Reading:

We continue to use the same very successful approach to literacy in First Grade as in Kindergarten. This Balanced Reading approach, which is followed daily, incorporates group and individual reading lessons.

The following literacy lessons and reading activities are taught separately and also integrated into our themes.

At the end of First Grade every child will be able to:

• Use independent reading strategies (re-reading, predicting, questioning, making connections) to overcome obstacles with comprehension
• Read and retell familiar stories
• Read out loud with reasonable fluency (about 45 wpm)
• Use letter-sound associations, word parts and context to identify new words
• Identify short vowel, long vowel and r-controlled vowel sounds
• Match consonant sounds to their appropriate letters
• Recognize and produce rhyming words
• Read simple one- and two-syllable words, like cat and begin
• Read high-frequency (100 to 150) words such as was and the
• Recognize that words are separated by spaces
• Read aloud first-grade books with accuracy and under- standing
• Be able to retell a story; stating beginning, middle and end
• Begin to read aloud with expression and pausing at appropriate spots in the text
• Use two-letter consonant blends and diagraphs to decode and spell single-syllable words such as sh and bl
• Use word patterns to decode unfamiliar words
• Understand and use for spelling “word families”
• Identify characters, setting and events of a story

Writing:

Students will learn about the mechanics of writing, which means spelling and punctuation, and teachers will focus on writing techniques and strategies. Children will learn how to write using the following steps:

• Prewriting
• Drafting
• Revising
• Editing
• Publishing
• Sharing

Write a simple story with:

• A beginning, middle and end
• Descriptive phrases
• Correct punctuation
  (periods, commas, quotation marks, question marks, exclamation point)
• Correct grammar

Handwriting:

In order to provide consistency for the children, we follow Loudoun County Public Schools in using D’Nealian handwriting script.

Spelling:

First Grade will approach Spelling as a formal subject. At the end of First Grade every child will be able to:

• Spell consonant-vowel-consonant words like hop
• Spell words with an r after a vowel (for example, turn)
• Spell common high frequency sight words such as red and was
• Spell words with a silent e, like tape
• Spell consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant words, in- cluding back, ring, and mall
• Spell theme-related words

Math:

First-graders continue to learn mathematics on many fronts, including computation, numbers, measurement, patterns, shapes, fractions, data analysis and money.

Computation

• Know addition facts up to 20
• Know subtraction facts (without regrouping) from 20
• Be able to perform addition problems to 20
• Be able to perform subtraction problems from 20
• Set up and solve word problems
• Move away from using “manipulatives” or counters

Numbers

• Can count to 150 starting from any number
• Counts by 2s, 5s, 10s
• Understands concepts and symbols: greater than (>), fewer than (<), equal to (=), add (+), subtract (-)
• Understands place value to the hundreds
• Whole numbers and fractions

Measurement

• Uses standard measurement: inch, foot, yard, mile
• Understands terms such as length, depth, width
• Understands volume, capacity and density
• Tells time to the ¼ hour
• Understands cooking measurements such as ounces, tea spoons, and cups

Patterns

• Can construct, describe and extend repeating patterns
• Can compare repeating patterns

Shapes

• Can identify and name 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional objects
• Understands characteristics of both 2D and 3D objects
• Uses the correct vocabulary to describe both 2D and 3D objects
• Can recognize these shapes in the world around him

Fractions

• Can recognize fractions 1/2, 1/4 and 1/3
• Understands and can write fractions 1/2, 1/4 and 1/3

Money

• Can recognize a penny, nickel, dime, quarter
• Knows value of a penny, nickel, dime, quarter
• Can determine the value of a group of coins up to $1.00
• Can give change from a nickel, dime, quarter, or $1.00 bill

Data Analysis

• Sorts and classifies using various attributes, both physical and non-physical
• Understands, uses and creates graphs, tallies and Venn Diagrams

Science:

Through hands-on activities, students will explore and investigate a broad variety of scientific topics. They will identify both plant and animal life cycles and characteristics necessary for life. They will observe and predict seasonal changes. Students will understand the sun is a source of heat and observe the effect of heat on our planet. The children will investigate force and motion. They will also experiment with liquids and solids through dissolving activities.

Social Studies:

Through stories, investigations and in-depth class studies, students will become aware of people in our American past. They will identify our current president as well as the people and events honored by national holidays. Children learn about being a good citizen. Children will use simple maps and globes to locate land, water and certain important cities. Students will also learn about consumer society and the difference between needs and wants.

Music:

Golden Pond School provides each child with an introduction to music in a developmentally appropriate manner. Our music will emphasize melody, beat, rhythmic and melodic patterns, and notation.

Spanish:

Golden Pond School provides a fun and educational introduction to Spanish on a daily basis. Our focus is to make our students comfortable with the language while playing kinetic games, singing silly songs, and reading interactive books. This exposure to Spanish lays an excellent foundation at an early age that will help each child succeed if he has the opportunity to expand his Spanish knowledge in the future.

Art:

The Art program at Golden Pond School is based upon the philosophy that it is the process, not the product. We will emphasize primary and secondary colors, detail, shapes, famous artists, and art as communication. We introduce skills and topics that are age appropriate and correspond with First Grade themes, but first and foremost, we encourage each child to stretch her creativity and imagination and to have fun. The children work with many different mediums and are introduced to such topics as abstract art, self-portraits, painting and working three-dimensionally.

We request that new families interested in admission make an appointment for a tour of the school. As a parent, you have the opportunity to see our school environment and receive the admissions information package. We accept new student applications along with the Program Request Form and the non-refundable application fee at the end of the tour. At this time, we request to see your child’s birth certificate or passport. New students will be required to submit information from their previous schools. We will also administer the end of the year PALS test to all applicants and observe applicants in a Kindergarten classroom. All information collected is considered before placement is offered. We mail notification of acceptance and placement for Fall admission by mid-March along with an acceptance contract. Applications for admission received during the current school year are acted upon promptly based on availability. Following acceptance, parents must submit the completed enrollment contract along with a deposit of 10% of the annual tuition. This completes the admissions process.

Once admitted, we provide an enrollment package containing all forms and required submissions. Prior to the first day of school, we must receive your completed Health Information Form (including an immunization record).

For currently-enrolled Golden Pond School students, re-admission for the upcoming Fall school year begins immediately following January parent-teacher conferences. Current student re-enrollment is considered before beginning the admissions process for new students. Updated forms, including the annual Health Information Form, are required prior to the first day of school.

Back To School Night

A few weeks after school starts, parents are invited to a Back-to-School Night and Wine & Cheese Social. This an opportunity for parents to learn more about the First Grade curriculum and plans for the upcoming school year. Additionally, this is an opportunity for parents to meet and socialize with one another.

Birthdays

The celebration of children’s birthdays will be directed by the classroom teacher. Children are invited to celebrate their birthdays at school by sharing their favorite book. In addition, your child is welcome to bring a “nutritious, nut-free, finger treat” in celebration of their birthday. Birthday treats should be individual pieces and require no teacher preparation. Golden Pond is a ‘NUT-FREE’ school and therefore is unable to serve any food items brought in that are labeled as “contains” or “may contain” nuts, or “processed on equipment..” A list of ingredients must accompany all food coming into the school. Please notify your child’s teacher in advance and send in any treats the morning of the celebration. Parents are always welcome to attend their child’s birthday celebration. Invitations to parties may not be distributed at school unless they are being given to an entire class.

Book Orders

Scholastic Book Orders are sent out about once a month. Buying books is optional. We choose to make it available to you because your purchases help us build our classroom library!

Calendar

Golden Pond School’s calendar generally follows the Loudoun County School calendar. First Grade children do not attend on days when county schools are closed. Our Extended Day program also follows county school closings. Because our program is full day, there may be a few additional days of closure. Such days are specified on the school calendar which is distributed in the summer before school begins.

Communication

The best way to communicate with us is with a note or through email. You may also call the school and leave a message for the teachers. We send newsletters and notes home in backpacks and/or through email. Please get in the good habit of checking your emails and emptying out your child’s book bag every night and checking for notes, papers and newsletters. Also, there will be times set aside for conferences. If you would like a conference at a time other than the scheduled conferences, feel free to write a note and we will schedule one for you. We look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Discipline

When considering discipline, our philosophy is that each day is a new day. Our focus is to teach the appropriate behavior and positively reinforce each child. To provide for the safety of all children and development of children’s self-discipline, teachers maintain daily routines and set limits for each age group. These routines and limits are frequently discussed and defined with the children. Children are given opportunities to make choices or are redirected regarding their behavior. Our teachers encourage discussions about problem-solving strategies. When children fail to meet expectations for appropriate behavior we use natural as well as logical consequences to allow them to understand the effect of an inappropriate decision.

Golden Pond School does not use corporal punishment nor do we use punishments that shame, frighten or humiliate. We will not use harsh or profane language nor will we use threats promising physical punishment.

In the event the above discipline techniques do not produce the desired outcome, we will then arrange a conference with the parents, the teacher and the Head of School so we can work together to develop alternative strategies to use at school and/or at home. We may also recommend outside consultation using appropriate professionals in the community.

Field Trips

We give the children at Golden Pond School on a monthly basis the opportunity to visit various places of educational interest in the Washington area to enrich their classroom themes.

Our First Graders also visit the library every other week to checkout books. The field trips are taken in Golden Pond School buses under the supervision of teachers and parent chaperones. Parental permission is required before any first grader is taken on a field trip.

Homework

In First Grade, your child will be asked to read for 20 minutes every night. In addition to reading, there will be various family projects in order to get everyone involved in your child’s education. The students always enjoy sharing these projects with the class when they are complete.

Manners

Good manners are expected at school. Please reinforce these at home. Students should call their teacher by her name, not “teacher”. Teachers do not like to be poked or have their clothing tugged on. If a child needs something, s/he should raise her/his hand, not call out. Students do not interrupt adults that are talking unless it is an emergency.

Meals and Snacks

Golden Pond School provides nutritious lunches and snacks. Our meals meet or exceed all USDA requirements. We post monthly menus for parents to view and they are available to print from our website www.goldenpondschool.com. Children eat in their classrooms and are given the opportunity to help set up, serve and clean up at meal times. Golden Pond School provides morning snack and lunch for all First Grade children. Students may also opt to pack a healthy lunch. Please remember that GPS is a ‘NUT-FREE’ school. Breakfast snack and afternoon snack are provided to children enrolled in the Extended Day Program. Teachers encourage good manners and eating habits. If your child has a special diet requirement or food allergy, please notify the Head of School in writing.

Medicine

Golden Pond School adheres to the Virginia DSS Licensing Standards regarding providing medication to children. Due to changes in these rules and regulations effective June 25, 2007, Golden Pond School will only administer emergency medications, such as but not limited to albuterol, glucagon or Epipens. In addition, Golden Pond School will only administer over-the-counter topical skin gel, cream or ointment.

Emergency medication or over-the-counter topical creams must:

• Be in its original container (bearing the pharmacist’s label if it is prescribed).
• Have the child’s first and last names written on the con- tainer in permanent marker, but make sure it does not cover the dosage information.
• Have a valid expiration date
• Be accompanied by a completed Written Medication Consent Form

Emergency prescription medication must be accompanied by the doctor’s dosage instructions and signature on the Written Medication Consent Form. A long-term medication must have a Written Medication Consent Form updated at least every 12 months. You must bring a plastic syringe, calibrated spoon, calibrated dropper or other appropriate medication dispenser that specifies the exact dosage necessary for your child. Your child’s name must be on the dispensing device. We suggest you put the medication and dispensing device in a zip-lock bag. Never put medicine in your child’s backpack. Medication must be brought to the school’s front office and is accepted only by administrative staff along with the completed Written Medication Consent Form. Turn in this form with the medication to the front desk or with someone on the administrative team.

Outdoor Play

The children are expected to play outdoors daily (minimum of 30 minutes), weather permitting and based on the Head of School’s judgment. If your child is well enough to attend the program, then he/she will be expected to participate during play outside during the designated time. Please supply your children with appropriate seasonal clothing each day. Please remember - we plan to go outside every day (unless below 32º F), so please keep your child at home if he/she is ill, as all staff members need to be outside to maintain the required staff/child ratio. Occasionally we take the children out for a 5 minute break if conditions are favorable but the temperature is under 32º.

Parent Handbook

Our parent handbook is given to all parents upon registration for First Grade and provides answers to questions regarding medication, snow, injury, school safety, discipline, holidays and confidentiality policies. Please look for your Parent Handbook in your registration packet.

Parental Involvement/ Volunteers

We encourage parents to get involved in the classroom. Volunteering is a great way to get to know our school, make friends and feel a part of our school community. Also, we welcome you to come learn with us any time.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Conferences are scheduled throughout the school year so that you and the teacher may share information and plan educational goals for your child. Parent-teacher communication is an important component in the educational process. These conferences are a crucial step in planning together for your child’s education.

Personal Conduct Standard

At GPS, we expect our students to always conduct themselves in a manner that is courteous and respectful to the staff and each other. Students are to treat their teachers and fellow classmates with kindness and compassion. They are also expected to be respectful of school property and classroom resources. Any student who consistently violates this Standard of Conduct may be counseled, temporarily suspended or permanently terminated from the school.

Student Non-discrimination Policy

Golden Pond School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It is the policy of Golden Pond School not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment and general policies.

Uniforms

Students are to wear the school uniform every day and for all school activities, unless otherwise directed. The administration is the final authority in the interpretation of extreme styles and any other uniform or dress code violations.

• Please label all clothing items with first and last name.
• Clothes should be comfortable (loose fitting and easily manageable for the child). The length of all shorts, skorts, skirts and jumpers should be from the top of the knee to no higher than 4" above the top of the knee.
• Shoes should be sensible, durable, with laces, buckles or Velcro. Shoes must be properly tied/fixed. No more than two predominate colors (white, blue, black or brown) with conservative solid matching laces. Patterns, lights, etc. are not permitted for school. Soles cannot be higher than a half inch. No slip-ons or slippers permitted.
• Mittens and hats are essential in cold weather and, if possible, should be attached to coats.
• Tight belts, overalls, leotards and pants with difficult snaps and buttons are especially hard for children to manage independently.

We request that parents provide an extra set of clothing (shirt, pants, socks and underwear) for each child.

Water Bottles

During the school year, it is okay if your child brings a water bottle to school. Please be sure to label the bottle with your child’s name. It would be a good idea to put a clean cotton sock over the outside of the water bottle so it doesn’t “sweat” and make a puddle.

  Establish a bedtime schedule, which ensures that your child will have at least 10-12 hours of sleep a night.

  Emphasize that school is a good experience and that what he or she is doing there is important.

  Listen to your child and show interest in what is being said.

  Teach good health and safety habits.

  Give your child some responsibilities such as putting away toys at clean-up time.

  Screen television programs and plan family activities.

  Make sure that your child arrives on time.

  Always be positive! The early years are so important to building healthy self-esteem.

Together we can build a bright future for your child. Please let us know if we can be of assistance in answering any further questions.