Kindergarten Page

Kindergarten is....

Kindergarten Supplies

Kindergarten Guidelines

Classroom Pictures

The following information will be helpful as you prepare your child for the first day of school.

I will share much more with you through weekly newsletters during the year and at Back-to-School Night in September. I encourage you to attend the Open House on Tuesday, August 19 with your child. This will help you all prepare for this exciting time! I will not give a formal presentation that evening, but there are some fun activities planned.

1. Mrs. Morrison
   Welcome to Kindergarten!I am Casey Morrison, the new Kindergarten teacher at St. Ann’s Catholic School. Although this is my first year at St. Ann’s, this is my 5th year in Kindergarten. I have also taught two years of 2nd grade. I am originally from Mississippi. While in the south, I earned my BA degree in Elementary Education from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL. I also received a MA degree from Walden University in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading and Literacy. I am a fully credentialed teacher in California, as well as 5 other states.

2. Immunization Record/Physical Exam
   It is state law that a copy of each child's immunization record and physical exam form are returned before or on the first day of school. Your child may not attend on the first day without these.

3. Probationary Period
   We at Saint Ann School believe that children should enter school on the basis of behavioral and developmental age rather than chronological age. If a child is incorrectly placed in an educational situation that does not suit his/her developmental level, the child's educational success may be hindered. For this reason, all students entering the Kindergarten program enter on a probationary basis. Within the first two or three weeks I will have gathered additional information about your child's developmental and behavioral age to gauge if this is the best placement for your child. It is important to remember that we want to give our children the gift of the right start, not a head start in education. I will notify you and schedule a conference if I feel we need to reevaluate your child's placement for the school year. It is important that children understand the importance of respecting others and maintain controlled behavior so that he/she can learn, and the learning of others is not affected.

4. Arrival
   The Kindergarten day consists of one session that begins promptly at 7:30 and finishes at 11:30. Students who do not arrive by the time the 7:30 bell rings will be marked tardy. This means it will be necessary to have your child arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the bell rings. I will open the classroom door at 7:15 each morning. Having to rush in the morning can cause a child to feel anxious and stressed (not a good way to start the day). Helping your child form good attendance habits now is critical. It would be helpful to begin getting your child adjusted to school bedtime and morning routines in early August to avoid a stressful beginning. It is very important that your child get a sufficient amount of sleep each night to keep up with the busy Kindergarten morning.

5. Dismissal
   Kindergarten dismissal time is 11:30. For your child's protection, you must come to the Kindergarten room to pick up your child. Students will not be allowed to meet you in the parking lot area. No child will be released to anyone that we do not know by sight. Students will not be released to anyone other than parents or primary care givers unless written and verbal permission have been given by the parents. Please notify us if a daycare provider or grandparent will be dropping off or picking up your child daily. They should also be introduced to us on the first day of school. If your child will be taking a day- care bus after school they will be escorted to the bus. Please be sure to pick your child up promptly at 11:30. Students who are not picked up at the 11:30 dismissal time will be taken to the Kindergarten Extended Day Program and charged accordingly.

6. Absence
   As mentioned earlier, Kindergarten is not a daycare or play school. We will concentrate on important skills and complete many fun learning activities daily. Attendance is important. If your child is ill it is important that he/she stay home to rest. Students should not be sent to school with a fever, sore throat, bad cough, diarrhea or nose that is not running clear. We want to try to keep everyone healthy. If your child is absent due to an illness, emergency or any other reason please call the school office before 7:30 that morning to leave a message. A note is also required when your child returns to school. If possible, avoid scheduling doctor appointments in the morning so that your child will not miss class time. Helping your child establish good attendance habits now will help in the future.

7. Daily Snack and Recess
   We will take a snack and recess break each morning at 9:20. Snack and recess will be outside each day if the weather permits. You will need to pack your child a snack each day. Please keep these two words in mind when packing a snack: simple and nutritious. Remember, this is only a snack time. If you pack a lunch for your child to eat at EDP (Extended Day Program) please be sure to let your child know what is to be eaten for snack and what is for lunch. Kindergarten students are able to purchase chocolate or white milk at school for 15 a day. Many parents find it easier to purchase milk weekly or monthly instead of daily. If you do not wish to purchase milk you may pack a drink for your child. Please do not send soda or glass containers. Be sure that your child's lunch box and thermos have his/her name printed on them. If your child will be using a thermos help him/her learn to take the top off and put it back on again. Students should be able to open most snack containers and lunch boxes independently. Also, be sure to pack spoons, forks, straws and napkins when needed. They are not provided at school. All items that require cutting or peeling, such as oranges, should be sent to school already prepared. Only students attending EDP will have the opportunity to purchase hot lunch on Thursday each week. We will not participate in ice cream sales on Wednesdays. The Kindergarten class will have a “Fun Lunch” day each month and we will make our own lunch! I will notify you of these days in my weekly newsletter.

8. Money
   When sending money to school for milk, pizza or book orders it must be in a sealed envelope labeled with your child's first and last name and its purpose.

   Example:
   Child's Name
   Milk

   This will help us tremendously and reduce the likelihood of errors. Your child will learn to place the envelopes in special baskets in the classroom.

9. Painting
   The students will be painting often. Paint shirts and aprons are provided. Little artists can get so engrossed in their masterpieces that an occasional splatter will occur. Usually treatment with a stain remover and a soak in warm water will remove the paint.

10. Clothing
    Please label your child's sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and coats with his/her name. The mornings start off cold, but as the day warms up the layers get peeled off.

11. Back Packs
    Please be sure to label your child's back pack with his/her name. It is also important that your child be able to operate all the zippers and latches on the pack. We will be working on developing independence and your child should be able to open and close the pack without help.

12. Sharing/Student Spotlight
    Each student will be spotlighted several times during the school year. This means they will have the opportunity to decorate and share a special poster about themselves and bring something in each day of the week that they are spotlighted to share with the class.

13. Birthdays
    Birthdays are special occasions for young children. If your child wishes, he/she may bring in a simple treat to share with the class. Please notify me two days in advance if you wish to send in a treat. As an option to a treat, many students find it fun to donate a book to the classroom library. The book is read aloud in class and labeled with your child's picture. It is then placed in the classroom library. We will celebrate summer birthdays during the school year. Please do not send birthday party invitations to school unless the entire class has been invited. It is easiest to have all invitations sent home in the Monday Envelopes. Although it may seem convenient to distribute invitations this way, it can result in hurt feelings for those not invited.

14. Field Trips
    We will go on several local field trips this year. We rely on parent volunteers to drive. In order to drive on the trips you will need to complete a special form in the office and provide copies of your insurance. It is also mandatory that any driver complete the necessary safety training and have received fingerprint clearance. It is a state law that any child who is not 6 years old and does not weigh 60 pounds must be in a car or booster seat. This may require you to leave your child's seat with us for the morning on the bench outside of the classroom.

15. Communication
    Many important papers, including my weekly newsletter, will come home each Monday in a Monday Envelope. It is very important that you read all of the information in the Monday Envelope each week as this is our primary means of communicating school news. The envelope, materials and/or forms that need to be returned should be done so promptly. This helps us keep everything running smoothly. We will have two scheduled conferences this year, but if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to ask or schedule an appointment. You can always reach me by calling the school. I promise to return all phone calls as quickly as possible. Remember, immediately before or after school when students are arriving and departing are not good times for conferences or sharing concerns. I need to focus on preparing all the students for the day and keep track off them as they are dismissed. Open communication between us is the only way we can ensure that your child's Kindergarten experience is the best it can be. Please keep us notified of any important news regarding changes in the home.

16. Mass
    We will attend Mass on the first Friday of every month, on holy days and special school prayer services. Parents are always welcome to join us as we celebrate Mass. Mass begins at 8:15.

17. Homework
    Soon after school begins your child will begin bringing a homework folder home with a week's worth of assignments placed inside. Students will also participate in a required monthly reading program called Lap Reading. I will explain more about this when the time comes. Kindergarten students will have 10-15 minutes of homework each night. Of course, be sure to read with your student every night.

18. Helping Your Child Become an Independent Learner
    The first week of school can often be harder on parents than on the children. It is hard to “let go” and so we tend to want to do everything to make sure our child will be secure and happy. It is important to remember that there is a difference between supporting our children and actually completing tasks for them. We will work on developing our daily routines very slowly over the first six weeks of school so that the children can learn what is expected and be able to perform daily tasks independently. We want to help the students develop the independence, pride and self esteem that come with completing tasks for themselves. How can you help?
    • During the first few weeks your child needs your support. Walk, do not carry, your child to the classroom. Let him/her unpack and put materials where they belong.
    • By the end of September, your child should be able to do all of this independently. Simply remind your child to turn in materials when you drop him/her off.
    I appreciate you taking the time to read over all of the above information. I know this is a great deal to process! Be sure to keep this information handy to refer to throughout the school year. Attached you will find just a few more items!!! Items on the supply list, the volunteer information/request form and the completed student information sheet can be returned at the Open House on August 14 or on the first day of school. Thanks!