Mrs. Hicks’ First Grade Class!
Welcome!!!
Hello! My name is Mrs. Kristin Hicks. I am a Montclair State University graduate and I hold a Master's Degree from New Jersey City University. I am married and I am also a mommy. I began my teaching career in 2002 and have been teaching in West New York since 2006. I am looking forward to working with your child this year and helping him/her to achieve his/her fullest potential. Through the remainder of this letter, I will share some of my beliefs and classroom policies.
Parent Participation
I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year I will communicate with you through emails, notes, telephone calls, progress reports and parent-teacher conferences. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. You can call me at school (201-553-4040 voicemail ext# 28848), send me a note, or e-mail me at [email protected]. I am available for conferences regarding your child’s progress by appointment on school days.
Throughout the school year there will be a variety of special classroom activities and celebrations. I encourage you to attend these functions when possible or to support them by sending needed supplies or treats. Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school.
School Attendance
Your child’s regular and prompt attendance at school is crucial to his/her success. I can’t emphasize this point enough!!! Many First Grade learning activities are group oriented and involve interaction with classmates. Therefore, it is next to impossible to make up work at home. Please view school as a priority, and see to it that your child attends everyday except in cases of illness or emergency.
School starts at 8:30. Please arrive on time to line up with the class in the courtyard. Your child will be dismissed at 2:45. Please be prompt. If you are late, pick your child up in the front lobby.
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.
Money
On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. (Special envelopes are available for lunch money. When you need more of these, let me know.) Always send money in a sealed envelope with the following information written on it:
1 Your child’s first and last name.
2 The amount of money.
3 The purpose for the money (book money, party money, etc).
4 My name. (Mrs. Hicks)
With many kids to keep track of and several reasons to collect money, this helps me out tremendously and reduces the likelihood of errors. Also, if the envelope is dropped in the hallway, this information will help the money to be returned to my classroom.
Emergency Information
Please keep your information updated in the office or with me. If you change your phone number or address, please correct it with the main office. I can not stress how important this is. If there is an emergency, and the school needs to get in touch with you, we need the correct contacts and phone numbers.
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.
- 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.