Hello from Mrs. SnyderClick on the Bitmoji

WELCOMEFill out the transportation form on your child’s desk so I know how your child will get home from school each day.Take home the supply instructions to build your child’s pencil box to bring to open house or on the first day of school. It was also emailed to you.Scan the QR code to complete the parent survey.

The ABC’s of 1st Grade

Mrs. Snyder2021-2022

About Mrs. Snyder▪ This is my 30th year of teaching▪ I have a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science

Degree in Elementary Education▪ I’ve taught every grade level at the elementary level with the

exception of 4th grade▪ I’m married to a teacher and the mom of 2 boys. Jackson is

a freshman in college and Rhett is a junior in high school ▪ I live in WV▪ I’m still learning and growing

Co-Teacher Mrs. Nougaret● I am originally from Connecticut and moved to Virginia 15

years ago.● I moved to Lovettsville with my family two years ago.● I have 2 children – Pearl (4) and Lily (2). ● I am starting my 12th year teaching and my 3rd year at

Lovettsville Elementary.● I graduated from the University of Connecticut (go

Huskies!) with my Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication Sciences and from the University of Mary Washington with my Master of Education and certification in Special Education.

THE FIRST GRADE TEAMThe first grade teachers are Miss Darr, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Ahern, and Mrs. Stewart. Co-teaching with the 1st grade teachers will be Mrs. Nougaret and Mrs. Sears.

We are excited to have two assistants in first grade this year. Their names are Mrs. Cooper and Miss York.

AATTENDANCE is very important. Many 1st grade lessons are interactive and therefore very difficult to make up. If your child is absent, please write a note or call the office to report the absence.

● Student progress is assessed often both formally and informally.● Anecdotal notes are taken on students during reading, writing, math conferences.

Anecdotal notes are used to record specific observations of individual students as they relate to the students progress. Such notes provide cumulative information on student learning and direction for further instruction

● Some assessments will be administered and submitted in Schoology using a variety of assessment formats (multiple choice, recordings, draw and label, matching, true/false, short answer etc). Assessments will be graded and recorded in the Phoenix gradebook which then populates into a quarterly report card.

● Formal assessments to track student progress over time – PALS, DRA, Map Testing

A Assessments

A When assessments are scored for a grade, this is the numerical scale that is used for students and what each number means.

BBOOK orders will be placed this year usingScholastic. Look for them in your child’s folder. Much of our classroomlibrary is a result of points earnedthrough ordering.

A Students go to ART every Wednesday with Mrs. Rancourt for 50-minutes.

C Chromebooks - your child should bring his/her Chromebook to school daily fully charged. Students will use them to take assessments, do centers, code, etc.

COMMUNICATION is important. Some of the ways I will communicate with you are: monthly newsletter, class updates via email, personal emails as needed, phone calls as needed

CONFERENCES are scheduled for every student toward the end of the 1st quarter. However, conferences can be scheduled at any time that I or the parent feels is necessary.

Your child’s 1st grade CURRICULUM follows the Virginia Standards of Learning. All lessons are planned and implemented with these standards as the focal point. You can access the Standards of Learning for each subject on the LCPS website.

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D Deeper Learning is the process through which the learner becomes capable of applying what is learned in one situation to new situations.

E EMERGENCIES do occur in school. Always make sure your contact information is up to date. If your phone number orE-mail address changes, please let the office know immediately.

F FIRE DRILLS are practiced regularly to ensure that students know what to do in the event of an evacuation.

GThe students go to GYM 3X a week – MON/TUES/FRI with Mr. Brockway. Sneakers need to be worn for gym class.

The students have GUIDANCE biweekly on Mondays with Mrs. Routzahn.

HHandwriting will be taught with a program called Handwriting Without Tears.Written HOMEWORK will consist of a daily reading log. More information regarding this will be sent home when it is assigned (September). It is important that students read daily.

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J We JUGGLE many things on a daily basis.

Be INVOLVED in your child’s learning. Review concepts with your child. Be sure to talk to your child about his/her day. Refer to the monthly newsletters to know what your child is studying in school. Look for PTO activities to attend.

KKEEPING up with the daily folder is the primary form of communication between home and school. Please check them daily. Every morning when I greet your child, the 1st thing I ask for is the folder. All notes, $ etc. should be sent in thefolder. When sending money for any purpose, please include your child’s 1st and last name and purpose for sending $$ . A hard copy of the monthly newsletter will come home in the folder.

L

MMATH is taught daily. Students will work on calendar reading and counting all year. Each quarter we will do multiple mini-units on different themes such as Patterning, Fractions, etc. Check the monthly newsletter to know what is being taught.

Students attend MUSIC 2X a week, Tuesday and Friday, with Mrs. Stillman.

The students visit the school LIBRARY with Mrs. Wetmore every Thursday for 50 minutes

Morning Meeting▪ A gathering as a whole class will start each day. We will greet one another, share

news, and warm up for the day ahead▪ MM will occur every morning for about 20 minutes▪ We will continue to implement our SEL (Social Emotional Learning) program at

this time.What can morning meeting do for our classroom?

• Set the tone for respectful learning and establish a climate of trust

• Build connections between teachers and students• Enhance students’ speaking and listening skills• Motivate children by addressing human need to feel a sense of

significance and belonging and to have fun• Merge social, emotional and intellectual learning

NWe have a full time Health Clinic Specialist, Marian Boyd, at our school. The students sometimes refer to her as a NURSE but her official title is Health Clinic Specialist. If your child becomes ill during the school day or is injured, he/she will be sent the clinic. Ms. Boyd handles any and all medication that needs to be administered. In the event that your child requires any type of medication, please contact Ms. Boy to fill out the proper forms.

OIf you are checking your child in late or out early, you must go through the OFFICE. If your child is going to be absent, please let the office know.

We will have class PARTIES . You will be given advance notice of our classroom parties and if special items are needed.

PHOENIX is the software program being used to take attendance and record students performance on assessments. Parents will be able to access their child’s progress through the parent portal.

PBIS=Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports program at LES. Lovettsville Elementary focuses on Respect of Self, Respect of Others, and Respect of School. By demonstrating respect, students have the opportunity to earn tickets as individuals or as a class.

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Personalized Learning at Lovettsville:

Personalized Learning (PL) is a way to dynamically tailor learning experiences to students’ strengths, needs and/or interests. PL fits with Loudoun County’s mission to ensure students gain the knowledge and skills needed to make meaningful

contributions to the world. Here are ways Lovettsville teachers are already incorporating things into the PL framework, also known as the CORE 4.

Q We all learn by asking QUESTIONS. Please don’t hesitate to letme know if you have any questions. If I don’t know the answer, I will work to find out the answer.

RWe have 30 minutes of RECESS everyday. We typically have recess outside unless it is raining or below freezing. Please dress your child accordingly for the weather. To play on the playground the students must wear the same type of shoes they wear in P.E.

READING is a big focus in 1st grade. Instruction will occur in whole group, small groups, and one on one. We will be doing Readers’ Workshop by Lucy Calkins. Please read with your child everyday.

SSecond Step (SEL) provides instruction in social and emotional learning with units on growth mindset, emotion management, empathy and kindness, and problem solving. Students will receive instruction in this program during our morning meetings.Home links will be available in Schoology to reinforce these skills. A home link will be posted as students are introduced to the specific skills.

Students will have SNACK time daily. Please pack a small healthy snack separate from lunch that your child can manage INDEPENDENTLY. Please make it simple - NOTHING that requires eating utensils or needs prepping/peeling. Great ideas for snack are a piece of fruit, crackers, or granola bar. We do have some students with allergies in 1st grade and we ask that your refrain from packing peanut and tree nut items for your child’s snack. Please ONLY water for drinks due to spills and cleanup.

T TECHNOLOGY is utilized in our classroom through Chromebook usage. Students will have access to APPS thru LCPSGO such as Dreambox, Epic, RAZ Kids, Prodigy, etc.

“Think Sheets” are used when a student is not making good choices with his/her behavior.. The student will be held accountable to set goals to improve upon the behavior. The think sheet would be sent home for parent review in the daily folder

Helping your child learn to TIE his/her shoes would be very beneficial.

U We often refer to the core subjects of Science, Health, and Social Studies as UNIT time. Students will be taught the VA SOLS based around a unit. We typically will not be doing all 3 subjects simultaneously.

Each child is UNIQUE and special. They enter my classroom with different strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. I will work diligently with every student to reach his/her full potential. I respect every student and expect my students and class visitors to respect one another as well.

W WATER BOTTLES (containing only water) are permitted in the classroom and encouraged. Spilling has been an issue in the past and therefore water bottles that don’t have removable tops are preferred. Please label your child’s water bottle with his/her name.

Volunteers and visitors are prohibited in the building at this time. If/when this changes, parents will be notified of volunteer opportunities. V

The year will ZOOM by. Be sure to take the time to enjoy your childand this age.

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YOU are your child’s teacher too! There is no one more influential in your child’s life and success than YOU!Y

First grade is eXciting.

We can always use eXtra supplies for our class. Be on the lookout for any supplies that might be needed.

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A word from our SPECIALISTS

SLIDESMA

NIA.C

OM

Mrs. Pendilhe

I am Lovettsville’s Instructional Facilitator,

Technology (IFT).

I am looking forward to working with all students as

they learn to incorporate technology skills into their

everyday learning.

If you have any technology related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to

me at allison.pendilhe@lcps.org.

Meet Your Reading Team! Mrs. Potanko-Crush and Mrs. Mills

This year we will be supporting teachers with instructional practices, co-teaching, overseeing literacy assessments, and providing direct instruction to students in grades K-5 who are experiencing difficulties with reading.

Physical Education

PE classesAll classes have PE 3 times a week for 30 minutes each.

Please wear tennis shoes or sneakers.

Masks can be removed while moving during PE class and at all times outside.

PE Teachers

Mr. Brockway

Mrs. Germani

Mr. Kelly

Music At LovettsvilleMusic Teachers

Mrs. Stillman

Mrs. Stetz

We are excited to teach your children this year.

All students will have two 30 minute music classes per week.

We are excited to see everyone back!

How many books can my child check out each week?Kindergarten students-1 book Grades 1-2- up to 3 booksGrades 3-5- up to 5 books

If you have questions, please email us at tansy.wetmore@lcps.orgdiana.brubaker@lcps.org

Mrs. Wetmore

Welcome to the library!

Mrs. Brubaker

SLIDESMANIA.COM

Welcome to art! Hi there,I can’t wait to see all our LES artists! We are going to have an excellent year. : )

Art meets once per week Kindergarten: 30 minutesGrade 1 - 5: 50 minutesMrs. Rancourt

michelle.rancourt@lcps.org

Meet Your Counselors:

Katie Routzahn: Monday - Friday Kindergarten - Third Gradekatherine.routzahn@lcps.org

Jennifer French: Tues., Wed, & Fri. Fourth & Fifth Gradejennifer.french@lcps.org

School Counseling Information2021-2022

We will be offering:

● Bi-Weekly Classroom LessonsAcademic, Social Emotional, & Career

○ K-2: 30 mins○ 3-5: 45 mins

● Individual Check-ins with all students during classroom lessons or scheduled appointments

● Small Groups (more information to come)

● We are always available to meet with a student and their parent. Please contact us to set up a meeting!

Mrs. Heidi MayoGifted Resource Teacher

SEARCH Biweekly lessons with all studentsK 30 minute lessons January- June

1st-3rd 45 minute lessons September -June4th 45 minute lessons September-January

Gifted Resource Identified Gifted Students in Grade 4&5

Weekly Lessons 2 hours Content EnrichmentWeekly Lesson 1 Hour Math Enrichment

Weekly 1 Hour LA EnrichmentLCPS Eligibility Information

, I’m the new Lovettsville English Language Teacher!

My name is Mrs. Hamric.

I recently moved from Kentucky to Virginia.

I enjoy camping, hiking, traveling, reading, and coffee!

I’m excited to be working with students in helping them meet their individual goals!

It’s going to be a great year!I look forward to partnering

with you!Thanks for coming!