Hickory Elementary School

1st  Grade

 

Mrs. Buford, Mod. I

 


 

 

 

Classroom Corner

 

Arrival/Dismissal: School grounds open at 8:30 a.m. Children may hang their backpacks outside Mod. I and proceed to the playground. Class begins at 9:00 and students will be dismissed from class at 3:13. Please coordinate a meeting-spot with your child and be on time to ensure their safety. In addition, all late arrivals and early pick-ups must be done so through the school office.

 

Snacks: Please send a nutritious snack daily with your child. Midmorning nutrition is essential, as first graders do not eat lunch until 12:30.

 

Lunch: Please pack healthy food avoiding soda, candy and high sugar items. Students may purchase lunch for $3.00.

 

Absences: If your child is absent, a written note stating the dates and explanation of the absence is needed.

 

Label: All clothing and personal items your child brings to school should be labeled with your child’s last name. This cannot be stressed enough. Unlabeled, lost items are sent to the school’s Lost-and-Found outside room 31.

 

Homework: A homework packet will be sent home on the first school day of each week and is due back on the last school day of each week.  Please take the time to read with your child for at least 10 minutes each night.  This is an important part of our homework.

 

Communication: I welcome you to speak with me regarding any concerns that you may have. You may contact me by phone (310) 533-4672 ext. 3163.  Leave a message on my voicemail and I will get back to you as soon as possible.  If you have an emergency, please call the school office.  Additionally, my email is lbuford@teacher.tusd.org

 

Academics:  Lessons given in our class are aligned with the California Content Standards for First Grade.  The standards are separated by subject matter.  Please take the time to read and sign the expectations for each trimester and return the current trimester’s expectations to the school ASAP.

 

Positive Rewards: I like to reward the children for their good behavior.  I give loads of verbal praise.  Other rewards are treat points (whole class), which include treat parties, movies, park visits, etc.  Individual rewards are earning happy faces from students moving their clips up during class. Prizes may be bought from our class store with happy faces.

 

Assertive Discipline:  I use the clip system, which has rules and consequences.  For example: Child’s clip starts on good day. From there they can move their clip up to:

 

Fantastic Day = 2 happy faces

Great Day = 1 happy face

 

Or down to:

Warning

Time Out

Note Home

 

I like to encourage the children to be independent and make good choices.  Time out happens occasionally.  I like to use them as a teaching and learning opportunity.  For example, “Do you understand why you had a time out?  What would be a better choice next time?”

 

Classroom Volunteers: Volunteers help make it all happen! If you would like to help out please let me know. It is possible to come in weekly, occasionally, or help from home.

 

Birthdays: In class parties are not allowed; however, small treats are okay.  Any treats that you would like to share with the class must be store bought (school policy.)  Please notify me in advance if you are planning to bring food. Also you may donate a class book or game in honor of your child’s birthday.

 

Flag Assembly: Everyone is welcome to attend Hickory’s weekly ceremonies. They are held Monday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the amphitheater, weather permitting.

 

 

Daily Schedule

 

9:00   Arrival/Calendar/SSR

9:30   Math / Spelling

10:30  Snack Recess          

10:45  Language Arts / Computer Lab (T)

(Small Group Reading, Centers, Phonics,  Grammar, Word Work)

11:30  Library (W)

12:00  P.E (M,W,F)

12:30  Lunch             

1:15    Read Aloud/ Writing    

2:10    Recess                                  

2:20    Science/Social St./Fine Arts

3:05    Closing

3:13    Dismissal

 

 

 

Classroom Links

 

Academic Skills Practice

Games and materials corresponding to our classroom textbooks.

 

Aplusmath.com

Practice your math facts.

 

Internet for Kids and Parents

Gain technology skills from home.

 

National Geographic

Learn about animals.