Welcome to First Grade!

Dear First Grade Falcon Families,

Welcome to the new Cascade Heights school year 2013-2014! I am excited to be your child's teacher and I know we will have a wonderful time together learning throughout the year and getting ready for second grade.  Here are a few details to help the transition to first grade at Cascade Heights:

1. Supplies Drop-Off: You are welcome to come to the first grade classroom on Tuesday, September 3rd from 2:00-3:00 p.m. to drop off school supplies.  If you cannot make it on Tuesday, please send your student to school with their supplies on the first day of school.

2. First Day of School: Our first day of school for First Grade is Wednesday, September 4th. 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. and ends at 3:30 p.m.  You may walk your child down to first grade and help them get settled before school begins.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. Back To School Night: Mark your calendars! Back to School Night is Thursday, September 5th from 6:30-7:30 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 look forward to meeting you and your student!

Best,

Mrs. Varis