• 1) Course Description: In 1st grade we continue to add to what was learned in Kindergarten in the areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. In English - includes developing communication skills, phonological awareness, phonetic skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and the use of reading materials as sources of information and enjoyment. In Math - We place emphasis on counting, comparing, and ordering sets of up to 110 objects; recognizing and describing simple repeating and growing patterns; and tracing, describing, and sorting plane figures. In Science - Students continue to learn about the basic needs of all living things and that living things respond to factors in their environment, including weather and the change of season. They continue the examination of matter by observing physical properties and how materials interact with light, and will develop skills in posing simple questions, conducting simple investigations, observing, classifying, and communicating information about the natural world. In Social Studies - emphasis is placed on developing better informed citizens through knowledge of history and social sciences.

    2) Instructional Philosophy: In first grade, we provide a classroom environment so students feel welcome, empowered, valued, where they can be heard, and most importantly feel safe. We continue to have students learn and practice essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and study skills that they will use throughout their school years. We expect students to participate and try their best at all times. Students will work in partner groups, small groups, as a whole class, and complete work individually. Above all, we want our first grade students to have fun! 

    3) Major Course Goals: The course goal in first grade is to master the Virginia Standards of Learning in English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Please click on the link to see the standards that your child will learn throughout the course of the year. Once mastered, students will have the reasoning and thinking skills they need to help prepare them for their next level of learning.

    4) Major Course Projects & Instructional Activities: As we go throughout the year, any projects that we wish the students to complete, we will send home information and a time to complete the project by. 

    5) Course Assessment Plan (DPS Grading Scale and Tentative SOL Assessment Dates): 

    SOL based assessments will be given periodically to check for mastery. This year, students in K-2 will be graded using Standard Based Grading. More information is coming soon! :-) 

    Grading Scale for Conduct, Handwriting, P.E., Music, and Art

    • E - Excellent
    • S - Satisfactory
    • N - Needs Improvement
    • U - Unsatisfactory

    State required assessments, PALs and MAPS, will be given according to the state schedule - usually at the end of September, Mid-year, and late April to May.

    6) Classroom Expectations: 

    We will follow the district-wide PBIS/VTSS expectations of…

    • Be Respectful
    • Be Responsible
    • Be Ready to Learn

    Behavior Policy  - students are expected to follow classroom expectations. Parents will be kept informed through Class Dojo, emails or phone calls from the teacher(s), and weekly conduct folders. Major behavior issues, such as a physical confrontation, will result in an automatic office referral.

    7) Supplies and Materials Needed: Taken from the DPS website: 

    - Scissors (Round Tip)                                              - Pencil box or Pouch
    - 2 pack pencils (12 count)                                       - Backpack (no wheels)
    - 2 Pink beveled edge erasers or cap erasers         - Two (2) wide ruled composition books (marble) 
    - Glue sticks                                                             - Wide ruled notebook paper
    - 1 pack highlighters                                                 -  4 Plastic two pocket folders with brads
    - Earbuds or Headphones                                       - Crayola Crayons (24 count)

    8) DPS Homework Policy: 

    Homework provides an essential communication link between the school and the home. One measure of a program or course is the quality of the work done at home by the student. A strong home‑school partnership, with many lasting benefits for the individual student and the student’s family, can be greatly enhanced by a sound program of homework. In addition, homework should be an important tool in developing independent thought, self‑direction and self‑discipline. It assists the  student in developing good work habits and in the wise use of time.

    9) Extra Help: Students who are having difficulty will receive additional support through Title 1 services, small group instruction, individual instruction by the teacher/paraprofessional, and parent/teacher conferences to share ideas to use at home to help with learning. 

    Learning Games: 

    ABCYa.com

    PBS KIDS

    Roomrecess

    Coolmath4kids

    10) Time and Place to be Reached by Parent: :-) 

    School Phone Number - (434) 799-6426. You can always call and leave me a message. I will call you back as soon as I can.

    Email: dbrumfie@mail.dps.k12.va.us

    Class Dojo: Just send me a message and I will respond as soon as possible

    My Planning Time: 9:15 - 10:15 each day. (I am usually unavailable due to various planning and professional development during the week, but if we need to meet, I will make time)