First Grade Disclosure
2023-2024
Cherie Sorensen: Room 164
Pearline Ninow: Room 146
Daphne Marchant: Room 147
Grade Level Description: First grade is such an important transition year; it sets the foundation for future learning. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for children to acquire literacy and to learn to problem solve. Socialization is also an integral part of first grade. We want kids to fall in love with learning, feel secure to share thoughts and ideas, get along well with others as well as make and keep friends, and develop skills to make them self-directed learners. Highland Park also strives to integrate the arts into all areas of the curriculum.
Grade Level Goals and Objectives:
The Utah Core Standards outline standards of learning that are essential for all students at each elementary grade level. The curriculum includes ideas, concepts, and skills to provide a foundation on which subsequent learning may be built. The curriculum for each grade level can also be accessed on the Salt Lake School District’s website at https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1689891627/slcschoolsorg/tzrjnysssnfgrwz7wp4c/1G_LearningGuide_ENG.pdf.
Instructional Materials and Practices:
Math: Highland Park has adopted the Eureka Math program. This program is a hands on approach which encourages deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. It is designed to meet the needs of all learners. Math homework will be sent home in the homework folder. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding mathematical concepts.
Reading: Highland Park has adopted the McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders program and the 95 Phonics Core Program. We will teach your child strategies to help him/her become a good reader. Young readers need a lot of practice. Research shows reading regularly at home improves reading skills. Please read with your child every night and record the days read on the school wide reading calendar. During school we use varied types of reading experiences including whole group instruction, guided reading in small groups, read alouds, shared reading, and poetry. We use wonderful, authentic literature throughout the day in all these areas.
Writing: Each day students will participate in writing instruction. This includes composition, which is working on crafting the art of writing. It also includes conventions, such as: spacing, capital letters, penmanship, and punctuation, etc. Lessons focus on teaching the writing process which includes writing a first draft, as well as revising, editing, and publishing various pieces of writing.
Spelling: Each week students will study spelling patterns. They will learn specific strategies to help themselves spell. These include: 1. Saying the word slowly so you can hear every sound 2. Write what you hear first, next, then, and last. 3. Think about how the word looks. 4. Clap the syllables so you can hear every part. 5. Think about the patterns in the word. 6. Think of another word with the same pattern. Please remember that spelling is a developmental process. These strategies are taught in this order to match this process. We want students to spell phonetically as they move to a more conventional way of spelling. Please do not spell for them or overly correct spelling errors. Students need to progress through these stages in order to become more strategic spellers.
English Language Learners (ELL): ELL Wonders Curriculum
Science: Mystery Science
Other Content: This encompasses Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, and P.E.
If you would like to view the instructional materials being used in the school/classroom, please contact your child’s teacher to set up an appointment.
Helpful Tips:
Because first grade can be a challenging transition, it would help your child become more independent as well as build safety and self-confidence if you could work with him/ her on the following:
Your child will need to memorize his or her student number. Please work on that at home with your child. The child will need to be able to punch the number into a keyboard. The teacher will provide the number to you. (If your child attended kindergarten in Salt Lake District, the number is the same as last year.) Students will need this number every day so it is imperative your child learn it.
If your child orders school lunch, you can pay online, or send money to school with your child. It is easier for your child (as well as for us) if you pay online. If you send money, please put it in an envelope or baggie labeled with your child’s name so we can make sure it is credited to the correct account.
School Hours: M-Th 8:40-3:15 Friday and Short Days 8:40-1:40
First graders should enter and exit the building through the first grade door located on the east side of the building. For safety reasons, all grade levels are assigned to designated hallways for entering and exiting the building. If your first grader needs to meet a sibling or daycare provider after school, please plan an outdoor meeting place. A good place is the flagpole located in the front of the building, outside the first grade doors, or the playground in back.
Breakfast is served from 8:15-8:30. Students need to stay in the cafeteria until the first bell or exit on the playground. No children are allowed in the hallway before the first bell. Please check the school handbook for inclement weather procedures.
Students will be outside for recess every day unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or the air quality is red. Please make sure students are prepared. Students need to wear appropriate clothes and shoes to ensure safety and comfort while playing at recess. Flip flops are not allowed. Students also need be able to manage shoes, boots, coats, etc. independently. Please help them practice as needed.
If your child is going to be absent, please contact the office directly at 801-481-4833 to report the absence. A quick email to the teacher is also appreciated. Please remember that every day your child is not in school is a loss of instructional time and impacts your child’s learning.
All visitors need to wear a visitor badge. Please check in with the office before you volunteer or visit the classroom.
Behavior Plan:
Refer to the school handbook for Highland Park’s school wide rules, which includes our School Wide Expectations of Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Ready. Please read them over carefully with your student. Children are more successful when they know what behavior is expected. Along with rules and expectations, there are consequences as well as rewards in regards to behavior choices. For major infractions students could have any of the following consequences: Office Referral, Tracking Slips, Loss of Activity, Parent Conferences or In/Out of School Suspension. In addition to school wide rules, each classroom has its own set of expectations that foster learning and respect. Please check out the Toy and Electronics Policy in the Parent Handbook. All toys should remain at home. Students can have a cell phone but it needs to be turned off during the day.
Grading Procedures:
Clear standards and expectations are established for all students in first grade. To be on grade level, students are expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge for the information that has been taught with minimal assistance from the teacher. First graders are formally assessed using the Acadience test, which is used to determine competence in letter identification, phonemic awareness as well as oral reading fluency, and in math. The students are assessed in the fall, winter, and spring. Math and Language Arts benchmarks are given throughout the year. Ongoing, informal assessments occur continually to assist teachers in planning for the needs of all students.
First Grade “Specials” Schedule:
First graders get to participate in P.E., Art, Music, Dance, Library, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Dance, Art, and SEL will each be one trimester, and all other specials will continue all year long.
Parent and Teacher Communication:
Communication is crucial to school success. Please contact your child’s teacher with any concerns or questions regarding your child’s education. The school’s telephone number is 481-4833. Each teacher has a different extension:
Cherie Sorensen: #1640
Pearline Ninow: #1460
Daphne Marchant: #1470
Please know we usually cannot answer the phone during school hours. We will return your call after school. Contact the office directly for emergencies or for time sensitive matters. The extension for the office is “0”.You can also email your child’s teacher. This allows for a more detailed message regarding questions or concerns. Highland Park also has a website with more information regarding our school as well as individual classrooms. If your message is time sensitive, please call the office as we may not have a chance to check voicemail or email until after school.
Cherie Sorensen: [email protected]
Pearline Ninow: [email protected]
Daphne Marchant: [email protected]
The keys to success for being
a first grader!
I will . . .
Go to bed on time.
Eat my breakfast and lunch so my brain can think.
Come to school ready to listen and learn.
Bring my homework and backpack to and from school every day.
Listen to my parents and teachers.
Dress for the weather so I have fun and stay healthy.
Follow my classroom and school rules so everyone is safe, happy, and learning.
Show respect towards adults at school and home.
Be responsible and accountable for my choices.
Talk to my teacher when something is wrong or when I have questions.
Turn off the T.V. and video games more often so my brain doesn’t turn to mush.
Read every single night because books are the best adventure I can have.
Remember that learning to read is fun but hard work and I won’t give up.
Remind my parents I still love them to read to me.
Have a good attitude and try my best even when it is hard.
Have fun, love learning, make lots of friends, and GROW!
2023-2024
Cherie Sorensen: Room 164
Pearline Ninow: Room 146
Daphne Marchant: Room 147
Grade Level Description: First grade is such an important transition year; it sets the foundation for future learning. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for children to acquire literacy and to learn to problem solve. Socialization is also an integral part of first grade. We want kids to fall in love with learning, feel secure to share thoughts and ideas, get along well with others as well as make and keep friends, and develop skills to make them self-directed learners. Highland Park also strives to integrate the arts into all areas of the curriculum.
Grade Level Goals and Objectives:
The Utah Core Standards outline standards of learning that are essential for all students at each elementary grade level. The curriculum includes ideas, concepts, and skills to provide a foundation on which subsequent learning may be built. The curriculum for each grade level can also be accessed on the Salt Lake School District’s website at https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1689891627/slcschoolsorg/tzrjnysssnfgrwz7wp4c/1G_LearningGuide_ENG.pdf.
Instructional Materials and Practices:
Math: Highland Park has adopted the Eureka Math program. This program is a hands on approach which encourages deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. It is designed to meet the needs of all learners. Math homework will be sent home in the homework folder. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding mathematical concepts.
Reading: Highland Park has adopted the McGraw-Hill Reading Wonders program and the 95 Phonics Core Program. We will teach your child strategies to help him/her become a good reader. Young readers need a lot of practice. Research shows reading regularly at home improves reading skills. Please read with your child every night and record the days read on the school wide reading calendar. During school we use varied types of reading experiences including whole group instruction, guided reading in small groups, read alouds, shared reading, and poetry. We use wonderful, authentic literature throughout the day in all these areas.
Writing: Each day students will participate in writing instruction. This includes composition, which is working on crafting the art of writing. It also includes conventions, such as: spacing, capital letters, penmanship, and punctuation, etc. Lessons focus on teaching the writing process which includes writing a first draft, as well as revising, editing, and publishing various pieces of writing.
Spelling: Each week students will study spelling patterns. They will learn specific strategies to help themselves spell. These include: 1. Saying the word slowly so you can hear every sound 2. Write what you hear first, next, then, and last. 3. Think about how the word looks. 4. Clap the syllables so you can hear every part. 5. Think about the patterns in the word. 6. Think of another word with the same pattern. Please remember that spelling is a developmental process. These strategies are taught in this order to match this process. We want students to spell phonetically as they move to a more conventional way of spelling. Please do not spell for them or overly correct spelling errors. Students need to progress through these stages in order to become more strategic spellers.
English Language Learners (ELL): ELL Wonders Curriculum
Science: Mystery Science
Other Content: This encompasses Social Studies, Art, Music, Health, and P.E.
If you would like to view the instructional materials being used in the school/classroom, please contact your child’s teacher to set up an appointment.
Helpful Tips:
Because first grade can be a challenging transition, it would help your child become more independent as well as build safety and self-confidence if you could work with him/ her on the following:
- Learning to tie shoes (Non-tie shoes until they learn this skill are appreciated!)
- Learning student number (used for computer login)
- Learning parents’/caretakers’ phone numbers
- Learning address
Your child will need to memorize his or her student number. Please work on that at home with your child. The child will need to be able to punch the number into a keyboard. The teacher will provide the number to you. (If your child attended kindergarten in Salt Lake District, the number is the same as last year.) Students will need this number every day so it is imperative your child learn it.
If your child orders school lunch, you can pay online, or send money to school with your child. It is easier for your child (as well as for us) if you pay online. If you send money, please put it in an envelope or baggie labeled with your child’s name so we can make sure it is credited to the correct account.
School Hours: M-Th 8:40-3:15 Friday and Short Days 8:40-1:40
First graders should enter and exit the building through the first grade door located on the east side of the building. For safety reasons, all grade levels are assigned to designated hallways for entering and exiting the building. If your first grader needs to meet a sibling or daycare provider after school, please plan an outdoor meeting place. A good place is the flagpole located in the front of the building, outside the first grade doors, or the playground in back.
Breakfast is served from 8:15-8:30. Students need to stay in the cafeteria until the first bell or exit on the playground. No children are allowed in the hallway before the first bell. Please check the school handbook for inclement weather procedures.
Students will be outside for recess every day unless the temperature is below 20 degrees or the air quality is red. Please make sure students are prepared. Students need to wear appropriate clothes and shoes to ensure safety and comfort while playing at recess. Flip flops are not allowed. Students also need be able to manage shoes, boots, coats, etc. independently. Please help them practice as needed.
If your child is going to be absent, please contact the office directly at 801-481-4833 to report the absence. A quick email to the teacher is also appreciated. Please remember that every day your child is not in school is a loss of instructional time and impacts your child’s learning.
All visitors need to wear a visitor badge. Please check in with the office before you volunteer or visit the classroom.
Behavior Plan:
Refer to the school handbook for Highland Park’s school wide rules, which includes our School Wide Expectations of Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Ready. Please read them over carefully with your student. Children are more successful when they know what behavior is expected. Along with rules and expectations, there are consequences as well as rewards in regards to behavior choices. For major infractions students could have any of the following consequences: Office Referral, Tracking Slips, Loss of Activity, Parent Conferences or In/Out of School Suspension. In addition to school wide rules, each classroom has its own set of expectations that foster learning and respect. Please check out the Toy and Electronics Policy in the Parent Handbook. All toys should remain at home. Students can have a cell phone but it needs to be turned off during the day.
Grading Procedures:
Clear standards and expectations are established for all students in first grade. To be on grade level, students are expected to be able to demonstrate knowledge for the information that has been taught with minimal assistance from the teacher. First graders are formally assessed using the Acadience test, which is used to determine competence in letter identification, phonemic awareness as well as oral reading fluency, and in math. The students are assessed in the fall, winter, and spring. Math and Language Arts benchmarks are given throughout the year. Ongoing, informal assessments occur continually to assist teachers in planning for the needs of all students.
First Grade “Specials” Schedule:
First graders get to participate in P.E., Art, Music, Dance, Library, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Dance, Art, and SEL will each be one trimester, and all other specials will continue all year long.
Parent and Teacher Communication:
Communication is crucial to school success. Please contact your child’s teacher with any concerns or questions regarding your child’s education. The school’s telephone number is 481-4833. Each teacher has a different extension:
Cherie Sorensen: #1640
Pearline Ninow: #1460
Daphne Marchant: #1470
Please know we usually cannot answer the phone during school hours. We will return your call after school. Contact the office directly for emergencies or for time sensitive matters. The extension for the office is “0”.You can also email your child’s teacher. This allows for a more detailed message regarding questions or concerns. Highland Park also has a website with more information regarding our school as well as individual classrooms. If your message is time sensitive, please call the office as we may not have a chance to check voicemail or email until after school.
Cherie Sorensen: [email protected]
Pearline Ninow: [email protected]
Daphne Marchant: [email protected]
The keys to success for being
a first grader!
I will . . .
Go to bed on time.
Eat my breakfast and lunch so my brain can think.
Come to school ready to listen and learn.
Bring my homework and backpack to and from school every day.
Listen to my parents and teachers.
Dress for the weather so I have fun and stay healthy.
Follow my classroom and school rules so everyone is safe, happy, and learning.
Show respect towards adults at school and home.
Be responsible and accountable for my choices.
Talk to my teacher when something is wrong or when I have questions.
Turn off the T.V. and video games more often so my brain doesn’t turn to mush.
Read every single night because books are the best adventure I can have.
Remember that learning to read is fun but hard work and I won’t give up.
Remind my parents I still love them to read to me.
Have a good attitude and try my best even when it is hard.
Have fun, love learning, make lots of friends, and GROW!