Field Trip Reminders

We're hitting the road!

Our first grade field trip is scheduled for Friday, May 1st. We're headed to the Tennessee Aquarium! Students and teachers alike are looking forward to this exciting trip!



Friday will be a busy day for us. The Pastries for Parents (Dads) is also scheduled for this day. It will be from 8-9 a.m. If you plan on attending this event. My advice is to be here early - a little before 8:00 a.m. So that you will be able to get through the cafeteria and return to the room by 8:30.

Our buses are not scheduled to leave Gilbert until around 9:15. You may drive up and meet us at the Aquarium or you may meet us at school and follow the bus. Most parking around the Aquarium is paid parking. Be sure to bring a few dollars to cover the parking fees.

Students will NOT be allowed to visit the gift shop at the Aquarium. Our schedule simply does not allow time for it. However if you are going with your child, you may check them out to allow him/her to ride home with you. You may return to the gift shop if you wish.

What do I need to bring?
You will NOT need your book bag on Friday. You may leave it at home.

Please remember to bring your lunch if you signed up to do so. It must be in a paper bag to make traveling easier for us. No canned drinks. Juice boxes only. The following students signed up to bring their lunches: Chris, Alexis, Kai, Camden, Eli, Jarrod, and Trystan.

What should I wear?
Please wear denim (blue jean) shorts or pants. Your shirt won't matter as you will change into your first grade shirt when you arrive at school. Our shirts are light blue and adorable!

TENNIS shoes are a MUST. We'll be doing lots of walking!

More AR Newbies!

Congratulations to Kai and Tyler!
Both are now in the 100 Point Club!

AR Newbies!

Congratulations to these new point club members!

100 Points
Connor McFall

75 Points
Camden Neal
Chyanne Avans

CRCT Information

What is the CRCT test? What is its purpose?

The CRCT acronym stands for Criterion Referenced Competency Test. It is designed to measure how well students have acquired the knowledge and skills described in the Georgia Performance Standards. The assessments yield information on academic achievement at the student, class, school, system, and state levels. This information is used to diagnose individual student strengths and weaknesses as related to the instruction of the GPS, and to gauge the quality of education throughout Georgia.

What content areas and grade levels are tested?

Georgia law, as amended by the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, requires that all students in grades one through eight take the CRCT in the content areas of reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. Students in grades three through eight are also assessed in science and social studies. The CRCT only assesses the content standards outlined in the GPS.

Information was taken from the Department of Education's website. You may read more information by clicking here.

CRCT Testing Schedule for 1st Grade

• April 20 Reading
• April 21 Language Arts
• April 22 Math

Helpful Tips

• Testing begins at 8:00 a.m. each day. Please make plans to have your child to school on time. Students who arrive after the 8 a.m. start will remain in the office so that testing will not be disturbed.
• Eat a healthy breakfast. Whether it's cereal and toast or breakfast pizza, you need to eat a good breakfast. Numerous research studies have shown that students do better in school provided they have a good nutritious breakfast. Gilbert serves breakfast each day beginning at 7:15 a.m. until 7:40 a.m. I think the cost is $0.75 per student.
• Get a good night's sleep. Go to bed early! You won't have any homework during the week of the CRCT. First graders should get 8-10 hours of sleep each night.
• Don't stress! Just do your best! Believe you will do well. I know you can do it!

Want a study guide to help you prepare?

Click here to download the study guide.

The Joys of Teaching First Grade

When I am introduced as a teacher, I am usually asked what I teach. When I say, "first grade", I generally hear a very flat "oh". I have never been certain whether it is an expression of pity, sympathy, disgust, or perhaps disinterest. Always, I wish I had the time to explain to them like this: YES, I teach first grade.

WHERE ELSE would a handsome young man put his arms around me and ask "Do you know that I'll always remember and love you?"

WHERE ELSE could I tie so many hair ribbons and belts and daily get to see a style show of pretty dresses and shirts?

WHERE ELSE could I walk up and down aisles and have little warm hands reach out to me?

WHERE ELSE could I have the privilege of wiggling loose teeth and receive the promise that I may pull them when they are loose enough and sometimes I do.

WHERE ELSE would I eat a spoiled piece of candy from a grimy little hand and not become ill? (I have to eat it because he watches me to see that I do!)

WHERE ELSE would the future look so bright as it does amid an energetic group to whom nothing is impossible?

WHERE ELSE could I guide the first letter formations of a chubby little hand that may some day write a book or an important document?

WHERE ELSE could I forget my own aches and pains because of so many cut fingers, scratched knees, bumped heads and broken hearts that need care?

WHERE ELSE could I forget cares and even "the state of the nation" because Stevie isn't grasping Reading as he should and other methods must be tried?

WHERE ELSE would my mind have to stay so young as with a group whose attention span is so short that I must always keep a "bag of tricks" up my sleeve?

WHERE ELSE could I feel so close to my MAKER as I do each year when, because of something I've done, little children learn to read?

YES, I teach first grade, Mr. and Mrs. America, and I LOVE IT!

-Author Unknown

I found this today. I've never been able to put into words the joys of teaching first grade. This comes close. :)

Spring Break!

For us, that means SPRING BREAK!

Gilbert and all other Walker County Schools will be closed the week of April 6-10 for Spring Break. Classes will resume on Monday, April 13.

I would like to take a moment to wish each of you a safe and relaxing break. Take some time to play with your little ones. They are so precious. I enjoy being with them each day at school. I learn as much from them, hopefully as they do from me.

Each and every student in my class has worked very hard this year and have learned so much. They deserve a break, as we have some stressful times ahead with CRCT testing just around the corner. So relax and have some fun!

Boys and girls,

Take care of yourselves and your families. Have a great break and a Happy Easter! I hope you each find lots of eggs and perhaps a treat from the Easter Bunny. I'll see you all soon!

Love,

Mrs. Richardson

P.S. Camden, I hope you are feeling better. Savannah told me you were sick. Feel better soon. We missed you today! Take care!