Classroom Update for August 22-26

Hi Families!

We have almost made it through the first week of school! WHEW! 
What a busy week it's been getting to know your kiddos and teaching them the rituals and routines of first grade. We must say they have come in well-prepared from kindergarten, and when we did our first Turn and Talk they knew what to do! 

We begin every morning in our homerooms with a morning meeting and greeting each other. Not only does this help us to learn who our classmates are, it helps us establish a caring community of learners by talking about our Personal Success Factors (PSF), what we can do as learners to overcome obstacles, and just talking with one another before our busy day begins. 

This month's PSF is Growth Mindset. If you aren't familiar with what Growth Mindset is, ask your children. They can tell you all about it! You can also click the link at the top of our blog under Character Education to find out more. 

Some important reminders:
Back to School Night--Wednesday, August 31st at 5, 6, and 7 PM, on the hour. 
Picture Day--September 13th
Every Friday--Spirit Day, Wear your WCE spirit wear!

Ms. Hernandez's Homeroom--Tennis shoes needed EVERY Friday for P.E.

That just about covers it. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us! 

Ms. Hernandez and Mrs. B

Welcome!



Families,

Just a few things to get you started on the first day of school.

School Drop Off & Pick Up
We will meet students on the blacktop at the east end . Students will be picked up at this same location when the bells rings at 3:45. Any students not picked by 4:00 will be walked to the office to call home.

Breakfast
A free breakfast is served every day in the cafeteria beginning at 8:40am. Please know that playground duty does not start until 8:45am, and there is no adult supervision prior to this time.

Kiss and Go Morning  
To foster independence and build a strong community, we have a kiss and go policy on the blacktop in the mornings. Parents will not be permitted to walk their child to the classroom, with an exception being made the first day of school. Parents may come to the classroom on the first day for 15 minutes to take pictures. After 15 minutes has passed, parents will be asked to leave and implement Kiss and Go Mornings for the remainder of the year.

Parents are not permitted to wait outside your child's classroom for any reason during the school year. Please be respectful and mindful that teachers are preparing for the day, attending morning staff meetings, or having private meetings with parents. 

Tardy Bell
The first bell rings at 8:55. The tardy bell will then ring at 9:00. Please make sure your child is on time to ensure they are able to participate in our daily community circle. This is a VERY important part of our day.


Water Bottles
Each student should have a water bottle that is kept in the classroom throughout the week. Water bottles will be sent home every Friday to be cleaned and should return to school on Monday. Please make sure it is labeled with your child's name. 
If your child needs a water bottle in their lunch, please, pack a separate water bottle in their lunch. This way, they will not need to come back to the classroom for their water bottle before lunch.


Snack
We have several allergies in our classrooms this year, so we will not participate in shared snacks. 
If you would like your child to have a snack during extra recess, please do so by sending it in a small container in their lunch box or backpack. They will pull it out in the morning to place in our snack bin as part of their morning routine. Snacks should be healthy and easy for students to grab and go during recess. 


We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

Warm regards,

Mrs. B and Ms. Hernandez