Our first grade curriculum at George White Elementary is based upon the district's standards. These standards represent a continuum of learning from grade to grade. To get a closer look at our curriculum, please click here.
There are various methods I use to evaluate your child's progress. These methods include:
1. District Assessment (Fall/Spring)
2. Portfolios (journals, samples of work)
3. Anecdotal Records
4. Tests (i.e. spelling and math tests)
Your child has one day each week in which he/she can read something s/he has written. Students really enjoy this part of the day! This is a great self esteem booster!
We will be celebrating each child's birthday during the year! We will celebrate it on the day it occurs unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case we will be celebrating it as close as possible to the actual date. Summer birthdays will be celebrated through the year. This way each child will have a special day during the school year! You may bring a snack for the class on that day or if you wish, or your child can bring a wrapped birthday book to donate to our class library! You will be informed by letter as to when your child's birthday will be celebrated.
Book orders will be sent home monthly and need to be returned with a check and completed order form by the date indicated. Orders usually take two weeks to arrive. The purpose for book orders is to promote reading and to give parents an accessible and inexpensive way to enrich their child's library at home.
1. Report cards chart individual student progress along a continuum and provide information on quality of student work and level of achievement.
2. Three reporting periods per year.
3. Report card is aligned with District objectives.
We will have the opportunity to have at least one field trip per year.
This is a motivational program using a frog theme to help students learn to read basic words with the highest frequency of usage in our language. During the week several parents will be volunteering in the classroom to pull students to read his/her mastered list. Students will receive motivational certificates upon completion of each list. (Click on the blue title to view lists.)
I believe homework is important because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their experience in school. I give homework because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, prepares students for upcoming lessons, aids in evaluating student progress, extends and generalizes concepts, teaches responsibility and helps students develop positive study habits.
Please remember that Independent Study Contracts (I.S.) need to be requested no later than 24-hours. If your child will be missing school due to a vacation or unexcused absence, I will prepare an I.S. for him/her to be completed during their absence from school.
Our library day is once a week. Library books are due the day before.
There are several ways in which we may communicate:
1. Phone/E-Mail/Voice Mail
School Phone Number: (949) 249-3875
E-mail: kahudelson@capousd.org
Call-In Sick Line: (949) 495-1871
2. Friday Folder
Each child will be given a pocket folder. Please check your child's pocket folder each Friday and return it to school the following Monday. It is another way for us to communicate with each other. It would be helpful for your child to have a spare pocket folder on hand at school should s/he forget his/hers at home.
3. Conferences
3.1. Goal Setting Conferences
These are formal conferences scheduled twice a year.
3.2. Informal Meetings
If you feel more comfortable talking in person rather than on the phone, I will be happy to set up a conference to discuss your concerns.
Lunch tickets can be purchased for $1.75 per day from the office. Students can either bring cash or use their lunch ticket number to purchase lunches.
I will be teaching D'Nealian printing (modern manuscript.) However, students are exposed to several different printing techniques (i.e. through computers). Therefore, I will not mark-off if they choose not to use D'Nealian.
Reading Olympics is a school-wide incentive reading program that all children are encouraged to participate in! We will encourage students to "Go for the Gold" by reading and recording their minutes on forms that will be sent home every other week in the Blue Envelopes. To receive a gold medal, students will have to read: 20 minutes daily, 100 minutes weekly. Remember, minutes that you read to your child count!
If you want your child to have a snack during the morning recess, please send something small and nutritious such as a piece of fruit, granola bar, string cheese, etc.
We will be having special days throughout the year that you are always invited to join. You will be informed of these days as they occur.
Q. Spelling
My spelling program encompasses a developmental approach called "Word Study" and two sight-word programs, "Frog Jumping" and "Word Wall. " Formal spelling tests, which are based on our literacy program "Word Study," will be given on Fridays. Word lists will go home on Mondays with homework. Students will be responsible for completing various activities throughout the week using their spelling words. The district adopted, Rebecca Sitton list (30 first grade words) will be embedded into the "Word Study" program. To view tips on spelling, click here.
Each child will have a special week to share pictures, awards, trophies, and little known facts about him/herself. I will send home a notice when your child's special week is coming up! Remember, pets will not be allowed to visit during this time.
At the beginning of each school year, students are encouraged to bring: a small pencil box which will fit inside a student's desk, 1 dozen pencils, crayons, markers, one glue stick, one glue bottle, a pair of scissors, two erasers, 1 roll of 35 mm film, watercolor paints, 1 large box of Kleenex, 1 pkg. dry erase markers, 1 ballpoint pen and Scotch tape. Supply kits may be purchased through PTA at the beginning of the school year.
Word Study is an active process which integrates the study of spelling, phonics and vocabulary. In word sorts and related games, students categorize words according to contrasting features and examine shades of sound, structure and meaning. Through word study, students learn the patterns, processes and strategies for examining and thinking about the words they read and write. This knowledge is then applied to new words they encounter in reading and writing.
This is another great program to teach students how to spell high frequency words. Students will receive a word list with 5 words each week. They will practice spelling these words throughout the week through a variety of activities.
We are the George White Knights
Blue and silver shining true,
Our school has spirit, our smiles grin wide
When we show our excellence and pride.
GEORGE WHITE KNIGHTS!
