Dear Parents,

Welcome to Birch Creek Elementary School.   Congratulations! You are the parent of a First Grade Student.   You will be amazed at just how much your child will grow and develop this school year. Most likely, your child has had the seeds of reading and writing planted during their Kindergarten year.   While in First Grade, those seeds will grow and blossom, making your child an accomplished reader and writer! You will see changes in your child’s thinking as he/she becomes familiar with abstract concepts and symbols. The change will be dramatic—just compare a tiny seed with a full-grown sunflower! That’s the kind of growth you’ll see this year!

Ways to Help Your Child Bloom

The loveliest flowers usually have the best gardener – and that’s you! Staying involved in your child’s education is the key to a successful year. Engage your child in conversation about his/her day. Another way to stay involved is to check your child’s homework folder EVERY evening, which will require a signature from you about your child's behavior for that day.  You’ll usually find it packed with school assignments, homework, flyers, notices from the office, as well as notes from the teacher. As daunting as it may be, try to sort through them and read each one. They often contain important information and reminders. Your child should come to school the next day with a fairly empty folder – just homework and notes for school. (If you should have any questions or concerns about any of the information received, feel free to contact me via DOJO and I will respond as quickly as possible.)

Parent/Teacher Communication

We teachers are always available to meet or speak with you. If it is NOT urgent, please jot a note or simply send me a message on DOJO and we will respond ASAP. In return, we will contact you if there is something we would like to discuss.

Here are a few of my strongest beliefs regarding education and children:

• I believe that every child is talented and capable of learning, and has unique gifts and strengths that should be celebrated.
• I believe that children need encouragement, consistency, clear expectations, and healthy boundaries.
• I believe that by providing a comfortable and safe environment, children will feel empowered to take risks and get involved in learning new things.
• I believe that a very big component of being a First grade teacher is helping students build self-esteem, confidence, and healthy social relationships.
• I believe that reading makes good readers!
• I believe that learning should be hands-on, interactive, and imaginative, integrated, and most importantly FUN!
• I believe that parent/ teacher communication is extremely important to each child’s academic and social success in First grade.
• I believe that I can teach more effectively when working in partnership with you and your family.

On a final note, I want you to know that I am very excited and honored to have this special opportunity of being your child’s First grade teacher.  I hope to make your child’s learning experience a fun and exciting one, while instilling a love of learning that your child will carry with them throughout their life.

                                                                                   Warmly,

                                                                                                       Ms. Seays