My goal is to create an environment that is fun, happy and full of discovery and learning. Parent-teacher communication is key in creating this type of environment. Below is the information you will need to guide your child through the first grade.

         Homework   

A homework sheet will come home every day except on Friday.  Your child will receive an assignment sheet on Monday that will list all of the homework assignments for that week.

Students will receive a take-home folder on the first day of school. Check this folder every night. It holds the assignment sheet, homework, graded work and any notes.

Tests and Assessments

Students will have a spelling test every Friday.

Math tests are given at the end of each chapter. I will send home a review sheet one week before the test to help your child prepare.

Oral reading assessments are given throughout the year to assess progress and to determine a student's reading level. They will be shared with you during conferences.

Most classwork is graded. Work that is graded will be sent home and the grade will be posted on the Teacherease website for you to monitor.

Word Wall

The word wall is a place in our room where we post very important words.  These words are important because they are either among the most written and spoken words in our language, or are words spelled with a common pattern.  Good readers have these "high frequency" words committed to memory.  My goal is for each of my first graders to recognize and spell these words automatically so that reading and writing becomes less frustrating.

 Web page and E-mail

Please see my web page  for current information throughout the year. My newsletters are posted each week. Their purpose is to keep parents informed of the content being taught that week and any other pertinent information.

Refer to the web page for homework, curriculum and upcoming math tests.

E-mail is the best way to contact me. I check my e-mail regularly. My e-mail is ewilliams@immacolata.org

Class Schedule and Specials

Morning Recess: 9:50-10:05

Lunch/Recess: 11:10-12:00

 Mass Planning

The First Grade (1W) will be in charge of  planning the School Mass on Wednesday, February 2 and Wednesday, April 27. Please mark this on your calendar. You are invited to see your student involved in the Mass!

Field Trip

The first grade will go to Powder Valley Nature Center and the Art Museum for our field trips this year.  We hope to do one trip in the fall and the other in the spring.  Please continue to check the web page for more information!

Behavior Management

The behavior management policy of the first grade centers around teaching and practicing appropriate classroom behaviors. During the first weeks of school I will be communicating my behavior expectations to my students. We will discuss and practice classroom procedures.  Taking the time to teach and practice good behavior eliminates a lot of problems in the future.

The second part of this policy is teaching the results of behavior. I want students to learn that there are consequences to their actions. These consequences only work if they are fair and fitting to the situation. For example, if a student spends her time talking in class, she may have to sit out of recess to make up her work.

It's important to also acknowledge positive behaviors in the classroom. Students want to do well when they feel good about themselves.  I make an effort, therefore, to praise and point out good behaviors in class. 

Finally, the most important key to all of this is communication. I look forward to keeping you informed and hope that you will do the same!

Click on a link to find out more about Ms. Williams' class.