Welcome to 1st Grade

 Dear Parents, 

It is with great joy and excitement that I welcome you to a new year of growing and learning at South Side! I am so excited to begin this new school year in 1st grade and I am thrilled to begin this relationship with you and your family. Thank you so much for partnering with me! Please pray with me throughout this year that God will work mightily in the hearts and minds of all of us as we intentionally seek to promote His Kingdom on Earth.

Joy of the Lord~

"You have made known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11 

Our school theme for the 2025–2026 year is "The Joy of the Lord," and I am truly excited to explore this beautiful truth with your child.

It is my heartfelt desire that, throughout this year, each student will come to understand that true joy comes from knowing God, following His ways, and spending time in His presence. Together, we’ll explore what joy looks like in everyday life—being kind, showing gratitude, trusting God, and celebrating His love.

In the classroom, we’ll learn songs, hear Bible stories, create joyful art, and talk about how God lovingly guides us along the right path. We will learn and know God is always with us—and that His presence brings a joy that lasts. I believe God has wonderful things in store for us this year, and I can’t wait to grow and learn alongside your child!

As We Begin...

Classroom communication will happen primarily through this blog, Engbers Events. Each Friday the blog will be updated. Please take a moment to bookmark this site so you can easily see all of our first grade happenings.

Classroom Visit and Ice Cream Social~

I cannot wait to meet you and your child! Please mark your calendar for the evening of Thursday, August 14 from 6:00-7:00pm. I am so sorry that I had the wrong day in your child's letter! Please come on the 14h and NOT on the 15th. 😀 You are invited to come to South Side to see our classroom, play on the playground, and enjoy some ice cream. Please bring your child's school supplies (supply list is below) with you on this night. I would like to get the kiddos settled in before the first day of school. 

South Side Parent Night~

Please plan to attend Parent Night on Thursday, August 21 from 5:30 to 6:30pm. (Parents Only Please) 

First Grade Supplies~

Here is a reminder of the list of supplies for 1st graders. You can also find this list online HERE!

1st Grade Supply List

• (1) 8-pack Washable Crayola Fat Markers, Basic Colors

• (1) 24 count Crayola Crayons

• (24) sharpened #2 Pencils (to be used as community supplies)

• (6) Glue Sticks (to be used as community supplies) 

• (1) School/Pencil Box (approximate dimensions 8 ½ x 5 ½)

• (1) small Fiskars-Type Scissors

• (4) Black, Expo Brand, Thick Dry-Erase Markers 

• (1) 2 pocket folder (9x12)

• (1) 1 inch Clear View Binder (3 ring binder with clear pocket on front and back cover)

• (1) set of quality wired headphones (not earbuds)

• Old oversized shirt for Art (labeled with name)

• Inside Gym Shoes to keep at school. (Velcro or slip on shoes preferred)

• Backpack large enough for a 9x12 folder

• Lunch Box or Bag

• Beach Towel for outdoor learning

One addition- please send your child with a water bottle each day. No juice/sports drinks please! Water is so good for our growing brains! :)

OPTIONAL DONATION CONSIDERATIONS that are helpful at any point in the school year:

• Tissue boxes (Generally the tissues donated are a touch softer on noses than the school provided ones...😉)
• Hand Sanitizer 
• Clorox wipes 
• Baby Wipes (These are perfect for messy/sticky/dirty hands and come in pretty handy when we're learning outside.)
• Boxes of Graham Crackers for extra snacks
• Freeze Pops (popsicles in a bag)- these are a great treats on hot days

Passing the Baton~

I am honored to be holding on to and adding to your child's baton this year! You may pass your child's baton back to me at our classroom visit on the 15th or any time during the first week of school. (For those of you new to HC, your child will receive his/her baton at the close of the school year.) Batons will go home with students on the last day of first grade!

Blessings to you and your family during these remaining days of summer.  I look forward to this school year and meeting all of you as we glorify God and live into His goodness and faithfulness together.

In His Service,

Michelle Engbers