Things Parents Can Do At Home To Help Your Child Prepare for First Grade

• Read to your children; allow them to read to you a minimum of 20 minutes per night.

• Ask your children about school and take an interest in what they are learning.

• Help them make good nutritional choices and get adequate rest to fuel growing minds and bodies.

• Set limits on the amount of television they watch, hand-held electronics they play, and exposure to any flat-screen viewing.

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Highlights of First Grade

Reading Program Supplements include:

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• Daily reading homework review to help parents monitor child’s reading progress

• Frequent teacher assessments

• Formal testing every 3 weeks

• Writing program to reinforce skills

• Phonics program

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Math program supplemented daily:

• Math Their Way skills & use of Math manipulatives. 

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Religion curriculum enhanced through use of:

• additional crafts, bible stories, songs, & traditions.

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Reading, Social Studies, and Science curricula enhanced with field trips, including:

• a live performance at a theater

• Cranbrook Institute of Science

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• Classroom holiday celebrations

• Student of the Week

• Frequent & open communication between teacher & parents

• Whole group, small group, and individual instruction

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Core Curriculum & Activities

Daily

• Catholic Religion

• Mathematics

• Language Arts

• Science

• Social Studies

• Writing

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Weekly

• Computer Class, emphasizing practical use of Microsoft Word

• Art

• Spanish

• Physical Education

• Music

• Library

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Faith-Based Activities

• Weekly Mass

• Mass ‘Buddies’ with a 5th grade student

• Seasonal Devotions

• Jesus Adoration Club

• Family Mass

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Extracurricular Activities

• Winter Intramural Basketball & Cheer

• Summer T-Ball / Coach Pitch

• Chess Club

• Engineering Club

• Drama Club

• S.T.E.A.M.

• Young Rembrants

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Homework

Homework is viewed as an opportunity to reinforce newly-mastered skills and more fully absorb knowledge presented during the school day.  Students can anticipate an average of 10-15 minutes of work per evening per grade level.

• Students can anticipate an average of 10-15 minutes of work per evening per grade level.

• If there is an evening of “no homework”, we suggest home reinforcement of basic skills, such as reading and math.

• Guidelines for each grade level and ideas for reinforcement opportunities are communicated at the beginning of the school year.

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Communication

Parents tell us that they appreciate the quick response and many ways we stay in touch as we partner in your child’s growth.

We welcome your phone call, e-mail, or notes about daily happenings or specific concerns.

• “The Window” carries the weekly school newsletter, flyers for special events and information about school, parish, and community activities.

• has the handbook, upcoming meetings and events, contact information, and useful links.

• Additional informational resources are provided regularly.

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Opportunities for Family Involvement

• Assist with daily lunch periods/recess

• Assist in classroom activities

• Attend & participate in a Field Trip

• Provide review and enrichment activities for skills learned throughout the school day at home

• And many, many more!