Welcome to Room 18 First Grade!

 Hi, my name is Jeanne Ostrand.  I am looking forward to being your childs first grade teacher.  I have been teaching first grade at Cottonwood Canyon since it opened seven years ago and am in my twenty-eighth year of teaching.  I have taught in the Lake Elsinore Unified School District for seventeen years. Over the years I have taught first through fifth grade, and art in middle school, high school, and to adults.   I love to sing, paint, draw, read, learn new things and teach.  I hope to encourage your children to love learning and become the best citizens they can be.

Volunteers

I would like to encourage you to volunteer your time in our classroom.  If you are interested in working with small groups or attending field trips, you will need a Purple Volunteer Badge.  You may pick up a Volunteer Application from the school office, have a TB skin test, apply for a background/fingerprint check, and wait for approval.  If you are interested in helping the teacher with other things you will need a Red Volunteer Badge.  You may pick up a Volunteer Application from the school office, have a TB skin test, and wait for approval. If you already have a badge from last school year, please contact the school office to find out if there is anything that you need to do to update your information with the school district.

 Homework

 I will be sending homework packets on Fridays and they will be due the following Friday.  The packet consists of the   following:  poem of the week, reading log and list of nightly spelling activities.  Practice the poem aloud as the students recite the poem out loud every Friday.  Please sign the packet and help your child be responsible to complete the packet each week.

Dont forget to read the high frequency words and paper books.  The ring words and books need to be turned in along with the homework in their envelopes so the students can be tested.  Remember daily reading at home is extremely important!

 Classroom Management

Students are expected to follow school rules and behave appropriately in the classroom.  Every day each child will begin in the green zone.  Infractions will move the child down to yellow-a verbal warning, orange -time out or red  a note to parents, a visit to the principal or a phone call home. I will send a colored slip of paper home every day to notify you of their behavior.  If your child does not receive a slip, please call me as I hand them out daily. 

 Rewards

When a students behavior is exceptional they will be in the blue zone and if they are perfect they will receive a purple slip.  When you child has collected 15 points they will be allowed to visit the treasure box.  A green slip is worth 1 point, a blue slip is worth 2 points and a purple slip is worth 3 points.

I also may reward students with table points.  These will be given for good behavior or turning in items on time.  The winning table may receive stickers, privileges, a trip to the treasure box or treats.

Communications

It is extremely important that you always have a way to communicate with me.  The easiest way is to use the website and e-mail me.  Another great way is to send a note with your child.  I will be sending home a Parent Communication /Homework folder.  All homework, daily work being returned to school and given out should be kept in this folder.  Your child will need to bring this folder daily.  Please take the time to review and discuss the daily papers that have been corrected with your child.  This lets you know if there are areas that your child is struggling with and will allow you the opportunity to work with them one-on-one if needed.  All work should have a star on top.  If an item is circled it was incorrect.  Your child may have already corrected it in class.  If not,      help them understand their error and correct it.

   Should you need to contact me during the school year you may also reach me by calling (951) 244-2585 x5214 and leave a voicemail.  I will try to respond with-in 24 hours.

 Suggested Supplies For Mrs. Ostrands Class

 

1.                            Back Pack-labeled with childs name and room number.  Please bring it daily.

2.                          Lunch box-labeled with childs name and room number. (If your child buys please pre-pay to avoid lost lunch money)

3.                          Everyone:

Pencil box with lid (5x8 only  please)

1 box of crayons

Pencils

Pencil sharpener with enclosed shavings compartment

3-4 glue sticks

1 pkg. of Crayola colored pencils

3-4 thin dry erase markers

 

Donations for Mrs. Ostrands Class

 

§       Colored Xerox paper- I send all parent notices on this type of paper.

§       Small items for our prize box-pencils, stickers, little prizes from birthday parties etc.

§       Box of quart size zip lock bags

§       Box of gallon size zip lock bags

§       Craft supplies-glitter glue, foam stickers, felt, brown lunch sacks.

§       Books to add to our classroom library.

§       Clorox wipes

§       Kleenex tissues

§       EXPO dry erase markers

§       Prang Watercolor-8colors

Classroom and School Events

For important dates please click on the link for Classroom Calendar on this page and the school calendar on the website home page.  You will find important events and assignments listed there.