What is the main emphasis in First Grade?
      We will spend the majority of the day focusing on Reading, Writing, and Math.  Health, Social Studies, Science, and handwriting are sprinkled into our schedule.

What is the grading scale?
      90-100 E
      74-89  S
      70-73  N
      69 and under U

What is the best way to communicate?
      Please send important information via a note in the early morning. My email address is:  karen_detar@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.  Please know that my emails are checked before and after school and possibly during specials if I am not in a meeting.  One thing...If students are with me in class, I will not be reading emails.  If an emergency arises, go ahead and call the office and leave a message with them.  770  921-1626.  Please refrain from just walking into the classroom unannounced during teaching hours as that causes interruption in teaching and learning.  Thanks!

Do you use parent volunteers?
       1. "Hallway volunteers" are scheduled either Tues. or Wed. mornings for about an hour or so.  These parents complete some simple clerical duties and work with small groups of children to either teach a math game, language arts game, or other assigned task.
       2. "Workers from home"  may be sent simple clerical duties to perform and return to school by a designated date.

When can my child go to the library?
       The library accepts daily visits from 8:20-8:35.  Students also have an opportunity to go during their 'center time" as their work is completed. 

How do I send in money?
       It is best to put money into either an envelope or baggie marked with:
                   child's name  / Detar
                   Purpose for the money

Will you be taking a field trip?
       Yes, we will be visiting the Center for Puppetry Arts in the Springtime. 

What testing will  First Grade participate in?
        Cogat (early Fall)  Mental abilities test
        Gw. County Benchmarks - skill checks at designated times of the year
        CRCT -   Sumative test that checks everything learned this year

Do you eat snack at school?
       Yes, we do each morning!  Please provide a dry, healthy snack daily.  I call this time "Chew and Do" since we often nibble while we work.  Water bottles and drinks are not necessary as we will use the water fountain right outside the room.

May I send in a birthday treat?
       Treats are always fun!  Do be sure to include enough for all children (currently 21).  Identical snacks, cupcakes, donuts, etc are the easiest to avoid conflict.  Gooey snacks  or snacks with colored icing will be eaten with lunch. (Ex: cupcakes)  Others, we can choose to have at snack time or lunch.  One note of caution...Please avoid cupcakes that have sharp decorative picks. Here's an idea...buy ice cream for the class!   Just send in cash or check to cover each child and the kids can pick their favorite ice cream!  :)

Will my child have homework?
       Yes, homework will be sent home in a stapled packet form each week.  It will include math, language arts, and words to learn.  The work should be done independently, however, parents should review for errors  before returning it to school.  That way, you can also be a partner in your child's learning.  In September, a new portion will be added.  This will be the Purple Reading Log.  The students will be asked to read 5 books a week.  Parents will be asked to record these books in the log.  The public library is an excellent resource for finding easy picture books to read for this homework requirement.  All homework is to be returned by Thursday. 

May I send in birthday party invitations?
        Unfortunately school policy does not permit party invitations to be passed out at school.  You may purchase a Student Directory that lists phone numbers for students whose parents are interested in sharing.  That is a great way to get in touch with parents for party invites.

Will we meet to discuss my child's progress?
       There are 2 designated conference times to discuss progress...November and February.  If we need to meet in addition to that, then we can schedule a conference during a time that is convenient for all.