Note to Parents:  Your child has been asked to read the library book.  In some cases your child will actually be able to read the book to you.  However, in most cases, you will need to read the book first to the child.  Then perhaps you can re-read it with him or her and have the child supply words as you pause in your reading.

Periodically, we will send home math, social studies or science homework that relates to our unit of study.  Please do this homework on your own or with the help of parents.

Homework for Mrs. Luna's Class ~ Current homework includes reading at home and recording reading minute totals in the Home Reading Log each day.  The goal is to read at least 40 minutes per week.  Books should be read to the child, with the child, and by the child.  Also, fill in the Going Home Calendar daily.  Both of these forms are kept in the blue Homework Folder which is expected to travel and from school each day. 

Beginning in October, a two-month Poetry/Sharing calendar will be sent home bi-monthly.  Each child will select a poem at school to memorize and recite on their designated Poetry/Sharing day.  Students are expected to learn the poem by heart and bring an item from home to share.

Periodically, small homework assignments will be sent home that tie into our units of study.  Each assignment will have a circled "HW" written on the top right corner, indicating that it is "Homework".  Complete and return as soon as possible or by the designated due date written on the top.

Find You Desk Open House
This evening event happens the day before school starts. Students come with their school supplies, find their classroom, meet their teachers, locate their desks, and get settled in for the first day of school.

Back to School Night
Fun for the whole family.  Meet for the first time or reunite with the Whittier community.  There will be food and drinks for sale as well as plenty of fun activities. This event happens at the beginning of the year.

Night Parent, Teacher and Student conferences
These are conferences that happen in the middle of the first trimester. Parents, teachers and students participate in the conference. It is a time for initial assessment sharing, explanations of curriculum, and answering questions.

Heritage Night 
This is a school wide event that happens in the fall where Whittier families celebrate their heritages through food, drink, and displays about their home countries.

Inquiry Fair
This is a school-wide event that happens in the winter and show cases first graders inquiry based study of their personal histories.

Sock Hop
This is a school-wide event that happens in the winter and celebrates the dress, food, and dance of the fifties era. Bring your poodle skirts and slick back your hair. There is a DJ who play music during the event and is dinner offered.

Student Lead Conferences
At the end of the second trimester, first graders lead their parents, family members and teachers in conferences that allow students to reflect on their work and take leadership in assessing their progress and goal setting.

Phonics Nights
These first grade events happen three times a year. First grade families are invited to be involved in a session where they learn phonics strategies and get involved in teaching their children how to read.

Musical Presentations
At the end of the second semester, the first graders will give a musical performance show casing their progress in music and performance.

Theatrical Presentations
At the end of the third trimesters, the first graders will present plays that they may be involved in writing. Students will act, sing, dance and show different ways of how they can express themselves during these presentations.

PTO Roundtable Meetings
These meetings happen the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Childcare and dinner are provided. This is a chance for parents and teachers to work together to make even more opportunities for the students at Whittier through fundraising, planning events, and providing experiences that strengthen our community.