Kindergarten Questions

Dear Parents & Guardians,

         I am thrilled to be your child’s Kindergarten teacher!  I am looking forward to a year of fun and learning together.  This is a very important year for your child and I will do everything I can do to make it special. 

 The beginning of a school year is an exciting time in the lives of children, especially Kindergarten students.  I am sure you have many questions.  I have tried to put some answers for you in writing for future reference.  Please look over the information in this packet carefully. 

 I look forward to establishing the best possible learning environment for your child.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (815) 635-3555 or by email at dfolwell@prairiecentral.org.

 Most Sincerely,

Mrs. Donna Folwell

 First Day Poem

Every one has a “First Day”

When they feel sad and all alone.

It can be so scary

When you’re out there on your own.

Take my hankie, dry your tears.

You’ll find lots of things to do

And you’ll probably make new friends.

I promise we’ll be together

When the school day ends.

Here comes the teacher,

Blow your nose and be brave.

Come on now wipe your eyes,

This is no way to behave.

“Well, good morning teacher.

We must really beg your pardon.”

“No, MOMMY doesn’t always act this way.

But it’s my first day of KINDERGARTEN!”

 -Author Unknown

Attendance:             Regular school attendance is very important in Kindergarten!  This is a start of your child’s formal schooling and good habits are formed early.  Many of our activities will be “hands on” and it is important that your child participates in all projects for maximum benefit.  State law requires that the school be notified if your child will not be in attendance.  Please call the school 635-3561 before 8:30 a.m. to inform our secretary.

Arrival at school:             The first morning bell rings at 7:50 a.m.  Students are asked to arrive BEFORE that time, so that we may begin our day’s activities promptly at 8:00 a.m.  If your child will be eating breakfast at school, they should be here by 7:30 a.m. to be able to be in the classroom at 7:50 a.m. 

Behavior:          

Learning social skills and conflict resolution skills are a large part of Kindergarten. 

 Kindergarten Rules: 

·        Always use self control.

·        Follow the directions the first time given.

·        Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

·        No teasing, name calling, tattling or inappropriate language.

·        Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

·        Walk quietly in the hallways.

          Our classroom will go over the above rules in the beginning of the school year and add to the list so that the entire class has ownership.  I believe that positive behavior and good choices should be reinforced.  I will praise and comment on good behavior throughout the day. 

Sometimes the children will get something special for on task behaviors (popcorns), other times students will be rewarded with a "Golden Egg" to insert into our all school bird house by the office.  Each week students are chosen out for chances to win prizes.  The more names in the house increases the students' chances of being rewarded a prize. 

A whole class incentive for positive behavior is our class "cookie jar."  Each time the class is making good choices (hallway, specials, etc), they are rewarded for this behavior.  As soon as the jar is filled, we receive an all class prize.  There are many different programs; we’ll try a few to find one that works for our class. 

 Occasionally, inappropriate behavior needs to be dealt with.  In our class we will use a “Stoplight” system.  Each student will have a magnet with his/her picture on it. Students are encouraged to follow the respective rules of all the areas in our school (playground, cafeteria, gym, etc.) and Stoplights are given for inappropriate choices in these areas also.

 When rules are not followed or inappropriate choices are made;

 1.       After attempting to redirect inappropriate behavior I will warn your child and move his/her magnet into the green light of our classroom Stoplight.  I use “if/then” statements to try to redirect student behavior.  Example: “If you continue to touch your neighbor you will be on the Stoplight.”  Often times this warning works.

2.     The next inappropriate choice will move the child into the yellow light area and the child will have a five minute time-out during recess or another special time, you will be asked to sign a “Stoplight” notice and return it to school the next day. 

3.     The third inappropriate choice results in the child’s magnet being moved into the orange area and the child will have a ten minute time-out during recess or another special time, you will be asked to sign a “Stoplight” notice and return it to school the next day. 

4.     Finally, with the fourth inappropriate choice the child’s magnet is moved into the red light area of the stop light.  The student will make a phone call home to make you aware of the situation.  Occasionally students may be sent to the office to speak with the principal and you will receive a phone call to make you aware of the situation and to discuss your child’s behavior. 

I will be keeping track of the movement of each student along our “Stoplight” each day.  If I see a pattern developing I will contact you to make you aware.  It is my priority to work together to facilitate your child’s success. 

You will be asked to review this plan with your child and agree to your role and the involvement you must take.   I would like to encourage you to reinforce the appropriate choices your child makes.  I know from personal experience that the story you get may not be the same as when it happened.  Please feel free to write me a note concerning any situation you would like my input on. 

Birthdays:                Birthdays are an important day for Kindergarteners.  You are welcome to send treats to celebrate.  However, PLEASE notify me in advance if you will be sending treats so that I may plan accordingly.  We will celebrate our birthdays during our morning snack time.  I will expect treats to come with the student to school or the day before, so that we can maintain our daily routine.  Also, please make sure to send napkins, etc. if needed.  Summer birthdays are celebrated, too!   I will contact you to arrange a date.  According to school policy, birthday invitations for home parties will be passed out at school ONLY if all classmates are invited.  We want to avoid hurt feelings.  Please see the snack section for approved snacks.

Book bags/Backpacks:      PLEASE make sure that your child brings a book bag with his/her ORANGE folder to school everyday.   I will be sending important notes and papers home daily.  Make sure that you go through your child’s papers with them each day.  The children look forward to this time spent with you. 

Book borrowing:                Starting later in the fall, students will have the opportunity to borrow a book from our school library.  Please set aside a time each day to read with your child.  When each book is returned another may be checked out. 

Centers:           We have several different types of “center” activities in Kindergarten.  Our “Centers” activities may include; “The Book Nook”,  Math/Puzzle Center, Art Center, Play Center, Blocks, Writing Center, Listening Center, and Computer Time.  We use our “Centers” time to; do handiwork & construction, puzzles & games, study themes & storytelling, and to use our imagination to explore!  The purpose of Centers is to reinforce topics we have already covered, increase literacy, and to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and fine motor skills. 

Clothing:           Please dress your Kindergartner appropriately for the weather!  Check our daily forecast before choosing your child’s clothing for school each day.  A comfortable child is a more productive and attentive child.  We will go outside as much as possible.  Make sure to have snow boots, hats, and mittens for your child to be able to play in the snow.   Clothing should be easy for your child to fasten and put on by him/herself.  Girls should wear shorts underneath skirts and dresses.  Coats and book bags need to have your child’s name clearly written in them.  Please send your child in gym shoes for daily recess and physical education class.

Conferences:            Parent/Teacher conferences will be held in the fall.  I encourage you to bring questions with you!  I will show you some of your child’s work, too.  I will send home a reminder. 

Field Trips:              Field trips will be scheduled to enhance our curriculum.  Permission slips and cost information will be sent home prior to each trip.  You will have the opportunity to chaperone for a field trip.  The number of chaperones will be limited for each trip.  If you are interested in chaperoning, please let me know as soon as possible after you’ve received information regarding a trip.   Chaperones will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis.  If I have more chaperone volunteers than space allows, I will consider those that haven’t chaperoned previously and draw names for the remaining spaces.  Chaperones will be responsible for 3-5 children while we are away from school.  There is a $5.00 transportation feel for each student.

Homework:              Good homework habits are formed in Kindergarten!  Your positive attitude will ensure your child’s later good habits.  It is essential that you check your child’s book bag everyday for work that may be needed to be completed at home.  Once we get settled in, your child will be bringing home reading and/or writing activities to do with you nightly.  Keep in mind that the main homework in Kindergarten is reading.  Letter formation practice is also very important in Kindergarten.  After learning a new letter, your child will be bringing home practice sheets to complete and return the next day. This work will be labeled with “HOMEWORK” in the upper right corner.  Other activities may be sent home to enhance your child’s learning experience.  Not all of these activities will be asked to be returned and of those that do, remember I do not expect a perfect product.  It is the process that is most important at this age.  I cannot stress enough how important home reading is for the early reader.  Please plan to read with and to your child nightly. 

Illness:             The district has set policies about children’s health and their ability to attend school.  When students are ill, they must stay at home.  Do not send your child to school if he/she has a fever, has vomited or had diarrhea in the last 24 hours, has inflamed eyes, a rash of undetermined origin, or has obvious signs of a respiratory infection.  Please call the school before 8:30 a.m. to report your child’s illness and absence.  A doctor’s note is required if your child is home for more than three days.  A note is also required if your child is to stay inside at recess.  Otherwise, your child will be expected to go outside for recess.  If your child needs to take any kind of medication (including Tylenol and cough drops) during their day, a medication form must be filled out by parent/guardian and physician and on file in the office.  The medication will be dispensed by the assigned Medication Administrator at the times you have specified. 

Lunch:              Lunch will be a new transition for many Kindergartners.  Please make sure that you review the lunch menu frequently.  A hungry child is not a happy child.  Parents are welcome to have lunch with their children!  Because our lunches are prepared at another facility and brought in, you must call the school by 8:30 a.m. to order your lunch.  All sack lunches need to be labeled with the child’s name.  Milk can be purchased with sack lunches.

Money:             Money will be sent to school for various things- lunches, pictures, book orders, etc.  Please send all money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name, the purpose of the money, and the amount of the money on the front. Our secretary keeps track of the lunch money accounts and will send home a note to make you aware of account balances.

Newsletter:              I communicate with you through our weekly newsletters!  Newsletters will go home each Friday.  The letters will tell about what we did during the week and what’s happening the next week.  They will contain information about parties, field trips, special events, and what we are learning in class. 

Orange folder:         Kindergarten students will be asked to bring their vinyl ORANGE folder to school everyday.  One inside is for work/papers that need to be returned to school and the other inside pocket is for work/papers to be kept at home.  The folder’s front pocket is reserved for any correspondence between home and school.  The back pocket will store our Alphabet song, flashcards, and school bucks.  Orange folders are purchased from the school office for $1.00.

Parties:            Please let me know if you are willing to help out with parties (fall, winter, Valentine’s, spring).  Some ways that you may help will be by calling other parents to ask for help or coordinate activities, helping with activities/plan games, supplying in-class treats, take home treats, plates and napkins, or cups and drinks.  I will have a sign up sheet for each of our parties.  I will send home reminders, too!

Quiet/Rest Time:             Full-day Kindergarten is quite an adjustment for some children.  Some children of this age still need rest during the day.  Your child will be expected to lie quietly and rest for about 20 minutes.  It is not mandatory that your child sleep, but she/he will have the opportunity to relax and let others sleep if needed.  We will taper off this rest time as the year progresses.  This daily quiet time is a developmentally appropriate opportunity for children to re-energize and re-focus for the remainder of the day.  You will need to provide your child with a red & blue vinyl rest mat for quiet time.

Snack Time:     We will be having a daily snack time.  Parents will be asked to donate snacks for the entire class according to a monthly snack calendar.  I will provide snack for the first week of school.  Our district has a policy regarding homemade foods.  Please only provide professionally made and wrapped crackers (animal, goldfish, grahams, Ritz type are good choices); fruit snacks, fruit bars, granola bars, pudding, cookies, dry cereal, and rice crispy treats are a few good snacks.  There is an acceptable snack list in the district’s student handbook.  Unless there is a food allergy I cannot substitute snacks.

Specials:            Kindergarten students will have five different “specials” each week.  They include; art, music, computers, library, and physical education.   You will be informed of any special needs for these classes- such as, sending your child in gym shoes for P.E.

Star of the Week/Sharing:             Each child will be the “Star of the Week” at some point throughout the year.  Usually this happens around the time of your child’s birthday (I make adjustments for summer birthdays).  Your child is line leader this week and we will focus on your child’s name, information, and interests.  I will send home a questionnaire to help us with this activity a week before your child has his/her turn.  I hope that you will help them choose a special toy, book, or other items to share with the class.  Students are welcome to bring books and pictures to share at anytime, but please keep all toys at home. 

Supplies:           Occasionally we will run out of something that we use frequently.  When this happens, I will send home a note asking for replenishment.  Please FEEL FREE to donate any of the items listed as your budget permits.  **Gallon & Quart Hefty One-Zip bags, Post It Notes for the Writing Center, Crayola markers, colored pencils, stickers, paper towels, draw-string garbage bags, masking tape, wax paper, clear contact paper, and dry-erase markers.  Also, I like to create using recyclables.  We will have a recyclable drive later in the year, but remember you can always be saving things like- toilet paper and paper towel rolls, cool-whip containers, small butter dishes, baby food jars of all sizes, and large quick-oats containers.  Thanks so much!

Take Home Readers Program:            After I assess your child’s independent reading level, your child will begin taking a small book home each night (Monday-Thursday) to practice reading.  These books are simple and are designed to help your child develop reading fluency.  By providing your child a nightly opportunity to practice oral reading, he/she will be able to focus on fluency and comprehension.  Since not all children will be ready for independent reading at the same time, you will be notified when the program begins for your child. 

Toys:        Bringing toys to school (unless it is a “Star of the Week” share item) is discouraged.  If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings are hurt.  Toys often disrupt learning time.  Students will be able to share when they are “Star of the Week”.

Transportation:                Children that are “car riders”/picked up will be walked out the middle East doors upon dismissal.  We ask that you be at the school and waiting for your student’s dismissal at 3:00 p.m.  Please do not park in the bus lanes, doing so interferes with the children loading buses.

If your child requires a change in transportation for the day, YOU MUST SEND A NOTE that is dated with the current date (in emergency, place a phone call to the school).  If a child thinks they are being picked up and there is no note, we have a lot of confusion and an upset child.  A child will be required to do what is normally done (placed on a bus) if no note was sent to school indicating the change.  I must have changes in writing because I do forget things!  In case of an emergency, please call the school office to let the secretary know of the transportation change that is needed for your child.  She will make sure that I know of the change before the end of the day. 

Volunteers:       Once we become comfortable with our surroundings and our class schedule, I welcome you into our classroom!  There will be many opportunities for you to volunteer throughout the year.  I feel it is important for your child to know that you support her/his education.  Please let me know what you may be comfortable helping us with.  All visitors are required to check in at the office prior to any classroom visits.  Your child will love to have you as a visitor!  

I realize that this is a lot of information!  Every class is unique, so expect some things to change.  You and your child may feel a bit overwhelmed at first, but I’m sure we will have a wonderful year! 

        ~Mrs. Folwell