First Grade Newsletter

Welcome to First Grade!

Below you will find important information such as updates, field trips, special events, etc. that will occur each month.

First Grade Team:

Ms. Neese, Mrs. Earhart, Ms. Barrientos, Ms. Shirley, Ms. Weir, Ms. Kee, Ms. Gonzalez

At Home Resources

Below are additional resources that you can use at home with your student. They are not required, but can help reinforce the skills and standards that your child is learning at school.

VALLSS Literacy practice

Tang Math Games

At the top of the screen, you can also click on the activities drop down menu to access puzzles and challenges.

First Grade Wishlist

If you would like to donate to the first grade team, below are some items that would help!

tissues
hand sanitizer
disinfectant wipes
Books written in Spanish

Additional Information:

Recess:

Please make sure that your child is wearing weather-appropriate clothing as we will go outside everyday as weather permits.

Attendance:

It is imperative that students are here at school everyday. If your child is sick and will not be at school, please contact your child's teacher and/or the front office to let them know.

How to Understand Your Student's Report Card

At the end of each quarter, you will receive a digital copy of your student's report card. Click on the link above for a more detailed explanation on how to read and understand what it means!

Calendar Updates

Calendars will be updated as new information and events are planned.

Brandi Shirley

Ms. Brandi Shirley is the MCL (Multi Classroom Leader) for first grade this year. This means that she will be working with all first grade classrooms. Ms. Shirley's vision is to foster the love of learning and teaching for students and teacher alike. Through professional development, coaching, and modeling, her goal is to strengthen the content knowledge and instructional practices of teachers to reach their highest potential. Providing this support will increase student academic achievements and provide consistent instruction for higher student outcomes.

First Grade Dual Language Immersion (DLI)

This year, Ms. Weir and Ms. Barrientos will teach the two dual language immersion classes in first grade. Ms. Weir will be teaching Language Arts (reading, writing, and phonics) and Social Studies in English while Ms. Barrientos will teach Math, Science, and parts of Language Arts in Spanish.

We are very excited to be teaching dual language while helping students to learn and grow this year!

Ms. Weir

I am so excited to start the new dual language program here at John Kerr! First grade is my passion and I love being able to help students learn and grow each day. I graduated from Shenandoah University and I am going into my 7th year teaching here at John Kerr.

Ms. Barrientos

Hello! I'm so excited to begin this new school year with all of you. Get ready to learn lots of Spanish! I graduated from Universidad de La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia, and this is my fifth year teaching elementary school. I can't wait to learn and grow together this year!

WPS Dual Language Immersion

Click on the button above to learn more about the dual language instruction (DLI) in Winchester Public Schools.

Meet the Rest of the First Grade Team!

The First Grade Team is excited to work with your young scholars and give them the instruction and skills needed to progress through the rest of their academic careers!

Mrs. Earhart

I am so excited to be teaching first grade here at John Kerr! I went to Longwood College and am in my 29th year of teaching with 25 of those years here at John Kerr. I have taught all grades Kindergarten - Fifth. I am also a John Kerr graduate! Coming back to teach at the school I went to feels like coming home! I am married and have two sons, as well as goats and a Chocolate Labrador!

Ms. Kee

My name is Ms. Kee and I am so excited to continue my teaching career in first grade at John Kerr Elementary School. I am a Handley High School and Shenandoah University graduate. This is my fifth year teaching first grade and I can't wait to see all of the growth our students make this year!

Ms. Neese

Hello! My name is Nylah Neese, and I am excited to be joining the first grade team this year. I graduated from James Madison University in December and recently had the opportunity to serve as a long-term substitute teacher here at John Kerr. Although this is my first year as a classroom teacher, I am thrilled to already recognize so many familiar faces!

I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of learning, and I look forward to getting to know each of my students and partnering with their families for a wonderful year together.

Ms. Gonzalez

My name is Ms. Gonzalez and I am so excited to continue teaching our first grade language learners at John Kerr! I am from Chile and am happy to continue teaching here in Winchester. This is my third year working at John Kerr through the Participate Learning program! My goal is to help students increase their English language proficiency while building their confidence!

What are we learning this quarter?

Math:

In math in quarter 1, students will learn the following standards:

*1.PS.1c-g: The student will apply the data cycle (pose questions, collect or acquire data, organize and represent data, and analyze data and communicate results) with a focus on objects, graphs, picture graphs, and tables.

*1.MG.3ghi: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the calendar.

*1PFA.1a: The student will identify and describe repeating patterns using various representations.

*1.NS.1abe: The student will utilize flexible counting strategies to determine and describe quantities up to 30.

*1.CE.1acefhi: The student will recall with automaticity addition and subtraction facts within 10 and represent, solve, and justify solutions to single-step problems, including those in context, using addition and subtractions with whole numbers within 20.

Language Arts:

In language arts, students will be using Bookworms, a comprehensive curriculum for reading and writing. The writing focus will be on different styles of writing such as informational and opinion. Students will also continue their work on the foundations for building stamina to become fluent readers.

Social Studies:

First grade will alternate science and social studies units. In the first quarter, students will learn about citizenship and the importance of the flag.

Science:

First grade will alternate science and social studies units. In the first quarter, students will learn about the season summer, matter, and Sun/Earth relationship.

Math Resources

The following is a list of math resources that students and families can use to practice and reinforce math skills at home. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DvFoq7yd48HOG5Eq1dba5bTMKJC7_JgWOADkF5xKPDg/edit?usp=sharing

Greg Tang Math:

Greg Tang Math is an online resource where students can reinforce math skills taught in the classroom. tangmath.com

Math Learning Center

Click on the button above to access more math learning resources.

Language Arts

It is imperative that students are exposed to reading and writing everyday. Please encourage your child by reading to them or having them read a book to you that is on their level.

Also, by the end of first grade, it is the goal that students will be able to read the 109 power words listed below. As the year progresses, encourage your child to practice reading and writing these words at home.

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Q1 Power Words Parent Letter.pdf

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Parent Volunteers and Chaperones:

If a parent or guardian would like to be a volunteer for school events or chaperone field trips, they must be on the approved Winchester Public Schools chaperone/volunteer list. If you are interested in applying to be put on this list, please reach out to your child's teacher.

First Grade Newsletter