Syllabus

Course Syllabus: First Grade

Instructor:  Ms. Ramos

2009-2010

Dear Parent(s) and Student; I would like to take the opportunity to welcome you to Excelsior Charter Academy, this 2009 to 2010 school year.  My teaching experiences have helped to reinforce my belief that a good education is multi-faceted and should include multiple components.  Among these, it is essential that teachers provide an environment in which students can practice reflective-inquiry while in an ambiance of security where learning is valued and fun.  I have developed a personal educational philosophy that reflects my teaching style with an emphasis on meaningful experiences, clearly defined expectations and above all, promoting literature of any kind.     
                                                                           **Note: If deemed necessary, an instructor may deviate from this syllabus. 
 What to Expect in 1st Grade
In addition to dealing with boundless energy levels and intense emotions, children entering 1st grade will face new responsibilities in school. Your child will learn to adjust to a longer school day and take more ownership of his/her homework.  The emphasis remains firmly on developing your child’s reading and math skills, but lessons in art, social studies, science, and physical education may be incorporated as well. Although some skills will resemble those your six year old learned in kindergarten, keep in mind that 1st grade is mostly about mastering lessons previously taught.                 
                                  COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BY SUBJECT

Language Arts, Writing & Reading
During the course of this academic year, students will be expected to become exposed to integrated educational experiences in the Language Arts strands of Reading, Writing, Listening, Viewing, Speaking, Language and Literature.
Math
During the course of this academic year, students will be expected to develop the mathematical concepts and processes that can be used to solve a variety of real-world and mathematical problems.
Science
The purpose of this subject is to provide students with opportunities to investigate the theories and ideas associated with the biological, earth and physical sciences in a way that is relevant and usable.  Students construct science knowledge by formulating questions, making predictions, planning experiments, making observations, classifying, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating.
Social Studies
The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand their connections to the development of the civilizations by examining the past to prepare for their future as participating members of a global community.  Students will use knowledge pertaining to history, geography, economics, political processes, religion, ethics, diverse cultures, and humanities to solve problems in academic, civic, social, and employment settings.
Physical Education/Health
The purpose of this course is to (a) acquire knowledge of physical fitness concepts (b) understand the influence of lifestyle on health and fitness, and (c)begin to develop and optimal level of fitness. 
Grade Level Standards by All Subject Areas
All grade level subjects taught at Excelsior Charter Academy are aligned with the Sunshine State Standards.  These standards were developed to ensure that students will receive a high quality education.

 Required Materials and Supplies

1-Backpack12- #2 Pencils1-Pencil Sharpener1 – Pencil Box2- Block Erasers2- Packs of 16 crayons1-Activity/Puzzles/Coloring book1-Pair of Scissors2-Bottles of Elmer’s glue2-Pocket Folders (Red and Blue)1-Pack of Wide Ruled Paper2-Reams of Copy Paper1-Box of Kleenex1-Clorox Wipes1-Baby Wipes1-Composition Book1-Pack of Colored Pencils1-Pack of Markers1-Paint Set1-Pack of Index Cards2-Packs of Construction Paper.  1- White and the other (red, blue, green, white, pink, yellow, black, brown)1-Change of Clothes1-Roll of Paper Towels1- Bag of toilet paper 

OPTIONAL
1-Disposable Camera1-Hand Sanitizer1-Pack Expo Dry Erase markers1- Dry Eraser

Grading Policy

The following grading scale, which is consistent with Miami-Dade County Policy, is used for this course:                                                                                     GRADE 1                                           90-100 = A ,  80-89 = B ,  70-79 = C,  60-69 = D,  59 or below = F

Course Weight                              Class Work – 35% , Tests/Quizzes - 35%, Home Learning- 20%, Projects- 10%

 Class attendance and participation will dramatically affect grades:

1.                   For each cut and/or unexcused absence an “F” will be averaged into academic / class participation.

2.                   Unexcused absences will drastically lower the student’s conduct and effort grade for the 9 weeks. 

Home Learning Policy

·         Your 1st grader’s homework should not take all night to complete as children need play and rest, but the amount of time he/she spends at his desk will dramatically increase from kindergarten. Assignments should be challenging, but only enough to encourage your child to do the most he can on his own. Please expect homework assignment details to be posted weekly on my website http://anissaramos.educatorpages.com .  Students are expected to complete quality homework assignments on a weekly basis.  Homework assignments are for the students, please DO NOT DO THE WORK FOR YOUR CHILD, this does not benefit them in the least.  For the purposes of this course the following homework requirements apply:

  • Students are expected to complete QUALITY work in a punctual manner.
  • If a student has an EXCUSED absence on a Monday, he/she has must turn in the homework packet upon return and will be given 7 days from the day of their return to complete the new packet if they failed to receive it because they were out.
  • The assignment is to be written legibly in pencil and must be neat and presentable. (NO CRUSHED, UNTIDY work will be accepted)

 Projects and Assignments:

Students MUST turn in all assignments and projects in on time. NO make-up work will be given unless absent and excused.   

BASIC RULES:

1.       WE WILL RESPECT EVERYONE

2.       WE WILL BRING ALL THE MATERIALS NEEDED TO DO ALL OF OUR WORK 

3.       WE WILL RAISE OUR HANDS

4.       WE WILL SHARE WITH OTHERS

5.       WE WILL LISTEN TO THE TEACHER AT ALL TIMES

6.       WE WILL BE IN OUR SEATS AT 8:00am AND READY TO BEGIN THE SCHOOL DAY

MAKE UP WORK:

1.       Make up work will only be assigned for excused absences.

2.       Students must complete make up work immediately upon returning, they will have 7 days after returning to make up the new homework packet.  

 Additional Comments:Please stay in touch with me throughout the year via email; it is the best way to communicate with me without interrupting the daily flow of our classroom! 

aramosexcelsiorcharter@gmail.com     or         anissaramos83@hotmail.com 

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 I have read the class syllabus and fully understand the policies, procedures and protocol that govern the day to day classroom operations in my child’s class.

                               Please detach sign and return to Ms. Ramos  

  • Student’s Name       _____________________________
 
  • Student’s Signature_____________________________    Date______
 
  • Parent’s Name         _____________________________
 
  • Parents Signature   _____________________________    Date______