**NEW PHONE CONTACTS

Each month you will be receiving 2  contacts from someone at the school regarding your child. We will be calling at various times during the month to tell you 2 star comments and one wish (one thing your child can work on).

Let's all continue to work together to push our children to do their best!  Here are some other bits of information you may find helpful:

*Students will receive a daily behavior booklet for you to check each night. This is our way to communicate back and forth. Check for notes on behavior as well as academic areas to practice at home.

*Your child will go to library class once every week.  Please remember to read library books at home and fill out the reading log in the daily folder.  Children who read 20 minutes at least 8 times during the month will receive a free Pizza Hut personal pan pizza coupon!

*Homework is sent out each Friday and is due the next Thursday.Please assist your child with homework and check over it with them before it is turned in.

*Each week your child will be tested on a group of words from the current reading selection. Please look at the bottom of the homework packet to see which group of words to study for the week. Remember to go back and study previous word groups to keep them fresh on your child's mind.

*Completed school work will be sent home in a packet each Friday for you to look at. You will need to sign the attached weekly progress report and send it back in on Monday.

Here are some ideas for keeping your child's skills sharp:

1. Read every night! Sound out words and discuss characters, setting, problem and solution for the books you read.

2.Practice addition and subtraction using the strategies we will learn in class--counting back "like a space ship", counting on, and using a number line. Remember to continue to practice the newly added requirement for our math curriculum: recognize numbers, count, and RECOGNIZE NUMBER WORDS TO 100.

3. Work on handwriting and coloring. Make sure your child takes his/her time. All letters need to begin on the top line and go down in direction.

4. Help your child memorize your telephone # and address. Also, work on basic need skills such as tying shoes and personal hygiene.

5. Comprehension often suffers as texts become more difficult. Have children take a"picture walk" (look at the pictures and try to predict what will happen). After reading, ask your child to relate what they read to his/her life.

If you ever need me, please either write a note in the planner or call our office 704-857-3111.  I will return your call ASAP. Thanks in advance for all the hard work you'll do as we race through 1st grade in Mrs. Morgan's class!