It's almost here..the first day of school. I know that many children are excited and ready to go to school, while others are hesitant and don't want too many surprises. No matter how your child feels about the first day of school, know that I am here for them to help them have a wonderful first grade experience. Below is what to expect on the first day:)
One great idea is to talk with your child about the first day routine so there aren't too many surprises! I will be outside by the buses holding a sign with my name on it. The children are to come check in with me and then get into a line behind the sign. If your child rides the bus, have him or her look for me with my sign. If you are dropping your child off, you may walk him or her out back by the buses and look for me there for the first two days of school.After that, the children will walk to the classrooms by themselves. You may stand by the main stairwell and watch them walk down the hall if you would like. If at any point throughout the school year you would like to speak with me, please send a note with your child, email me or leave me a phone message to set up an appointment. It is too busy at the beginning of the school day to conference with parents as the children really need my attention at this time.
Once we have all the children together, we will walk to the classroom and I will show them their desks. At that time, they will empty their backpacks and then we will take them to their lockers to put the remainder of their personal belongings. This is how the daily routine will go for the first two days of school.
Please be sure to have a name tag on your child with his or her first and last name, teacher's name, bus number or pick-up or kids kare written on it. This is important as there is a lot going on the first few days of school and I want to be sure your child returns home safely:)Please also be sure to label all of your child's clothes and items that belong to them.
If your child has reservations about starting school, a great way to reduce anxiety is to send a picture of the family for your child to hang in his or her locker (please also send a magnet). The children love to look at the picture when they are feeling homesick! Also, please tell your child not to worry about staying all day and eating lunch in the cafeteria (if they were in half day Kindergarten) as I will be eating with them the first week of school!
Please keep in mind our school policy of leaving personal belongings such as toys, stuffed animals, etc. at home. We would feel awful if something were to happen to your child's special "security" item at school.
We will have a great first day! Our classroom theme this year is the "Furry Friends" (also known as cute little monsters)! Please feel free to contact me via email if you have any questions. I'm sure things will run smoothly and we will have an awesome time in first grade:) Thanks ahead of time for all your support in helping make your child's education the best one possible!
Mrs. Reis
1st Grade Teacher
Hutchings Elementary
