Welcome To Grade 1 Letter

  Welcome to Grade One
2017 - 2018 Hello and welcome,
 My name is Lisa Maze. I’ve been teaching K-3 for the past 15 years (in between having my own two children).   I’m excited to start another year and look forward to the challenges and successes that school brings.  Here are a few pieces of information that can get us started. Any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me via email (typically the best way!).
 CommunicationParents are encouraged to address any questions or concerns they may have about their child with the child’s teacher.  If a meeting is required please email the teacher, write a note in the agenda or phone the school.
 AgendaIt is a school wide expectation that students bring home their agenda daily to be read and initialled by a parent.  It is a communication tool between the teacher and parents.   Parents are welcome to write messages regarding late entries, appointments, homework etc. in the agenda. For any absences or lates, please call Mrs. Dann at 403-777-8570. Home ReadingThe Home Reading program will begin towards the end of September.  Students are expected to read for 10-20 minutes each evening. This can be a combination of parents reading and taking turns with the child or reading aloud together. We would like to have parents/students record their book titles and level of difficulty in the journal that will be provided with the Home Reading Book.
 Indoor ShoesEvery child is expected to keep a pair of indoor shoes at school.  Running shoes (not slip on shoes such as Crocs) are preferred to ensure your child’s safety during Physical Education. Learning Commons (AKA Library)Our class will have scheduled time in the Learning Commons once per week to sign out books.  Students are able to sign out 2 books at a time, however they must be returned before new books can be signed out.  Your child's weekly scheduled time will be communicated to you via the Agenda. SnacksClasses are given the opportunity to have two snacks during the day.  We have a snack break around 10:15 AM.  Please encourage your child to help with snack selection. This ensures your child will enjoy a healthy snack and the food will not end up in the garbage. Water is preferred. The second snack break is at 2:20. We are not a peanut free school but we are a peanut (and nut) aware school as several of our students have severe allergies to nut products. If your child brings a nut product, I ask that they inform me (or the Lunchroom Supervisor during Lunch) that they have a nut product so clean up and the safety of all students can be taken into consideration.
 Weekly Writing
Each week students will be doing a short written assignment in class called This Week At School (TWAS).  The journal will be sent home every weekend and it is an opportunity for children to share with their parents, highlights of their school week.  Parents are encouraged to respond in writing to their child.
 RecessRecess is a great opportunity for all children to go outside for fresh air, exercise, and creative play.  Parents can support our efforts to have children outside as frequently as possible by ensuring that children are dressed and prepared appropriately for all types of weather.  Mitts, boots, hats, coats and umbrellas are typical items that should be labelled with your child's name. Our Grade 1 class will be collaborating with Mrs. Helsen’s Grade 2 class over the school year. We will also have learning opportunities with Ms. Brown, our new Assistant Principal.
 Thank you for helping to make this a great school year,
 Grade 1 Teacher, Mrs. Lisa Mazeldmaze@cbe.ab.ca