Open House ~ Monday, August 4th

Wow, I can't believe it's that time of year again!  For me, the start of the school year brings excitement, nerves, new goals, and new beginnings - and most importantly, a new class of eager first graders!  I can't wait to get to know my sweet, new students!!!

The Back-to-School Open House is on Monday, August 4th.  Stop by anytime between 6:00 and 7:30pm and say hello, check out your child's new classroom, and drop off school supplies.  You can view the supply list by clicking  here.  One additional item that would be beneficial to your child is a whiteboard eraser.  You can buy one specifically meant to erase dry-erase markers, or an old sock works wonders as well!  It is extremely helpful to me if you have pencils already sharpened and everything labeled (yes, even individual markers and crayons, eeek!).

On Back-to-School Night, the students usually love getting a preview of their new room, sitting at their very own desks, and finding their names on the hallway bulletin board and around the classroom.  It also eases some anxiety prior to the first day of school.  I will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the new school year on Monday evening, or you may email me anytime at jessalyn.dippold@fhsdschools.org.

I look forward to seeing you, and especially your wonderful first grader!

Extra! Extra! READ all about it!

As a teacher and a parent, I feel very strongly about READING!  It is so important for me to foster a love of reading in my first grade students and in my own child.  One of my favorite things in the world is when my toddler runs up to me with a book in hand saying, "Mama read!" Not only does my little one get to hear the rhythm of language and learn new words, we both get cuddles and quality time together!  Reading comes in many forms, and it opens the door to endless possibilities for your child.  The following 1 minute video has some at-home suggestions for encouraging a love of literacy in your young reader.

Welcome First Grade Families!

Welcome to our classroom blog: First Grade Marmalade! Often during the school day, I think to myself, "Wow! Look what amazing things the kids are accomplishing!  I wish the parents could see this!"  Well guess what?  Now you will get to see the wonderful things your child is doing at school! I hope you will check the blog often.  I'll post important news, special dates, what we are learning, the weekly spelling words, and lots of pictures of what's been happening in our classroom!

I am so excited to begin a new school year and to get to know my fabulous new group of students!   I JUST LOVE FIRST GRADERS!  They are so eager to learn, they are full of wonder, and they make me SMILE!

I love seeing the growth my students make over the course of the school year.  They become better readers, writers, and mathematicians.  The students also make great strides socially by showing responsibility, empathy, and respect for others.  They make me PROUD!

Here is the last group of students that made me so, so proud... now it's your child's turn!

This will be my fifth year teaching first grade at Fairmount Elementary, and my tenth year of teaching overall. My teaching career began at Our Savior Lutheran School, where I taught 4th grade for three years.  I then came to Fairmount to work with students with special needs.  Those students will always be very near and dear to my heart.  I learned so much from them, and that experience made me a better teacher.  Now I'm working with fabulous first graders, and I'm here to stay!

Happy Summer!  The real fun begins in 26 days! See you then. :)