1st Grade September Newsletter
Wow, we finished our first few days of first grade without too much confusion! We have
been getting to know each other, learning the classroom and school procedures, and
adjusting to being in school all day again! The children are learning their new routes from
our classroom and have mastered their way to the playground! We have a wonderful group
of children in our class! It’s going to be a great school year!
As I am getting to know your child, I thought I would tell you a little about myself. This
will be my 22nd year teaching (let’s not do the math ) and my 15th year teaching First
Grade at Classical School. I wear two hats at Classical, one of teacher and the other of
parent. My husband, Scott, and I have two daughters who have attended Classical School
since kindergarten. My oldest daughter, Paige, is now a senior at North High School and
my youngest daughter, Sydney, is in seventh grade at Classical. I understand and
appreciate the commitment involved in attending Classical and feel very fortunate my
daughters have been educated here. As a teacher I have found the first grade
curriculum very fulfilling to teach and after experiencing first grade through a parent’s
eye (twice), I was even more affirmed! I am very excited for another school year! 
What will we learn this month?
Literature: We will discuss four sayings and phrases: An apple a day keeps the doctor
away; Wolf in sheep’s clothing, Sour grapes, and The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you
would have them do unto you. Our poetry this month will include: “Rope Rhyme” by Eloise
Greenfield and “The Swing” by Robert Louis Stevenson. We will also be introduced to a
number of Aesop’s fables: The Boy Who Cried Wolf; The Dog in the Manger; The Wolf in
Sheep’s Clothing; The Maid and the Milk Pail; The Fox and the Grapes; and The Goose that
laid the Golden Eggs. We will focus on understanding the moral of each fable as well as
naming the setting, characters, and plot of each.
Geography: We will be reviewing the continents and oceans. We will also learn
map skills including hemispheres and poles, cardinal directions and the compass rose. We
will identify the three largest countries in North America and the continent, country,
state, and city in which we live.
Science: Lessons will focus on the human body and healthy habits. We will learn
about the basic functions of the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, and nervous
systems. We will discuss the need of the human body for rest, exercise, a nutritious diet
and the role of vaccinations in preventing disease. We will learn about the achievements
of Louis Pasteur and Edward Jenner.
Reading: Wednesday was our first day of reading class. If you have not covered your
child’s reading book, please do so over the weekend. Brown grocery bags work wonderfully
and the children can decorate them as they like.
Math: Wednesday was our first day of math as well. There is a lot of review built into the
first several weeks, so the homework should be fairly quick and easy to complete. 
Your child will also have Spelling and Grammar this year. The children will remain with me
for those subjects.
*Please be sure your child has his/her Take-Home Folder with him each day. This folder is
to go home and back to school daily. If the children have homework, completed class work
for you to see, or a note from me, they will be asked to put it inside their folder. Please
check these folders everyday after school. It is a good place for you to put notes to me
as well. When the children arrive in the morning, I will ask them to check their folders for
anything from home. The children are responsible for checking their own folders in first
grade. We do not look through them individually, so if you find that your child is not
turning in their work, please give them an extra reminder before school. The children get
lots of reminders to check their folders in the morning and hopefully this will become a
habit in no time at all. 
Thank you to those that have sent me emails regarding volunteering in the classroom. I realize
not many parents are able to do this due to work schedules and we are fortunate to have those
that can!
Library: The children will be able to check out 2 books each Friday. I recommend keeping the books
in their backpacks. This helps the library books from getting mixed up with books from home.
Children can bring books back at anytime to return to our library box.
Birthdays: Special treats for the class on birthdays are always welcome! I do save the birthday
treats for the afternoon, so you may bring them to school at any time during the morning.
We have 26 students in our class. Please do not send birthday invitations to school. They cause
hurt feelings for those not included and may get lost before they even make it home for the
children’s parents to see. Please check the school directory for mailing addresses.
Gym: If you have not sent indoor shoes yet for gym, please send in as soon as possible. Also, for
those children that wear sandals and flip flops to school during the warm days, it’s a good idea to
send in a pair of socks to keep with your child’s gym shoes.
Attached is an example of A Day in First Grade so that you can see how our days look and which
days we have specials.
If you ever have any questions regarding your child or school, please don’t hesitate to contact
me. You may send a note with your child, or email me at [email protected].
Wishing all a Successful September! 
Amy Palomaki