Dear Parents,

    Welcome to First Grade!  We are looking forward to a great year!  First grade is a very, very important time in the lives of young children.  We are excited about forming lasting bonds with the children and becoming a first grade family.

        Following are some important "TIDBITS" that you need to read and understand.

EMERGENCY FORM:  You must give 2 phone numbers (minimum) so you can be notified in the event of an emergency.  If it is a relative or friend, indicate so and make them aware that you have given their number.

LUNCH FORM:  It is legally required that every child have a lunch form on file.  If you are not applying for assistance, you must still write NOT APPLYING, your child's name, and sign the form.

LUNCH MONEY:  Breakfast and lunch money should be sent in a sealed envelope with your child's name, the teacher's name, and the amount being sent for breakfast and lunch listed on the outside. 

        Example:      Susie Que

                           1^st - Fortner

                           breakfast - $1.25

                           lunch - $5.00

SNACK MONEY:  Snack will be in the afternoon but all money will be collected in the morning.  Drinks are $0.60 and snacks are $0.50.  Students may bring snack from home.  DO NOT send RED or CARBONATED drinks.  Also, no glass containers for safety reasons.  You may pay for snack daily or weekly.

MONEY:  ALL money that is sent to school must be sent in a sealed envelope with your child's name, amount that is enclosed and what the money is for.  Proper credit may not be given if these directions are not followed.

MEDICINE:  If your child routinely takes a doctor's prescription during school hours, you must fill out a medication form in the office giving permission to administer the medication.  Amount and time given must also be recorded.  The doctor's signature is also required.  No medicine may be given to your child without written consent.  A note MUST be sent with any antibiotic, cough medicine, etc. that will be given at school.  The note MUST have specific instructions - time and amount to be given!  It MUST be SIGNED and DATED by you! 

BUSES/CARS: We will NOT put your child on a different bus without a note from you.  PLEASE send one if needed.  If you should forget, you may call the office.  PLEASE do not wait until the last minute.  This causes MASS confusion!

JACKETS/SWEATERS:  The "AC" must run!  If your child is cold natured, send a light jacket or sweater for them.  NO winter coats!

HOMEWORK:  Stay tuned!!!  More info will be sent home soon!

TESTS:  All tests must be signed by you and RETURNED to school the following school day!

****If you have any questions or concerns, please jot a note or call the school office.  We will let you know when our plan times are as soon as the schedules are made.

**** If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know.  We are always glad to have an extra hand.  We do ask, however, that we have no volunteers until September.  This gives us adequate time to get acquainted, to understand our rules, and to nurture our new family environment.

****Anytime you visit our class, you MUST get a pass from the office.  You may not visit or pick your child up from the room without a pass.  This pass may verbal from the office via the intercom or a slip in your hand.  This is part of our security plan so please do your part and follow the rules.

****If you ever have small toys or kids meal surprises that you would like to donate to our treasure box, we would sincerely appreciate it.

****We look forward to working with each of you during this year.  In order for your child to be successful in first grade, we MUST WORK TOGETHER as a TEAM!  TEAMWORK is essential!

Thanks so much!!!!

Mrs. Fortner

Welcome to First Grade!  We are looking forward to a great year!  First grade in a very, very important time in the lives of young children.  We are excited about forming lasting bonds with your children and becoming a first grade family.  
We, as First Grade teachers, play many roles in the daily development of your children. We are required to be teachers, parents, nurses, counselors, and much more.  We strive to mold our students into productive members of society by working each day to instill important values such as friendship, respect, self-control, cooperation, understanding, and compassion.  
We feel that the relationship between teachers and parents is of the utmost importance.  It is essential that we work together as a team to enhance your child's first grade experience.  Daily communication is implemented through our homework planners.  We also encourage you to contact us during our plan time (12:30-1:00) or via e-mail if you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding your child.  

Following are some other important "tidbits" that we would like to share.

READING PROGRAM:  Protected reading time is from 9:10-11:10 daily.  During this time, our classrooms cannot be interrupted so that we are able to devote all of our attention and energy to your children.  These two hours are filled with whole group instruction designed by Reading Street, small group workshops, intensive intervention instruction using the My Sidewalks program, and much more.  Reading instruction is based on individual student needs, partially outlined by the state required DIBELS assessments.  Our students also participate in the Accelerated Reading Program. 

MATH PROGRAM:  Math instruction is based on the Go Math! program.  This series covers the following skills:  counting, addition and subtraction strategies, problem solving, graphing, place value, comparing and ordering numbers, geometry, spatial sense, patterns, telling time, measurement, and probability.

SPELLING:  Spelling words are found in your child's homework binder.    Spelling homework is given throughout the week for additional practice. Tests will be taken on Fridays.

SCIENCE:  Science it taught using AMSTI science kits.  AMSTI stands for the Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative.  The science units taught in first grade are Air and Weather, Balance and Motion, Animals Two By Two, and New Plants.  Students participate in fun experiments and activities in order to learn more about these science topics.

These are just a few things we wanted to let you know about your child's First Grade year at Banks School.  Thank you for sharing your child with us and we look forward to working with you to ensure that your child has a happy and successful year! 

Many Thanks!
Robin Fortner