Save the Date: Thursday, January 24th 6:00-7:30

Join some of the Banks Road staff on this evening to learn more about ways to help your child at home.  Refreshments will be provided and babysitting will be provided for children not yet in school.  Please look in your child's Friday folder this coming Friday for an invitation.  Please be sure to RSVP by December 20th (track out day).  Thank you!

Reading Strategies

Want to learn more about reading strategies your child should use when reading?  Visit the following webpage! 
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6zC45cAimWuOGJxcEp3V3VNMHc/edit?pli=1

First Grade Writing

In class, we have learned how to write narratives that include small moments and we have also learned how to write persuasive letters.  We are now learning about 'how to' writing.  Examples include: how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, how to bake cookies, etc.  Be sure to ask your child about these 3 different types of writing. Throughout the units, students are learning how to do the following:

-Capitalize dates and names of people
-Apply correct punctuation
-Apply legible handwriting
-Spell sight words correctly
-Use commas in dates and to separate single words in a series
-Use conventional spelling for words with common spelling patterns and for frequently occurring irregular words.
-Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions.
-Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, use temporal words to signal event order, and provide some sense of closure.
-With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.

Interims and Report Cards

FYI:  Interims were sent home this past Friday with students who were not meeting current benchmarks.  If your child received an interim, please sign the interim and return it back to school as soon as possible.  Report cards will be sent home on December 20th with all students.  Please be sure to sign the envelope and return it back to school when we track back in.  As always, please let me know if you have any questions/concerns.  Thank you! 

Holiday Activities on December 20th

On the morning of December 20^th, I am planning to have several fun holiday activities for students to complete in class.  If you are interested in helping out, please email me to let me know.  We are in need of volunteers from 9:30-11:30.  Feel free to stay and join your child for lunch at 11:35 J