• I dreamed I stood in a studio

    And watched two sculptors there.
    The clay they used was a young child’s mind,
    And they fashioned it with care.
    One was a teacher – the tools she used
    Were books, music and art.
    The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand;
    And a gentle, loving heart.
    Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch
    That was deft and sure.
    While the parent labored by her side
    And polished and smoothed it o’er.
    and when at last their task was done,
    They were proud of what they had wrought,
    For the things they had molded into the child
    Could neither be sold or bought.
    And each agreed they would have failed 
    If each had worked alone.
    For behind the parent stood the school

    And behind the teacher, the home.

    ~Author Unknown  

     

     

     

    Dear Parents/Guardians,

    Welcome to the 2018-19 school year!  I am very excited to have your child in my class.  I am looking forward to a successful year working with them and with you.  In order to start the year smoothly I would like to take this opportunity to share some information about my class.

    Reading/Language Arts- We will be using the reading series and other supplemental materials in Reading.  Grammar and Phonics will be incorporated with Reading each week.

    Word Study- There will be weekly Spelling tests on Fridays unless otherwise notified.  The words on the test will be assigned the first day of each week.  More information will be sent regarding word study after PALS testing has been completed.

    Math- We will begin the year with a review, then quickly move into first grade skills.  Your child will take an SOL Checkpoint Test upon completion of a skill.

    Science/Social Studies- Each nine weeks will be divided between these two subjects. These subjects will be taught in compliance with the state Standards of Learning.  We will be using many hands-on activities.

    Homework- Homework for your child will be a reinforcement of class work and will be assigned on a daily basis.  Your child’s homework assignments will be sent home at the beginning of the week on my weekly newsletter.  Please check that all assignments are completed each night, and initial at their completion.  In addition to nightly homework I am requesting that students read 20 minutes per night.

    Signed Papers- Graded work your child has done during the week will be sent home.  Please review any papers your student had trouble with.  Please date and sign the sheet attached to the folder and return only the folder to school the next day.  

    Newsletter- I will be sending home a weekly newsletter.  It will come home on Monday and will include information on each subject for the week, homework, and other important information and reminders.  Please read this each week.

    I will communicate often about classroom happenings, your student’s progress, school events and other activities.  If you ever need to talk to me, please call or send an email (562-3007 or sheilabaker@southampton.k12.va.us).  Let’s get ready for a great year!  Thank you for your support.

    Mrs. Baker