Dear Parents,
Welcome to Pre-Kindergarten! This is such a wonderful and exciting time for you and your child and we
here at the Children’s School are hoping to make this year’s learning experience the solid foundation for your
child’s future education. We look forward to getting to know your children and being a part of this significant
year in their lives where they will expand and build on key skills like reading, writing, and math, just to name a
few. In order to attain your child’s educational goals, and working in collaboration with subjects such as art,
science and social studies, we will be following the Letter People Curriculum and implementing the program
“Hand Writing Without Tears.”
In the following pages, using the Daily Schedule as a guide, you will find the information that will help you
learn more about the Pre-K program and get to know our day-to-day activities.
Daily Schedule
7:00 - 9:00
Drop off, name writing, and free play
9:00 – 9:10
Clean Up
9:10 – 9:30
Circle Time
9:30 – 10:00
Bathroom/wash hands/snack
10:00 – 11:00 Group Activities (Letter People, Handwriting, Math, Art, Social Studies, cooking
and Science)
11:00 – 11:30 Specials
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Monday – Music (11:30-12:00)
Tuesday – Spanish
Wednesday – World Travelers and Yoga
Thursday – Tumble Tots
Friday –Science/Literacy
11:30 – 12:00 Outside Play
12:00 – 1:00
Bathroom/ wash hands/ lunch /story
1:00 – 2:30
Rest time
2:30 - 3:00
Afternoon activity
3:00 – 3:30
Free Play
3:30 – 3:45
Afternoon circle
3:45 – 4:00
Bathroom/ wash hands/snack
4:00 – 6:00
Free play/Outside play
Drop Off
We understand that being in a new classroom with new teachers may be an adjustment for the children,
especially in the first few days. Upon arrival, parents will be greeted by a teacher. That teacher will then help
transition the child from their parent into the classroom by reading a book with them, working on a brief
activity, or helping them wave goodbye at the window. Getting into a drop off routine with your child right
away tends to make a child’s transition into the classroom much easier, and saves you time as well. We also
ask that, if possible, your child be at school no later than 9:00. To make the most out of your child’s PreKindergarten experience we want them to be involved in all of the activities including circle and activity time.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. It is strongly recommended with the
Montgomery County Department of Health and Keystones Stars that Hand Washing starts the moment
“mommy, daddy, teacher and child” enter a classroom. Each morning, as you enter the classroom, the
teachers will encourage you and your child to go over to the sink and to wash your hands. When you come
to pick up your child, we ask you again, to please wash your hands before you start to pick up child’s materials
for the day. Throughout the day, the teachers will continue to practice Hand Washing with the children.
Circle Time
Circle time is a great way to start our day, together, as a group. Circle time will always open with our
good morning song and we will review the calendar – date and days of the week, including any special holidays
or birthdays for that day, the weather, job assignments, letter people and all of the day’s activities that we will
be partaking in whether it be handwriting, art, or music, etc. Circle time is also a time to highlight our theme
for the week and build on it through reading a book, playing a game, or singing a song that has to do with that
theme.
Daily Activities
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Letter People – “Land of the Letter People lays a firm foundation in the skills necessary for successful
reading and writing. The Letter People guide children through literacy development and offer them all
the necessary skills to unlock oral and written language, as well as providing the emotional engagement
that empowers learning” (Abrams and Company, 2002). In order to coordinate with our Handwriting
Without Tears curriculum, we will be introducing the Letter People in the following order:
Letter People
Ms. L
Ms. F
Ms. E
Mr. H
Ms. T
Mr. I
Ms. U
Mr. C
Mr. O
Mr. Q
Mr. G
Ms. S
Ms. J
Mr. D
Ms. P
Mr. B
Mr. R
Ms. K
Ms. A
Mr. M
Mr. N
Ms. V
Ms. W
Mr. X
Ms. Y
Mr. Z
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Handwriting Without Tears – “The Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum is
designed to encompass foundation skills for successful learning. How well children
succeed in school and life depends on the people in their lives and their early
environment” (Olsen, J, 2005). This program is intended to help build an optimal
learning experience in the areas of fine and gross motor, cognition and language
development, social and emotional growth, and visual perceptual development.
Everyday Mathematics – The everyday mathematics program introduces children to
the six major mathematical content domains: number sense, algebra, measurement,
geometry, data analysis, and probability. “The program helps children build and
maintain basic skills including automatic fact recall, while helping you use every
day, real-world problems and situations to nurture their high-order and criticalthinking skills” (Wright Group, 2007).
Art – Art projects will consist of painting (finger, free, sponge), making collages, designing necklaces,
crafting puppets, drawing with markers and crayons, etc. Like every activity our theme will be
incorporated and accented within our art projects. We will also be incorporating an “Artist of the
Month” where we hope for the children to gain an appreciation for art. We will focus on a different
artist each month and learn about the artist’s technique and try to create our own rendition of their work.
World Travelers – In order to incorporate Social Studies into the children’s curriculum, each week we
will be traveling to a different Country. When discussing each country we will talk about the capital,
location on the World map and we will be partaking in a cultural activity that has to do with that
country. We invite families to get involved by bringing in specific items (photos from a family trip
taken in that country) or coming in to the class to talk about visiting that country or to cook a special
snack specific to that country’s cuisine.
Science – Through science experiments and hands on experiences we will explore and discover basic
science concepts such as freezing and melting, floating and sinking, weather, etc. Like every activity
our theme will be incorporated and accented within most of our science experiences.
Cooking – The children will get the chance to get their hands dirty in the morning through cooking an
afternoon snack together. Cooking will give the children a sense of accomplishment and independence
in preparing something for themselves.
Character Building – Throughout the year, we will be working on building Character Development in
our classroom. We will be using the “Bucket Filling” program. “Actions and words that show that you
care about someone. Using names with respect. Helping without being asked. Giving sincere
compliments. Showing respect to others. There are hundreds of wonderful ways to fill buckets. The
language of bucket filling has become synonymous with being kind and thoughtful. Your bucket will be
filled when, at the close of each day, you reflect on the ways in which you have filled buckets.” Each
day, the children will be encouraged to “fill their bucket by helping others fill theirs.” Each child will
have their own bucket that they will try to fill each day with pompoms. At the end of the day, we will
dump all of the pompoms into a “Classroom Bucket.” When our “Classroom
Words of the Week
Throughout each week, we will have a piece of butcher paper posted for words that begin with the letter
of the week. Each day we will try to add words that start with that letter to the list in order to create a large list
of words. We ask that you help us with this list by writing down words with your child on this list. This will
help your child with their pre-reading skills. During circle time we go over our word list and think of more to
add to it.
Specials
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Music – On Monday mornings the children will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy learning and
singing along to different types of music with our good friend Mr. David.
Spanish – Every Tuesday the children will have Spanish with Ms. Adriana, where they will learn basic
Spanish vocabulary like colors, days of the week, weather, and shapes. We will inform parents of the
words reviewed that week and after a few classes parents will receive a list of words that they can
review with their child at home.
Tumble Tots – The children will enjoy playing sports and various games by participating in Tumble
Tots. Tumble Tots is a well-coordinated sports and exercise program that is designed for young
children. This program helps children with gross motor skills and coordination through playing sports
and games like soccer, yoga, and relay races.
Science – The children will have a bi-weekly visit from Nature Jack for an interactive science lesson.
The children will have the opportunity to work hands-on with different topics such as sounds, animals
and space.
Yoga – This year we will have a new addition to our curriculum. Each Wednesday, Ms. Katie will be
helping the children to unite their mind, body and soul through a weekly yoga class.
Literacy – The children will take part in a bi-weekly literacy program that will incorporate the lessons
and skills learned in the classroom.
Morning/Afternoon Snack
The Children’s School will provide morning snack, which is usually fruit, cereal or yogurt, as well as an
afternoon snack that typically consists of crackers, cookies, or jello. If your child needs something of their own,
due to food allergies, etc. and you would like to bring in a snack from home, feel free to do so, but please
inform the teachers. However, an alternate snack can still be provided, so do not feel that you must bring a
snack from home
Lunch
A recent change to one of the quality improvement agencies we are part of recommends banning the use
of microwave ovens to head food for children in child care centers. The reason for this is due to the number of
injuries reported because children have been burned from food unevenly heated. Effective September 8, 2015,
microwaves will no longer be present in the classrooms and teachers will NOT heat lunches. Please feel free to
send in warmed foods in a thermos or other type of container/
Teeth Brushing
Each day, the children will have the opportunity to practice brushing their teeth with water after lunch.
Each child will have their own, labeled, toothbrush. Every (6) months, we will give the children a new
toothbrush. This is a great way to practice oral hygiene.
Naptime/Quiet Time
Each child will have a cot labeled with their name. To help the children rest and relax during naptime,
we ask that you send in a blanket or a sleeping bag for their cot. If your child has a favorite soft sleep buddy,
please feel free to send that in, in addition to other naptime supplies. Any naptime materials will be sent home
for cleaning every two weeks.
Student of the Month
This year we would like to make your child feel more like the star he/she already is. That is why we
will be doing a Student of the Month activity. Each month, 2 (sometimes 3) children will be our Students of
that Month. We ask that you please fill out the questionnaire that we will send home at the end of the month
prior to your child’s month. Some of the questions asked are: When I am not at School, I like to…, A Book I
love…, My favorites…food, sport, color, toy and animal. There is also a spot for a picture of your child. We
also invite you to come in to present your child’s Student of the Month questionnaire along with your student,
sometime throughout your child’s month. You may also bring in the book that your child loves and read it to
the class. The schedule is as follows:
October: Jordie and Grady
November: Cameron and Erin
December: Everett and Henry
January: Leila and Marco
February: Ozan and Scarlett
March: Shea and Chase
April: Luciano and Emma
May: Vivian and Donal
Show and Tell
Every Friday afternoon the children will have the opportunity to participate in show and tell. During this
time, each student will be allowed to bring in one item from home that is related to that week’s theme. For
example, a favorite story, stuffed animal, or game. *Please refrain from bringing in toys that encourage
violence or include weapons.*
Communication
All of the teachers feel it is highly important to keep the lines of communication open with the parents.
Therefore there are a few ways within the classroom to make communication effective. Mailboxes with the
children’s names are located next to the classroom cubbies. The mailboxes will hold any of the children’s
projects and any important letters or school business. There is also a white board that is located by classroom
cubbies that will have a brief review of the day’s happenings. There is also a parent information bulletin board
and resource shelves located on the first floor. The purpose of the board and shelves is providing valuable
resources on child development and milestones, community events, and upcoming events.
Volunteering
Throughout the year, parents have often mentioned that they would like to volunteer sometime in the
classroom. If you are interested in volunteering in the classroom, please ask one of the teachers about when is a
good time to come and spend some time in the classroom. Some ideas for volunteering include, but are not
limited to: cooking with the children, creating an art project, story time, singing, or just playing with the
children. Each month, the teachers will include information about the interest of volunteering in the school
newsletter.
Getting to Know You Meeting
New this year, we will be offering a 45 day “Getting to Know You Meeting.” At or close to the 45 day
mark of Pre-K, we will ask you if you would like to take some time to sit down and chat about how your child
is doing in our classroom thus far. This is an informal and optional meeting. As it gets closer to the this time,
we will be sending out reminder letters.
Parent Information
We, here at The Children’s School, are here to guide children and to help prepare them for PreKindergarten. We believe the children need to be actively involved in learning through play and have
opportunities to explore and succeed through the principles of growth and development. As educators, we are
here to educate the children and to work with the parents to further assist the children with their development.
When we are not sure if we are doing everything we can to assist a child’s development, with a parent’s
approval, we will look to the community or other educators who can help the child and the teachers in the
classroom. A couple of resources that we rely on are:
1. Dr. Lisa Dissinger, A Consulting Psychologist who works for the Lower Merion School District and the
Bala House. Lisa is a licensed psychologist who specializes in preschool children. Her consulting
practice includes psychological assessment of children and adolescents, consultation to parents, and
educators.
2. Montgomery Intermediate Unit, Early Intervention is available to help a child’s educational
development in cognitive skills, and/or gross and fine motor skills.
GET TO KNOW THE
PRE-KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
Miss Stacey (Lead): For those of you who do not know me, my name is Stacey Mitchell and this will be my
fourteenth year working at the Children’s School. I have over 20 years of experience working in Early
Childhood Education. Before working at the Children’s School, I have worked in several child care centers
including Montessori and special needs. At each center I have worked in, I have come away with many great
ideas to help students learn. I am very excited to challenge your children with many interesting and fun
activities over the next year. I graduated from St. Joseph’s University with a M.S. in Early Childhood
Education in 2012 and already hold a B.S. in Elementary Education. I have a 7 year old daughter named Paige
who is on her way to second grade in the fall. I also have a 2 year old baby girl named Carin who will be in the
two year old classroom.
Miss Erin (Assistant): Hi, my name is Erin Kelley. This is my second year at The Children’s School! I
graduated from Marywood University in Scranton, PA and I currently live in East Falls. I have started working
on my Masters in Early Childhood/Special Education at St. Joseph’s University. I love working with children
and I always have been a nanny. I am looking forward to another fun year in Pre-K!
Miss Toby (Assistant): Hi, my name is Toby Ranck and I am thrilled to be working with your children this
year! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from Florida State University and a K-6 Teaching
Certification from Cabrini College. My teaching experience includes working with children in the Philadelphia
Public School System, at a Montessori Preschool and coaching soccer (which is my favorite sport!). I also have
a daughter, Talula, who will be in the two year old room this year.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Ms. Stacey
7:00-4:00
7:00-4:00
7:00-4:00
7:00-4:00
7:00-4:00
Ms. Erin
8:00-5:00
8:00-5:00
8:00-5:00
8:00-5:00
8:00-5:00
Ms. Toby
9:00-6:00
9:00-6:00
9:00- 6:00
9:00-6:00
9:00-6:00
THINGS YOU NEED TO SUPPLY FOR YOUR CHILD
1. An extra change of clothes (underwear, socks, etc) to be kept in their extra clothes bin located in the
hallway by the bathroom (Seasonal)
2. Lunch Box – including an ice pack, to be placed in the bottom shelf of your child’s cubby. Only dairy
items, labeled with your child’s initials, are to be placed in the bin labeled PRE-K in the refrigerator
located in the kitchen. No lunch boxes should be placed in the refrigerator.
3. A blanket or sleeping bag for naptime
4. Tylenol in case your child gets a fever.
5. A Backpack to be brought to school each day
6. 2 coloring books for naptime
7. Water bottle
**PLEASE LABEL ALL PERSONAL ITEMS WITH YOUR CHILD’S FULL NAME OR INITIALS!!!**
Please feel free to bring any questions or concerns that you may have to Miss Stacey, Miss Erin and Ms. Toby.
Thank you in advance for all of your cooperation.
Important Dates
The following are dates in which the school will be closing by 4:30 PROMTLY for staff meetings and
professional development. As a NAEYC accredited school we are required to have regular staff meetings
throughout the year. Staff meetings are utilized to help keep the staff informed of all upcoming events and to
communicate and share with one another about different activities or lessons that have worked well for
classrooms. This will also give Miss Jennifer and Miss Indrani, our two mentor teachers for the school, the
opportunity to offer suggestions and guidance on child development milestones for the different ages and
reinforce the importance of positive communication amongst the children and parents.
Early Dismissal for Staff Meeting/Professional Development
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Monday, October 12 2015 at 4:30
Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 3:00
Monday, January 18, 2016 at 4:30
Monday, March 7, 2016 at 4:30
TO
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
2015-2016