Welcome to a new school year! 

I am very pleased to be working with you and your child.  Together, we will help your child develop the academic and social foundation of his/her education.  At Holbrook Elementary School, learning is the priority for all our students!

Kindergarteners will learn to…
 - name all capital and lowercase letters and match letters to basic sounds
 - blend sounds into words orally and in writing
 - learn 18 basic sight words (attached)
 - understand the fundamentals of books and reading
 - learn to print neatly, accurately, and comfortably
 - retell stories in sequence
 - name, write, count, and sequence numbers to 30
 - add and subtract to 10
 - read and understand calendars and clocks (to the nearest hour)
 - name and identify basic geometric shapes
 - follow simple directions

First graders will learn to…
 - match capital and lowercase letters to all sounds and blends
 - read fluently
 - understand and identify the parts of a story
 - write short narratives and descriptions in complete sentences with correct capitals and punctuation
 - name, write, count, and sequence numbers to 100
 - add and subtract to 20
 - read clocks (to the nearest half-hour)
 - understand and solve story problems using a strategy
 - follow 2-step directions

 - I want my students to enjoy being at school.  Students should be on time for school ready to work and learn.         They should have their binder or folder each day (preferably in their backpack).

 - Our class rules are:  “Be kind.  Be safe.  Work hard.”  Students must be attentive to me and their classmates.       They must make a strong effort to follow the school/class rules and understand that when rules are
    broken, there are consequences.

 - Students must try their best academically and ask for help when needed.

 - When problems arise, students should tell me or another adult on staff.

- Parents are vitally important to the well-being of their children at school.  Please help with homework
   every day (Monday through Thursday), make sure your child gets proper sleep and a healthy breakfast,
   and encourage him/her to follow the rules.  Remember, school is a place of learning, so do not allow your
   child to bring toys and other personal items to school.

 - Please read all information sent home from school, complete and return school forms promptly, and
   contact me right away if you have any questions or concerns.
 
 - Each student will receive a Holbrook Reading Log.  Please read with your child each day for at least
   10 minutes.  I will collect reading logs every Friday.

 - If you would like book suggestions, please let me know.

 - Once a month or every other month, I will send home a Scholastic Book Order.  The books are
   very inexpensive and include current titles as well as classics.  If possible, please order at least one book
   for your child from each book order.  Books in Spanish are also available.

Every Monday, your child will receive a new homework packet.  Homework packets are due every Friday.  The packets include:

Kindergarten –
1.    Reading Log
2.    Language (3 pages)
3.    Math (3 pages)
4.    Fine Motor Practice (2 pages)

First Grade –
1.    Reading Log
2.    Spelling (4 pages)
3.    Sight Words (4 pages)
4.    Math (4 pages)