Welcome to First Grade!

Dear First Grade Falcon Families,

Welcome to the new Cascade Heights school year 2012-2013! I am excited to be your child's teacher and I know we will have a wonderful time together. Here are a few details to help the transition to first grade at Cascade Heights:

1. First Day of School: Our first day of school for First Grade is Wednesday, September 5th. Doors open to our classroom at 7:45 a.m. each morning. Students should arrive in our classroom at least 5 minutes early each morning to prepare for our school day which begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. You may walk your child to class but please remember that I am greeting children and preparing to begin our day together. This is generally not a good time to ask me about your child's progress. I am happy to schedule private appointments or phone calls. School ends at 3:30 p.m.

2. School Uniforms: Students are expected to be in full uniform for their first day of school. (Navy blue bottoms and a white collared shirt; black, brown, navy blue, or white shoes. A fire engine red sweater, vest or sweatshirt is optional.) A VERY detailed uniform code is available on our website. Our PTA offers a uniform resale as well. Each piece is $3.00 and there is a full inventory of very nice uniforms in all sizes! Please shop the PTA FIRST to benefit our school. Dennis Uniform and Land's End both have Cascade Heights registered uniforms. You may also purchase pieces from any local department or thrift store.

3. Hygiene: You can help with the details of appropriate hygiene by refreshing your child's memory on thorough hand washing, proper toileting procedures, use of a tissue when they blow their nose, as well as the importance of keeping their hands away from their nose and mouth at all times. This is not only good hygiene but helps keep little and big illnesses at a minimum.

4. Head lice: They can also be an issue! All children are checked for head lice on the first day of school and periodically throughout the year. Please be vigilant about these nasty little pests and notify the school immediately if you find them on your child's head. If you are not familiar with head lice, please visit any website on the subject to become informed.

5. Healthy Snacks: Our healthy snack policy is one reason many families love Cascade Heights! A fresh bottle of water and snacks like celery and peanut butter, pretzels, whole wheat crackers, low sugar, low fat yogurt, fresh vegetables, or fruit will help little minds and bodies work their best. We also strive to be "zero-waste" which means we do not impact the environment by throwing away packaging each day. A cloth sandwich wrapper rather than a Ziploc bag, a permanent water bottle that can be washed each day rather than disposable water bottles, Tupperware-type containers that can be recycled rather than "open and toss." Reusable containers are most desirable. We study the importance of protecting our earth and we want to practice what we teach. In first grade, we have a morning snack, lunch, and then an option for an afternoon snack during recess. Please pack accordingly; we work and play hard and need lots of nutritious food!

6. Get to Know You Tea: The PTA is hosting a “Get to Know You Tea” on Tuesday, September 4th from 12:00-2:00 p.m., which will be a great chance to drop off your supplies and see our classroom.

7. Back To School Night: Mark your calenders! Back to School Night is Thursday, September 6th from 6:30-8:00 PM. Two half hour sessions in classrooms are offered for parents with more than one child. This event is an important time to come and learn about the classroom procedures, rules, policies, and general schedule. I will also have sign-up sheets available for fall conferences. Those who are here will get first pick! Please also take the time to stop and say hello to our specialists and visit our new Science room.

8. Volunteer Training: Volunteer training is required for everyone who would like to be in the classroom or chaperone on field trips this year. In addition to the Praesidium online training, if you are interested in driving on field trips, you must submit a copy of your current automobile insurance and driver's license to the main office along with your application. Motor Vehicle checks are done each year and the cost is $9.00. Background checks are done every three years and the cost is $18.50. Please take care of this right away. Sometimes a driver cancels at the last minute and we cannot replace them because there is no one with a cleared background and/or motor vehicle check. In this case the field trip would have to be canceled.

I look forward to seeing you at the Get to Know You Tea and Back to School Night.

Best,

Mrs. Varis