Welcome to the Wonderful

World of First Grade!

H-3 Classroom Handbook

Daniel K. Inouye Elementary School
Ms. Young
msyoungh3@gmail.com

Dear H-3 Families,

Welcome back to school! My name is Ms. Young and I am
delighted to have your child in my class for what will be a productive,
challenging, and exciting year. In first grade we will be working hard at
becoming successful collaborators, communicators, and critical and
creative thinkers. Your first grader will be actively involved in a variety
of learning experiences and will be encouraged to make decisions,
develop independent problem solving skills, and foster cooperative
learning and teamwork. We will develop our skills and talents through a
variety of methods designed to teach children at their own individual
levels. All activities used, even those that seem like play, are
designed to teach children the skills needed for school success at the
developmentally appropriate level.
All children are special and unique and each has his/her own
talents and interests. I want them to LOVE learning and come away
with life-long positive memories of school. They should be happy, feel
good about themselves and school, and develop a curious mind, and a
sense of independence. To achieve these goals, I need your support
and understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel
free to send a note with your child, leave a message for me at the
office, email me at msyoungh3@gmail.com , or come and see me after
schoolmy door is always open.
I have provided this Classroom Handbook as a reference. Please
take the time to read the following information. The information
provided should answer common questions and reduce beginning of the
year confusion. I will keep you posted of classroom events through
class newsletters, emails and our class website msyoungh3.weebly.com/
I look forward to a wonderful year together as we watch your child
learn and grow. Lets work together to create the best possible
environment for your child. Together, we can make your childs year of
school successful so they can build the foundation for their educational
future.
Mahalo,
Ms. Young

PLEASE PRINT OUT, SIGN AND RETURN THE LAST PAGE

by August 8th.

H-3 Important Information

Ms. Youngs Class Website
This site was created to provide an additional tool for communication, teaching and learning. In an
effort to be a little more green this year, I will not be sending paper copies of H3 class
announcements or class information unless necessary. If you would like to view announcements,
homework, schedules, and other class information you can visit msyoungh3.weebly.com/ This website
is for communication between families and myself, as well as a resource for parents and students to
access a variety of learning materials and supplements. Please explore the class website with your
child so they will be familiar with what is available online.
Morning Procedures for Students:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Place water bottle on sink counter

Place backpack on proper hook outside
Place lunchbox and snack in proper area
Put G.O. Binder/homework etc. in proper place.
Put on name tag
Sit at desk/Start independent work

Dismissal
At the end of the day when you come to pick up your child, please wait at the side of the
building. Do NOT stand in the door way because it becomes a distraction to the students and
they need to listen and participate in the end of the day discussion.
When the bell rings, your child will be sitting on the carpet or standing in line at the door. When
they see you or the pick up person in the doorway, I will dismiss them to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allergies (Peanut)
Every year it seems that we have a handful of students in my class or within the grade level
with peanut allergies ranging from mild (itchiness) to very severe (needing to carry and epi pen at all
times). To prevent any serious allergic reactions in our students we ask that you please refrain from
sending peanut related snacks and lunches to school. No peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or
peanut butter crackers, please! Thank you!
Attendance
Please make all efforts to get your child to school before the tardy bell at 7:55. PT,
construction, bad weather, and parking WILL cause delays so give yourself extra time.
If your child is absent please call the office (305-3400). Please bring a note explaining the absence
when your child returns to school. For other arrangements for extended absences please speak to
me.

Bathroom Etiquette
Please remind your child to wash hands after using the restroom and to flush the toilet. Also,
make sure that your child washes his/her hands properly (pump a pea size amount of soap onto hands,
wash tops and bottoms, and rinse off all the soap.
Before and After School Routines
My doors will open between 7:45-7:55. Students without parent supervision should wait by the
cafeteria where staff will watch them until the first bell. School ends Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday, and Friday at 2:10. If you happen to be late picking up your child and they are not to
be found at H3, I will have sent them to the office to be supervised while they wait. Wednesday
dismissal is at 1:10. Hale Kula teachers use these afternoons for meetings, so I will be unable to
meet with any parents after school on Wednesdays. Please come to the door, one at a time so I may
send your child to you. Please make sure that anyone who is picking up your child regularly takes a
picture with your child for the sub binder. If you change your pick up person please let me or the
office know that information before they come to pick your child up.
Birthdays
Birthdays are very important to children. Healthy treats may be sent if you so choose. We will share
treats either before a recess or before the end of the day, depending on the class schedule. For
those that fall on a Wednesday, we will celebrate during first recess at 9:30am. Summer birthdays
may be celebrated on the students half birthday or a date of your choice-please notify the teacher.
If you would like to pass out birthday invitations please make sure that you have an invitation for
every student in class. We recognize summer birthdays at the end of the year.
Book Orders
Students will bring home Scholastic Book order forms home each month for you to purchase books
for your child at a reduced rate. Please order books online before the given due date. **You do not
have to participate in ordering books. Class code GMLLM. You can access it on our class website
http://msyoungh3.weebly.com
Change of Clothes
Each student must have an extra set of clothes at school Accidents do happen. Clothes that are sent
home to be washed must be replaced. Please place clothes in a Ziploc bag labeled with your childs
name.
Chaperone Training
Chaperone Training classes will be conducted by Ellen Petry for parents who want to go on field trips.
Only parents who are trained will be allowed to go on field trips.
Class Shirts
We will be making class shirts our 1st week of school. The cost will be 4.00.
Discipline
Discipline is very simple. We work hard as a class to make the classroom a fun, positive and safe place
for all. During the first few weeks of school we will establish classroom rules to help keep us safe
and create a positive learning environment. We will use a Behavior Chart in your childs B.E.E Binder
to communicate about your childs behavior.

Email
Our class email is msyoungh3@gmail.com I check email almost daily. Please provide me with a
current email address and email asap if you change your address.
G.O. Binders
Each student will have a G.O. Binder. They are free for you this year due to a grant and you will be
able to keep them. These binders hold resource information and reference guides for students as
well as student papers to go home, behavior charts, homework, study help, reading logs and are used
for home/school communication. Please check your childs binder daily and return any papers as soon
as possible. Student's corrected work will be returned in the binder; please take out and keep at
home unless instructed otherwise. Please DO NOT bring your binders to school on field trip days.
Binders will be sent home the 3rd week of school.
Grading
Grading will be based on the Common Core Standards, the Hawaii State Content Standards and Next
Generation Science Standards.
Homework Policy
There will be homework daily except for holidays and breaks. Assignments will be
weekly to give you flexibility to complete. I believe families need time together and I know
children have extracurricular activities. The homework is located on our class website
(msyoungh3.weebly.com) as well as in the back of the binder.

Homework has two major purposes. The first and major purpose is to promote
and encourage responsibility and accountability. (G.L.O. # 1 Self-directed
Learner) The also important second purpose is to review and practice basic
reading, writing, spelling, and math skills learned in class as there is only a limited
amount of time in a school day in which to get enough practice with some skills.
It has been my experience that homework can provide a meaningful interaction
between teachers, parents, and children.
I sincerely feel you will benefit from this time together. Here are a few suggestions
that will make homework time easier.
1. Set a regular place for homework.
2. Set a regular time for homework.
3. Be positive and relaxed. Praise your student for bringing his or her homework
folder home and for trying. Sometimes progress comes slowly, but it does come.
Students will not have time allowed during the school day to finish
homework in school - all attempts should be made to finish homework at
home.
Independence
Independence is a goal for students because it builds self-esteem and self-confidence. First graders
are very capable of doing many things on their own and I encourage them to do as much as then can
for themselves in the classroom.
Keep Updated
Keep updated by reading the classroom bulletin board outside the classroom and by checking your
childs G.O. Binders every day for other notes and letters. You should also check out our class

website, information about our class as well as the homework for the week is posted there. There
are also links to fun web sites for extra practice. Please go to msyoungh3.weebly.com when you
have a chance. You can always email me if you have any questions. (msyoungh3@gmail.com)
Lunch Money
Please enclose money in an envelope and mark it with childs name, teachers name, and $ amount. This
should be cash only. NO CHECKS. Place all money envelopes in your childs G.O. binder. Lunch money
can also be turned directly into the office and placed in the drop box or given to the teacher.
MONEY: Money for lunch payments, field trip payments, pictures, etc. will not be excepted by the
teacher if it is not enclosed in an envelope and labeled with the child's name, room number,
teacher's name, the monetary amount and what it is for. Please remember that there are usually
over 23 students in our class at a given time and passing the teacher money without a properly
labeled envelope is not a good idea.
Open Lines of Communication
Please let me know if you have ANY questions or concerns regarding your child throughout the year. I
feel that it is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful first year in
school. You can send me a note in the G.O. Binder, e-mail me, text me or talk to me after school.

Other Questions?:
See our class website at msyoungh3.weebly.com/ or our grade level page on the Daniel K. Inouye
Elementary School website which has the Grade 1 Handbook!
Parental Involvement
Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you
value school. We are always happy to have your help for special activities in the classroom. If you
have a skill you'd like to share with the class let me know!

Resource Days:
First grade will be having Resource Days throughout the year on Wednesdays (unless
otherwise specified) in which our classes will rotate through our 7 first grade teachers.
Each will be teaching a specific lesson in science inquiry, art, music, health/wellness,
social skills, and world cultures. The dates will be posted and reminders written in
G.O. Binder as well.
Resource Schedules
Library: Our new library will be complete soon,
PE is weekly on Thursdays with Mr. Enoki. Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and
tennis shoes. Also make sure your child has a water bottle and wears sunscreen. It does get hot
out on the field.
Drama is on Thursday, every other week with Mr. Merriam. The children enjoy acting, playing
games, and doing various activities with him.
This year 1st grade is lucky enough to have a grant for an arts first program and we will
have lessons throughout the year.
Transportation

If your child has any changes in their transportation, please let me know right away by e-mail or in
person.

Website
We have a class website! It has all the information you need to know about our classroom. You can
also find the spelling list and the weekly homework assignments there as well as any needed links for
assignments. The address is msyoungh3.weebly.com

Classroom Management Program

My goal for our classroom is that it will be a safe, welcoming, and encouraging
environment for everyone. In order to keep it that way, we will need to have rules and
consequences (both positive and negative).
Our classroom rules: Because we are friends and care about each other we...

1, 2, 3 Magic
This behavior system focuses on praising students who are doing well
and correcting misbehaviors in a calm manner. The goal is the children
learn to take responsibility for their own behavior.
When misbehaviors happen, the child has 3 opportunities to correct the
misbehavior before having a 5-minute time out.
Heres an example from the book: Can I get a drink? Not right
now. Why not? Because were going to lunch in 5 minutes. Well stop for
water then. But I want a drink now! (whiny voice) Thats 1. (Teacher
goes on working with other children.) You never let me do anything.
Thats 2. (Teacher is patient and unemotional.) You let Jose get a drink.
Thats 3, take 5. The temporarily unhappy child may stomp to time out,
which teacher ignores.
Some other consequences when children reach 3 are loss of privilege,
note or phone call home, etc. Consequences will be fair and reasonable.
The goal is to teach the child something and correct misbehaviors not to be
cruel.
Con s e q u e n c e s
As a class, we work on how to make good choices. We learn about good and
bad consequences based on our choices. Please understand that it is a growing
process and first grade is a place where children continue to learn what appropriate
school behaviors look like.
The 1, 2, 3, Magic procedures will be:

3 reminders=5 minute time out

3 more reminders=10 minute time out
3 more reminders=parent contact through email or phone call
Emails, notes, and/or phone calls about your childs behavior will be referenced to
the school-wide GLOs. I emphasize the thought, Each day is a new day with no
mistakes in it.
Now the flip side, there will be a quarterly incentive activity for good behavior
and showing improvement in behavior. Earning the activity will be done individually.
Students will also receive class bucks for good behavior, which can be spent on
incentives, fun activities, etc.
I will be looking at behavior, parent communication logs, and emails. I am not
expecting perfection but an improvement in behavior. The quarterly incentive
activity will be attainable for all and based on individual needs. Some examples of
incentive activities are bubbles, popcorn party, etc.
Hap p y Gra m s
The focus is good behavior and positive reinforcements. A happy gram is a note
from the teacher celebrating the wonderful things your child is doing at school.
These will come home periodically throughout the school year.
General Learner Outcomes
GLO #1: Self-Directed Learner
I can be responsible for my own learning.
I can work independently and ask for help when needed.
I can organize my work and materials.
I can turn my class work and homework in on time.
I can make productive use of class time.
I can set goals.
GLO #2: Community Contributor
I can responsibly and respectfully participate in a group.
I can participate cooperatively and appropriately with others to achieve shared
goals,
I can show respect and recognize the feelings of others.
I can follow school and classroom rules.
GLO #3: Complex Thinker
I can use prior knowledge and experiences to solve problems.
I can explain answers and make adjustments.
I can solve problems in different ways.
GLO #4: Quality Producer
I can self-assess to do quality work.
I can strive to complete work neatly and correctly.
I can set and strive toward learning goals.
GLO #5: Effective Communicator
I can communicate my ideas clearly in many ways.

I
I
I
I

can
can
can
can

speak effectively in front of a group.

listen attentively to gain understanding.
follow directions.
communicate effectively through speaking, drawing, and writing.

GLO #6: Effective and Ethical User of Technology

I can use technology to discover and to share my learning.
I can use school materials/tools properly.
I can use various technologies to find information.
I can explain how technology is used every day.
I can use various technologies to create new products.
I can use technology in a responsible manner.

Curriculum Expectations
Below are some of the objectives that are expected to be mastered this
school year.
Language Arts:
We will be using the Harcourt Trophies program, Wonders program
and the Peoples Common Core program along with many other
resources to provide opportunities for your child to grow in reading and
writing. Students will have homework that sometimes touches upon
these points.
Reading:
The overall reading indicators focused on throughout the year to help
students construct meaning and respond to a variety of text.
Foundational Skills
o demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic
features of print
o demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables and
sounds
o know and apply grade level phonics and word analysis
skills in decoding words (sight words, word families)
o read emergent reader texts with purpose and
understanding (fluency)
Reading Literature
o retell stories, ask and answer questions about text
o describe characters settings and major events in a story
o compare and contrast experiences of characters in stories
o identify who is telling the story
Reading Informational Texts
o ask and answer questions about key details in text
o identify main idea and key details
o ask and answer questions to clarify meaning of words and
phrases
o use various text features
Students will be working to master these concepts through shared,
guided and independent reading. Please help your child master these
concepts by reading with them or to them daily at home.

Writing:
Students will be using the writing process, conventions of language,
and research to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and
audiences.
Opinion writing
o state a stance, supply reasons for stance, provide sense of
closure
Informative/explanatory writing
o name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, provide
sense of closure
Narrative writing
o recount two or more sequenced events, include details
regarding what happened, use temporal words (then, second,
next, finally, etc) to signal event order, and provide sense of
closure
Focus on a topic, add details to strengthen writing
Use digital tools to produce and publish writing
Participate in shared research and writing
Speaking and Listening:
Students must participate in collaborative conversations with a
variety of peers and adults in small and larger groups using active
listening, expressing themselves clearly, taking turns, staying on topic,
building on others comments, asking and answering questions, and
describing people, places, things, and events with relevant details.
Language:
Students will demonstrate command of the conventions of
standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking,
capitalization, and punctuation, and spelling when writing.
Students
will clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple meaning words and
phrases using a variety of strategies.
Mathematics:
Daniel K. Inouye Elementary has implemented the Stepping Stones
and Peoples Common Core program, supplemented with Math Out of
the Box Program and other teacher resources. These resources help
lead students through mathematical discovery and problem solving
skills.
Operations and Algebraic Thinking

o Represent and solve problems involving addition and

subtraction
o understand apply properties of operations and the
relationship between addition and subtraction
o add and subtract within 20
o work with addition and subtraction equations (number
sentences)
Number and Operations in Base Ten
o extend counting sequences
o understand place value
o use place value understanding and properties of operations to
add and subtract
Measurement and Data
o measure lengths using non standard and standard units
o tell and write time (hour and half hours)
o represent and interpret data
ask and answer questions about data in graphs and
charts
create graphs and charts using given data
Geometry
o reason with shapes and their attributes
o understand simple fractions (halves, fourths)
Science:
Students will be studying plants, ocean animals, matter solids,
liquids, and gases, the sun, force and motion, and the scientific process.
They will discover, invent, and investigate using the skills necessary to
engage in the scientific process and understand that science,
technology, and society are interrelated.

Social Studies:
Students will be studying power and authority, rules and laws, U.S.
national symbols, simple maps, children in history, influential people,
needs and wants, goods and services.
Fine Arts:
Students will understand and apply techniques, process, and skills
in creating visual art, music, dance, and drama.
They will also
understand how fine arts express feelings, and communicate ideas and
experiences.

Health:
Students will understand and practice health promotion and risk
and disease prevention (germs, cleanliness, safety, eating healthy,
etc.). They will also use interpersonal communication skills (express
feelings, wants and needs appropriately) and name people and services
in the community and school who provide health support.
Career and Technical Education:
Students will explain that everyone has personal interests,
strengths, and abilities.

H3 Parent/Student Information
Students name:
Parents/Guardians names:

phone#
phone#

After School Routine:

(A+, Bus, Parent Pick up, etc)

I have read and understand the class procedures and policies.

Please check one:
I have a computer and internet access. My child and I will be able to view Ms. Youngs
website for H3 announcements and complete lessons (when assigned); and I will be able to view
Hale Kulas website for Parent Bulletins and lunch menus.
I do not have a computer and internet access. I would like a copy of any classroom
newsletters, Parent Bulletins and lunch menus.

How Can I Help?

I would like to help by volunteering to: (check as many as you please)
cut paper towels at home
help tutor in the classroom.
chaperone for field trips (you MUST take the chaperone course)
help prepare classroom materials for lessons (copying, laminating,
cutting, and other things)
_____ teach/share a lesson or skill
offer any special resources that I have available to me not listed
above.
Your email:
Your cell phone number: ___________________________