What I expect from my first grade scholars

Here are some of the BIG IDEAS that my scholars will show in our classroom this year.  What I expect are scholars who come to school curious about what we are learning, have kind manners and a friendly attitude towards others, and show that they care by checking their work and behaving appropriately for a learning community.

First grade scholars are friendly, curious, and careful.

First grade scholars are problem solvers who always try their best.

First grade scholars sometimes work by themselves, and sometimes work together in a team.

When first grade scholars work in a team, they take turns listening to each other and sharing ideas.

First grade scholars can find more than one way to solve problems and explain their strategies.

First grade scholars know that mistakes can help them learn.

First grade scholars feel proud of themselves and their classmates.

Welcome to the 2014-2015 School Year!

Dear 1st Grade GATE Families,

         Welcome to an exciting new school year at Ethan Allen!  My name is Mrs. Smith and I will be your child's teacher this year.  I enjoyed meeting many of you already and I have heard such nice things about this group of scholars.

         I would like to tell you a little about myself.  This is my 8th year of teaching, and I absolutely love it!  Working with gifted children is a very rewarding job.  Each day is exciting and interesting for both my scholars and for me.  When I am not teaching I love spending time with my son Sebastian, playing with my three dogs, and reading.

         I am so thankful to be a part of such an amazing school.  If you are new to Ethan Allen you are in for a treat.  This school is filled with the most wonderful students and teachers imaginable.  Everyone works hard, and we also have many fun celebrations and activities.  One nice thing about our class is that all of the scholars are new to GATE and many of the children are also new to our school, so everyone will be making lots of new friends.

         Since you know your child better than anyone, I would like to ask you to write me a short letter telling me a little about them.  Does your child have a special talent or interest?  What do you feel they will need the most help with this year?  Was there a particular moment when you realized that your child was gifted?  Is there anything important about your child that I should know?  I appreciate you taking the time to write this letter.  You can email it to me or your child can bring it on the first day of school, which is Tuesday, September 2.

If you didn’t have a chance to attend GATE bridge, Jump Start is a great chance to have your questions answered and for your child to meet some of their classmates.  Jump Start will be on Friday, August 29 at 11:30 in the Ethan Allen MPR. Unfortunately I won’t be able to attend, but our fantastic 2^nd Grade GATE teachers will be there to welcome your child and show them around.

         In the meantime, feel free to visit my classroom blog at www.ethanallenscholars.blogspot.com.  My blog contains a calendar of important events as well as photos and descriptions of some of last year's work.  It can help give you an idea of what to expect during this exciting new school year.

                                                               Sincerely,

                                                               Mrs. Smith

                                                               lgravessmith@ggusd.us