Ms. Kaplan’s First Grade

Who is Ms. Kaplan?• I’m new to Parkwood, but have been teaching

first grade for 7 years.• Past 5 years in Federal Way

• 2 previous years in NYC

• National Board Certified (Early Childhood PK-3 Generalist) since 2011

• Undergraduate General Education (grades 1-6) Certificate from Fordham University in NYC

• Master’s Degree in Special Education (grades 1-6) , also from Fordham

• When I’m not here, I’m probably running

• …or walking my 7 year old Hound/Lab Mix, Lucy

What I Believe About First Graders

• They are all amazing in many ways, with their own individual strengths

• Every child is unique

• Every child has the capacity for independence

• Every child can and will learn

• Every child deserves to be treated with respect, all day and every day

• Every child should feel safe at school

• Every child deserves a school environment that is kind, caring, and full of compassion

• Every child needs to have consistent, clear, and high expectations

Independent LearnersIndependent Readers:•Read to Self•Reading StrategiesIndependent Writers:•Spelling•Formulating IdeasIndependent Mathematicians:•Choosing strategies that work•Taking responsibility for your own learningIndependent Problem Solvers•Small vs. Big problems•Solving small problems without the teacher

Our Daily Schedule8:30-8:45 Unpack/Morning Work8:45-9:45 Reading Block (T, W, Th)9:45-10:00 Read to Self10:00-10:15 Recess10:15-10:30 Snack/Vocabulary10:30-11:15 Writer’s Workshop11:15-12:00 Lunch/Recess12:00-1:00 Math1:00-1:30 Science/Social Studies1:30-2:00 PE/Music/Library2:00-2:15Recess2:15-2:30Science/Social Studies2:30-2:55Pack Up/Read Aloud

Creating Independence in BehaviorParkwood Expectations

I am a Parkwood learner.I am respectful.

I am safe.I am responsible.

Colored Behavior Chart:

Green – Having a great day!Yellow – WarningOrange - Missed some recessRed – Office referral

Snack TimeBecause of a severe, life-threatening allergy in

our class this year, ingredients for snacks CANNOT include:

1) peanuts or tree nuts2) sunflower or sesame oil3) fish or shellfish4) coconut or coconut oil

Snacks will be distributed whole class, noindividual snacks from home please!

Thanks for being so flexible!

Volunteers_____________

Homework Questions?

Ways to Keep in TouchEmail: tessa.kaplan@shorelineschools.org

Phone: 206-393-1421

Take Home Binder: Daily Behavior Log

Or a quick chat before/after school!

Thanks for being patient withme as I continue to learn

the Parkwood way of doing things!