Mrs. McGowan       H. W. Mountz School        Spring Lake, NJ
 Grade Home        

~ This N' That About Our Classroom ~

Welcome!

This is a very special year in your child's school career! First grade is a time to experience important transitions and acquire new skills. During the year, your child will learn how to read, write stories, add, subtract, and so much more.  I hope to instill a love of learning that will last throughout your child's years of schooling!

To learn more about my background and teaching experience, visit this page: Meet Mrs. M.   Here are some specific things you should know about our classroom:

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Keeping in Touch

A homework note is sent home Monday - Thursday. Often it will include an additional reminder or information. In addition, there will be periodic class newsletters to help keep you informed of our class happenings. This website is updated frequently as well. I hope you will visit regularly to see our "latest"!

I will contact parents by the second week of school to let you know how your child is adjusting to First Grade. You also can reach me by note or a phone call to the school office if you have any concerns or questions. I will get back to you as soon as possible.


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Coming to School and Dismissal

School starts at 8:30. Before school starts you'll be notified where children should line up and come in with their class. Please do not have your child wait by our classroom door. Dismissal is at 2:58 at the front door.

        

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Homework

All homework is a reinforcement or extension of class instruction. Look for homework Monday - Thursday. A "Homework Helper" is needed to go over directions and make sure work is completed and returned to school. Please sign or initial your child's work and send a note if it wasn't done.

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Library Books

Our class will visit the Library once a week. A book must be returned before another is taken out. A schedule of all our special classes goes home during the first week of school. Please let me know if you need an additional copy.

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Show and Tell

We take turns bringing things in for Show and Tell. The item should be something we can learn about (no toys). Please help your child prepare what will be said. This is an optional activity. Some children prefer to wait and participate later in the year. There are many opportunities for speaking to the class during the regular school day.

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Birthdays

You may send in a simple class snack to celebrate your child's birthday. Invitations to parties can only be passed out in school if the whole class is invited (or all girls if it is a girl party or all boys for a boy party). Children this age are very sensitive to being left out.

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Classroom Rules

To provide a safe and optimum learning environment, the children are expected to follow our classroom rules to the best of their ability.

  • Be kind to your classmates.
  • Do your best work.
  • Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
  • Show respect for teachers, classmates, and school property.
  • Classmates should be able to work without being disturbed.
  • Walk to get into a line. Stand or walk in a line without disturbing classmates.

We do lots of role playing in September and throughout the year to help understand what is meant by "showing respect", "not disturbing others", "being kind", and "doing your best". We emphasize the ideals of working as a team and doing your personal best.