daily
- Math- Please see weekly homework list (Please don’t do advanced pages)
- Word Study- 3 Word Study decodable on Seesaw (listen, read, record & highlight words with short a, i, o, e
- 4 Sight words notebook activities- Week 4 (Students must use their September menu, and choose DIFFERENT activities every day)
Week 4
- at
- be
- this
- have
- from
- or
TESTS
Students will be tested weekly on Word Study/Phonics & Fluency/Sight Words every Friday. Parents can help their child by reviewing the topics we learned for that week.
- Word Study- Words with short / a, i, o, e / words
- Sight Words- Week 4
- Vocabulary- Lesson 4 (words and definition will be sent home)
- Comprehension- Lucia’s Neighborhood (copy of story will be sent home)
Picture Day- Thursday, Sept 21st
On Thursday, we will have our picture day. Students MUST come to school wearing complete FORMAL MASS UNIFORMS, CAMERA READY. Make sure their uniforms are complete and that hair is combed as you want it to be photographed.
Glassware Containers
Recently, we have noticed an increase in the use of glassware for packing snacks and meals. While glass containers can be convenient and eco-friendly, they can also pose a significant risk of breakage and accidents, especially in a school environment.
To ensure the safety of all our students, I kindly request that you avoid packing snacks and lunch in glass containers. Instead, please use plastic, metal, or other non-breakable materials for your child’s meals. This simple change can help prevent accidents and potential injuries, as well as reduce the risk of shattered glass in common areas.
Hands, Feet Object (HFO)
In our efforts to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, I kindly ask that you remind your child about the following guidelines daily:
- Keep Hands, Feet, and Objects to Themselves: It’s crucial that students refrain from touching or handling objects that belong to others without permission. This includes maintaining physical distance and not engaging in physical contact like hugs or holding hands.
- Stay in Their Bubble: Encourage your child to respect the personal space of their classmates. I want everyone to feel comfortable and safe in our school, and this begins with respecting one another’s boundaries.
As their teacher, I will do my best to reinforce these reminders regularly in the classroom. However, your support at home is invaluable in reinforcing these essential lessons.
Coughing and Sneezing
Parents, I need your help reminding our first grade students of the importance of practicing good health habits, especially during this season when we have seen an increase in illness among our students.
First and foremost, I kindly request your support in emphasizing to your child the importance of covering their coughs and sneezes at all times. This simple yet vital habit can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses within our school community. Encouraging them to use a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze can go a long way in preventing the transmission of germs.
Additionally, please reinforce the importance of avoiding putting objects in their mouth and touching their face with their hands. These habits can help minimize the risk of infection.
Furthermore, if your child is experiencing symptoms like colds and coughs, I kindly ask that you keep them home until they are feeling better. It is essential that we prioritize the health and well-being of all our students. If you decide to send your child to school while they are recovering, we strongly recommend having them wear a mask to prevent the potential spread of any contagious illnesses.
Birthday goodie bags
We wanted to remind you of our school’s birthday policy to ensure that all students can enjoy their special day while maintaining a healthy and inclusive environment.
Please note the following:
- No cupcakes, donuts, pizza, or ice cream are allowed to be brought into the school for birthday celebrations.
- We will continue to recognize your child’s birthday in their classroom, making it a special and memorable moment for them.
- You are welcome to send goodie bags with healthy snacks that do not contain hard candies and are peanut-free. We encourage nutritious alternatives.
- These goodie bags will be distributed to students before dismissal, adding a touch of celebration to the end of the school day.
- You may also send out-of-school party invitations. Simply hand them to me in the morning, and we will ensure they are placed in each student’s homework folders.
Mosquitos
I wanted to bring to your attention a recent concern at our school that involves an increased presence of mosquitoes. As we strive to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for all our students, we wanted to keep you informed about this issue and the steps we are taking to address it.
In recent days, some students have reported being bitten by mosquitoes while on school premises. We understand that this can be uncomfortable and potentially distracting for the students. Please rest assured that we are actively working on a solution to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, I kindly request your assistance in ensuring the comfort and well-being of your child while at school. To help protect your child from mosquito bites, I recommend the following precautions:
- Use Mosquito Repellent Spray: You can apply mosquito repellent spray on your child’s exposed skin before they come to school. Please make sure to choose a repellent that is safe for children.
- Mosquito Repellent Bracelets: Consider having your child wear mosquito repellent bracelets, which can provide an additional layer of protection against mosquito bites.
Rest assured that our school administration is actively working to address the mosquito issue.
I will keep you updated on our progress in resolving this issue, and I appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Parent-Teacher Conference Sign up Genius link:
If you haven’t sign up for the Parent-Teacher conference on October 2-5, please click this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A45ACA628ABF58-2023#/
If you signed up during our back to school night, please double check your time slots. Mrs. Avila helped me set this up and update all the time slots. If you need to make changes please update it on the link.
Please choose only 1 slot per family, each family has 15mins slot. The sign-up genius will be locked on September 20, 2023.
First Grade parties’ funds
I wanted to inform you about an upcoming initiative related to our class parties that will make things more convenient for everyone. As we approach the festive season and the end of the year, we are planning to organize several class parties, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and an end-of-year celebration for our wonderful students.
To streamline the process and ensure the smooth organization of these events, I kindly request that each family contributes $30 to cover the expenses associated with these parties. This contribution will help us provide a memorable and enjoyable experience for our students.
Please follow these instructions for submitting your contribution:
- Place the $30 in cash inside an envelope.
- Write your child’s name clearly on the envelope.
- Insert the envelope into your child’s homework folder.
The deadline for submitting your contribution is September 30, 2023. This timeframe will allow us to make the necessary preparations and arrangements for the upcoming parties. I kindly ask that you avoid handing the money directly to me during the morning or dismissal rush, as it can be a hectic time, and there is a risk of misplacement.
Additionally, we request that you ensure your child does not carry money in their backpack to prevent any potential loss or mishandling.
Join Us for a Class Social and Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on September 29!
We have an exciting event planned that we’re sure your children will love, and it will also help support our class. We invite your family and friends to join us for a Class Social and Fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese!
Date: September 29th (Friday)
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Chuck E. Cheese’s in Torrance
Class Social:
Our Class Social at Chuck E. Cheese promises to be a delightful evening filled with games, laughter, and good times. It’s a fantastic opportunity for each family connect outside the school environment, fostering friendships and a sense of community.
Fundraiser:
In addition to the social aspect, we’re using this event as an opportunity to raise funds for our class. The funds collected will go towards field trip expenses, bus, and class parties. We kindly request your support in making this fundraiser a success.
Here’s how you can contribute:
- Purchase Tokens: When you and your children enjoy the games and entertainment at Chuck E. Cheese, a portion of the proceeds from token sales during our event will go toward our class fundraising efforts.
- Spread the Word: Encourage other parents, family members, and friends to attend. The more, the merrier!
We look forward to a fantastic evening of fun, bonding, and fundraising at Chuck E. Cheese on September 29th. Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you there!
Baptism Folder Project- due on September 25, 2023
For the upcoming weeks, we will be learning and talking about baptism. Baptism is one of the Seven Sacraments. It is a special celebration when one is welcomed officially into the Catholic Church with holy water.
Last August 25, our baptism folder project instructions were sent out. Take some time this week to discuss baptism with your child. If they have been baptized, tell stories, look at the pictures, and remember their baptism together. Remind them who their godparents are, what they wore, and look at their baptism candle. If they have not been baptized, share the story when they were born instead. Look at pictures and share any special gifts, clothing, memories, etc. We will be discussing these special memories in class.
Together with your child, fill out the information sheets describing how their name was chosen and other information. Return this project to class by September 25, 2023. Students can also provide pictures of their baptism or real objects from their baptism and design their baptism folder. I will be grading their creativity, information sheets, & work habits.
Please click this link to access the sample and templates. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TXlfoHXlwjZci8sG_O7wmyNgQG7j5qGD?usp=sharing
Bookmark Contest at Gardena Mayme Dear Library
Gardena Mayme Dear Library would like to invite your students to participate in LA County Library’s 44th Annual Bookmark Contest, an annual program that encourages a love of books and reading while also promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Students will have the chance to see their bookmark designs featured at their local library and throughout Los Angeles County. Participants compete in the following age categories:
- Kindergarten – Grade 2
- Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Grade 6 – Grade 8
- Grade 9 – Grade 12
I will give extra Art and Work habits grade credit to those who will join the contest. I will collect all the bookmarks by Friday, September 29, 2023
Amazon Wishlist
As we gear up for an exciting school year filled with learning and growth, I wanted to share a wonderful opportunity to further enhance our classroom experience. I created an Amazon Wishlist with carefully selected items that will greatly benefit our students’ education journey. You may check out the link below.
Hi! Help me build this list I created. Add your favorite items!
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/73aXb1p?ref=cm_sw_em_r_un_un_qIczd4HTxpGuJ
UPCOMING EVENTS
School calendar can be found (clicking here)
- Sept 16 –Keep Gardena Beautiful Day Service project 8am-12 noon, all families welcome to help,
- register online! 8am-Noon at www.cityofgardena.org/events
- Sept 17 – Catechetical Sunday, all families welcome! 11am Family Mass,
- Sept 21 – FALL School Picture Day 8:30-10:30! (Wear your complete Formal Mass Uniforms with white blouses and Oxford shirts, cardigans, vests, and ties for Yearbook photos) No PE sweaters, windbreakers, or Student Government sweaters, please. We are hoping for a uniform look for the yearbook and student ID photos.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I will try my best to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. I look forward to another wonderful week of learning and growth.
Thank you & God Bless!
Warmly,
Ms. Martinez
Leave a Reply