Welcome to an exciting year at Ray.  I hope everyone had a relaxing and fun-filled summer.  My name is Heather Hall and I will be your 1st grader’s teacher at Ray this year.  I am a 10th year Chicago Public School teacher.  I have taught grades two, three and four and this will be my fourth year to teach first.  I am looking forward to the upcoming school year and can’t wait to get to know all of my new students and families!
I am eager to begin working with each student and their family to create an awesome learning environment that attends to the needs of the 1st grade student.  Students will be encouraged to participate fully in class projects, field trips and cooperative grouping/discussions.  In addition, this milestone year will provide opportunities for each student to become a more responsible, organized and independent individual.
Parents- starting on the first day of school, please help your child get organized.  Each day, set aside a time to encourage your child to unpack their backpack and take home folder.  Please check for important notices and updates from the school and myself. Beginning next week, you will receive a weekly overview each Monday describing areas of study and upcoming events.
Today, each student will also receive a Ray School folder with important school wide information.  Within in the week I will send the 1st grade handbook, which include information specific to room 115.  The Ray School Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23rd.  Please plan on attending!
A couple of things:
WATER BOTTLES
During the warm summer/spring months, the students will be allowed to bring a water bottle to sit on their desk. The water bottle must have a pop- up lid to minimize spills.
SOCK DONATIONS
We will begin “slate work” this week in math.  I will provide dry erase boards.  Please send in socks that are missing their mate or are no longer in use.  We will use the socks as erasers during “slate work”.  Also, I am asking for a donation of 2 dry erase markers per  student.
VOLUNTEER!
I could use about 6 parent volunteers for tearing out and collating the math home-links.  If you are interested, please send a note in your child’s green take-home folder and I will send the materials home with your child.  Thanks in advance for your help!
Please feel free to contact me with questions and concerns.  Thanks for your support and WELCOME BACK!