A Kindergarten Handbook Mrs. B. Cassidy Mrs. Helferich Ms. McGowan Dear Kindergarten Parents/Guardians, Another Kindergarten year has begun. During our first weeks we will have the opportunity of getting to know our new group of children, and if we have not already done so, we are looking forward to meeting you throughout the year. We hope your child will have a happy and productive year in Kindergarten and that school will meet some of his/her special needs. The Kindergarten program is a total program and as such will be concerned not merely with teaching the child to acquire certain skills and facts, but the whole child’s physical, mental, and creative development. We hope that their school experience will be a happy one, which provides a stimulating educational environment while helping to increase their self-identity, self-fulfillment and the feeling of truly being valuable. During our first important weeks of school, routine and learning patterns will be established and we will have a chance to begin to discover some of each child’s special interests. At the same time we hope your child will begin to recognize Kindergarten as a secure and happy place. As the year continues, please feel that you may call or drop us a note at any time if you should have a question, concern, or comment. Very Sincerely, The Kindergarten Team General Information Please note: The parking lot is for staff parking only. If parking your car, please park along Orchard Circle or Orchard Road. Drop off: Kindergarten students are walked to the classroom with a teacher. Pick-up: Kindergarten students need to be picked up at the classroom door at the end of the day. Parents/Guardians need to park on Orchard Rd. or Orchard Circle and walk up or have older siblings walk kindergarteners down. Parents/Guardians are asked to wait for their child at the following locations. Ms. McGowan’s class ~ Door 5 on the playground Mrs. Helferich’s class ~ Door 6 on the playground Mrs. Cassidy’s class ~ Door 8 by the parking lot No Play Dates Made Through Office The district policy has been that no play dates should be made through the office. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. Suggestions: Give the teacher a list with names of adults/students who are approved to pick up your student. They can notify the teacher at the pick up door. If your child will be going home with someone not on the list, a written note in his or her take home folder, identifying the person will be required. If unforeseen circumstances, you may call the office at 781-5968837, before noon, to make us aware of alternate plans. Whenever possible, let your child know about any varying after school arrangements before sending them to school. Correspondence: Any notes, questions, or ideas need to be written down and sent via your child’s home/school folder. The notes could inform us of your child’s after school plans, if someone different is picking your child up, or anything you feel we should know about. Writing it down also makes it easier for us to remember. Please know that you may also schedule an appointment at any time. Daily Supplies: Please send your child to school each day with a labeled backpack, one small, healthy snack, one drink and a nice healthy lunch. Lunch can also be ordered at school. More information will follow. Clothing: We strongly suggest that you dress your child in clothes that are appropriate for indoor and outdoor play, painting projects, and other “hands-on” messy projects. Please label each article of clothing accompanying your child to school, sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, hats, mittens, boots, etc. Items from Home: Please do not send toys to school with your child. During the first month, we will be establishing rules and guidelines. We will send home information later this year regarding sharing opportunities. Newsletter: A newsletter will keep you updated about happenings in the classroom and upcoming events. Conferences: Formal conferences will be held in October and January. However, feel free to request a conference at any time if you have any questions or concerns. Progress reports are completed in December, March and June. Kindergarten is a time of wonderful growth, in learning about books, for emerging and developing readers and writers. It is a time for discoveries in math and science, and also a time for special friendships and new social awareness. We are delighted to share in this experience with your child and family. Mrs. Cassidy’s Specialist Schedule Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Art PE Library – Week 1 Music PE Health Mrs. Helferich’s Specialist Schedule Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: PE PE Library – week 1 Health Art Music Ms. McGowan’s Specialist Schedule Monday: Tuesday: Health PE Library – week 2 Wednesday: Music Thursday: Art Friday: PE The following is a list of celebrations that will occur during your child’s school year: Halloween Costume Parade and Party Winter Celebration Valentine’s Letter Celebration End of the year party (We do celebrate individual birthdays, however due to the large amount of peanut related allergies, we will no longer be able to have any food as a treat for birthdays. Please feel free to send in any of the following items to help celebrate; pencils, stickers, a class book, or bookmarks). Thank you very much for your cooperation. The Kindergarten Team