First Grade
Occoquan Elementary:
"Where everybody
is somebody!"
Mrs. Meshanko's 1st Grade News
We’re off to a very good start this year! I was pleased with our great
turnout for Open House, and I appreciate your extra efforts in returning the
necessary cards and forms to school promptly.
SUPPLIES: THANKS so much for all the class supplies requested! Everything
except the folders and binders are shared together. We’ll have a few
supplies at a time out and will replenish with new supplies as needed. That
way the brand new things will last all year long!
In order to practice school related skills and to complete family homework,
the following items are recommended to have on hand AT HOME:
#2 pencils scissors markers
crayons glue/glue stick scotch tape/stapler
SPECIAL DAYS:
This year, first grade is very happy to have these “encore” classes on a
weekly rotation:
Art with Mr. Ellison Music with Mrs. Silverburg
PE with Mrs. Leto Library with Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Alexander Math Special
with Mrs. Marcell Guidance with Mrs. Banach
Though our Friday “encore” rotates between three
specialists, we will have Library checkout every Friday. Please remind your
child to return his or her book each Friday. Our checkouts will begin this
week if your child returns his/her signed permission form.
(In an effort to boost physical fitness and create lifetime exercise habits,
P.E will now be twice a week!!! Please ensure your child is wearing sneakers
on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS: I’m looking forward to seeing everyone (parents only)
at Occoquan’s Back To School nights:
Tuesday, September 26- For 1st grade! Meet first in the Cafeteria.
PLEASE SEE OTHER SIDE FOR OUR CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The children were involved in the rule making
procedure. They helped think of things that they should and should not do at
school. I summarized their ideas to the following three rules that will
enhance learning and promote safety:
I will show respect. (This includes respecting people and materials)
I will be safe.
I will try my best.
The management system gives each of the children the opportunity to succeed
but also makes them face the consequences of their behavior. Each of the
children begins every day with a green ˙ (Go for good behavior) card in
their pocket on our classroom behavior chart. If a rule is broken, the child
must change their card to blue (Warning- think about how to act). For a
second problem, the blue is changed to yellow (Caution- usually accompanied
by a time-out). For a third problem during the school day, the yellow is
changed to red (STOP- Control your behavior). If a child had to change their
card, they may have limited class privileges. For any child who goes to red
due to a serious issue, a note will be sent home for you to sign and return
or a phone call will be made. Further infractions during the same day or
serious offenses will result in the child being sent to the office to talk
with Mr. Erickson or Mrs. Callahan. (Please note- extremely destructive or
hurtful behavior may result in an automatic “red”, but these situations are
quite rare.)
Under the system, good behavior is rewarded with a paper smiley face for
each day your child “stays on green”. The color of the paper is not
significant. They need to save up the ˙ at home and bring them in when
they’ve accumulated 10. They must turn in the 10 ˙ at the beginning of the
day to trade for a small prize (donated party favors). Once a ˙ has been
given to a child, it becomes his/her responsibility. We do not replace
“lost” smiley faces. Also, please do not write on or staple the ˙ as we
reuse them. Talk to your child about their behavior if he/she does not bring
a smiley face home. As each day is evaluated at its closure, if your child
leaves school more than 15 minutes early, a ˙ will not be given.
I am always happy to accept donations for our treasure box. These can be new
or gently used happy meal type toys or party favor type toys. Think of us
when cleaning /purging, as one child’s trash is another child’s treasure!
Please do not hesitate to contact me by note, e-mail (meshansa@pwcs.edu) or
phone (703) 494-2195 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. I may
not always be free to speak to you, but I will return your call as soon as
possible. If you do not receive a response to a note/e-mail you’ve sent,
please understand that I was busy with the children and will answer it the
next day.
