Dear Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to 1st grade! First grade is an exciting time as children

embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. This is a year of
important transitions as well as the acquisition of new vital skills.
During first grade, your child will learn how to read, write stories, add,
subtract, and so much more. I hope to make your childs experience in
my class a fun and exciting one, partnering with you to promote healthy
growth for he or she as they progress. I hope to instill a love of learning
that will last throughout your childs years of schooling.
So much happens in First Grade! Because of this, the year will be full of
novelties that will likely be new to you and your student alike. It is
extremely important to keep in mind that we all build on small
successes. Each child will progress at his or her own rate, acquiring
skills as he or she is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child's
self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will
always remain a priority in our first grade.
Here are some ways you can help:
1. Celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem. This
will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!
2. Read to and with your child everyday, if possible. The more your
child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him or her to
incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom.
Remember to record all reading in your child's reading log.
I am looking forward to a working with your child this year and helping
him/her to achieve his/her full potential.
Through the remainder of this letter, I will share some of my beliefs and
methods I will use to provide an optimal experience for your student in
my class.
Parent/Teacher Relationship

I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for

maximum school success. Throughout the year, I will communicate with
you through weekly progress reports, sporadic notes, telephone calls,
and two parent-teacher conferences yearly. I encourage you to contact
me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. You can call me
at school, send me a note or e-mail me.
*I am available for conferences regarding your childs progress from
7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. by appointment on
school days. If you are interested in helping in the classroom or on field
trips, your participation is always encouraged! All you need to do is fill
out a simple volunteer form which can be picked up at the front office.
(This is the schools rule).
*All birthdays are exciting for students and if you'd like to celebrate
with your student during the day or bring in a treat, that would be just
wonderful! I do ask that you let me know one week in advance; that
way, we can agree upon a time for the celebration along with a treat that
can include all students.
*If you plan to pick up a child that normally rides the bus or you wish
for your child to ride a different bus than usual, please send a written
note. Sometimes children may become confused about the details, even
if we give them clear instructions, so please provide a note AND inform
your child about the plan for the special day. If no written note is
received, your child will be sent home by his or her usual method of
transportation. (This too is a school policy.)
Daily Journals/Homework
*There will be a daily folder sent home each day. Any papers placed on
the left side of the opened folder should be left at home and any
papers on the right side should come right back to me. If your child is
buying lunch for the week, please place money in an envelope with your
childs name and my name on it, placing it in the right side of the daily
folder.

*Your child will also have a daily journal that he or she will write in
regularly. Please take the time and go over the planner with your child at
least once weekly and initial your name in the small box for the correct
week. (This is a great communication bridge between school and home).
If the daily journal is lost, it happens! You can buy another at Target for
17 cents.
*All homework is due on Friday or the last day of the week. Assigned
homework will vary depending on student work during class.
Rules
We have three major rules in our class that students learn on the first day
and are expected to adhere to throughout the year.
1. Keep your arms, hands, feet and objects to yourself.
2. Treat everyone with the same kindness and respect that you
deserve.
3. Follow instructions.
I will send an email with specific social strategies including disciplinary
and reinforcement methods that I use in my class. Thank you for your
participation. I can't wait to get to know each of your children personally
and learn from them as we spend the year together.
Sincerely, Miss Harper
Natalie J. Harper
(928) 978-1703 natalie.harper@susd.com