ABCs OF KINDERGARTEN!
Absences- Please be sure to send a note when your child returns to school. Notes should be sent in your child's Agenda (in the back pocket). Notes should be labeled with the teacher's name and child's first and last name.
Agenda- This will go home every night. Inside you will find a weekly calendar where your child's behavior will be recorded, lined paper for homework assignments, spelling words, and extra practice. Please check this nightly and initial beside your child's behavior.
Assessment- Your child will be assessed throughout the year in reading/language arts and math. I will share his/her progress with you as needed.
Arrival/Attendance- Students should arrive on time for school. School begins at 7:50 am.
Birthdays- Birthdays are a reason to celebrate! You are welcome to send goody bags or other items for each student (pencils, erasers, etc.) to celebrate. If you choose to send cupcakes or cookies, please let me know in advance.
Book Orders- I will send home Scholastic Book Orders periodically. It is full of great books and games that are perfect for your child. Each order helps our class earn points toward special rewards.
Communication- Our main communication will be through the Agenda. There should be enough room for you to write notes or concerns.
Conduct- This is a great year for helping your child think about how his or her choices affect his or her day and lead to certain consequences. Thank you for looking at the conduct calendar in the Agenda each night and having regular conversations with your child about his or her behavior.
Donations- Sometimes our class may run low on important items. To get us started for this year, the following items would be greatly appreciated: Individually wrapped candy (no hard candy), expo markers, colored pencils, rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA), and/or treasure box items. You may also see donation items in the newsletter from time to time.
Early Dismissal- We will dismiss early a few days this school year. Dismissal times will be listed in our newsletter when appropriate.
Emergency Dismissal- Weather conditions may dictate that we dismiss early. Please make sure you have filled out an early dismissal form for your child. If you have not received one, I will be happy to send one home. This form is kept in the room for future reference so that your child will make it home safely.
FUN!- Kindergarten is a fun and exciting year. We will work together to make sure this year is the best!
Guided Reading - Everyday in class, your child will participate in a guided reading group. This is designed to help your child learn and practice good reading skills to become an outstanding reader.
Hallway Manners- Hallway behavior is very important to Atoka Elementary. I have a marble jar, and each time the class gets a "brag" in the hallway, we can take out a marble. When the marble jar is empty, the class gets a special surprise just from me.
Illness- Atoka Elementary practices a Fever Free Policy. We ask that your child be free from fever for at least 24 hours before sending them back to school. I will be sure to let your child make up any missed work he or she may miss during this time.
Journal- In kindergarten, we spend a lot of time practicing good writing skills. Kindergarten is also a time where they develop skills needed to express their ideas and opinions through writing. Each day, students will be given time to write in their journals. Throughout the school year, students will move from simply writing a letter or their name to writing labels or age-appropriate sentences.
Keep Reading!- This is a very important time in your child's life. He or she will soon begin reading! Think about setting aside a time each night to read for about 10-15 minutes. At first, this may be a time where you read to your child, but soon he or she will be reading to you! He/She will bring home a book at least once a week to read to you. Once they've read the book to you, you will sign a Reading Log.
Literacy Stations- While I teach small reading or math groups, the other students will be actively learning at a station. These stations are varied to keep students excited about learning, but often include art, writing, reading, listening, seatwork, learning games or puzzles, and much more.
Lunch- You are encouraged to send checks or cash to school to cover your child's lunch. There will be a pocket in the back of your child's AGENDA where you can put money. Please put all money in an envelope or Ziploc and write his/her name on the outside, along with the word LUNCH so there is no confusion. Our lunch time will be sent home in one of our first newsletters. I ask that you allow our class the first 2-3 weeks of lunch without any visitors. This is the time where we work on our routine and practice good lunch behavior. If you would like to join after the first couple of weeks, please feel free to join us.
Lunch Number- Each student is assigned a lunch number. It is usually the last 4 digits of his/her social security number. You will be given this number at the beginning of the school year. Be sure to practice it with your child. He or she will have to enter it at lunch each day.
Money- There is a pocket in the BACK of the agenda for all money. Be sure to put it in this appropriate location. I will not check backpacks or pockets for money. Also, please put it in an envelope or Ziploc bag labeled with your child's name and reason for money.**
Nap- Our class will have a 30-45 minute nap each day. Naps are a time for the children to wind down and rest after a long day of learning. Please talk with your child about nap time. He or she does not have to go to sleep, but this is a complete quiet time.
Newsletter- A weekly newsletter will be sent home on MONDAYS along with your child's work in his/her work folder.
Open Communication- I love communicating with parents. My door is always open to you; however, I would like to ask that you try not to interrupt our instructional time.
Presidents- We will study one president every week. By the end of the year, you'll be amazed at how your child will be able to recite all of the presidents in order and answer important questions about them.
Questions- Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about anything. I will try to answer them the best I can.
Rules- You will see a copy of the rules and consequences in the packet for you to keep.
Reading Groups- Grouptime is my favorite time of the day, and your child will come to love it also. We will have 4 groups that will rotate in 15 minute intervals. After a few weeks, your child will bring home a reader every Monday along with a reading log. Students may keep the book until Friday.
Sight Words- Your child will have a list of sight words to master before the end of the school year.
Snack- We will have a snack everyday. Please be sure to send your child ONLY a nutritious snack that can be easily opened everyday. You may send your child a water bottle for snack or for after recess. No juice or soft drinks, only water. Please make sure your child can open and close the lid.
Traveler of the Week- A random drawing will be done every Friday for the TRAVELER. If a student's passport is drawn, and they have not broken any rules for that day, they will be the Traveler of the Week. Once chosen, a traveler's guide will go home to explain his/her duties for the week.
Understanding- I will always treat your child with lots of love, respect, and understanding.
Volunteers- We love parent volunteers! Many opportunities will be offered.
Work Folder - Your child's work AND our newsletter will go home EVERY MONDAY in a work folder. Please RETURN the EMPTY work folder EVERY Tuesday. DO NOT return the newsletter or the work.
XXX - Give your child kisses every night and tell them you love them.
You- You are your child's first teacher. Encourage your child to practice his or her new skills in real life while at home (noticing you use a clock at home, watching or helping measure while cooking, identifying letters and words in a book as you read together.)
ZZZ's - Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night. Kindergartners benefit from approximately 10 hours of sleep each night in order to have energy and attention for a productive day at school.
Absences- Please be sure to send a note when your child returns to school. Notes should be sent in your child's Agenda (in the back pocket). Notes should be labeled with the teacher's name and child's first and last name.
Agenda- This will go home every night. Inside you will find a weekly calendar where your child's behavior will be recorded, lined paper for homework assignments, spelling words, and extra practice. Please check this nightly and initial beside your child's behavior.
Assessment- Your child will be assessed throughout the year in reading/language arts and math. I will share his/her progress with you as needed.
Arrival/Attendance- Students should arrive on time for school. School begins at 7:50 am.
Birthdays- Birthdays are a reason to celebrate! You are welcome to send goody bags or other items for each student (pencils, erasers, etc.) to celebrate. If you choose to send cupcakes or cookies, please let me know in advance.
Book Orders- I will send home Scholastic Book Orders periodically. It is full of great books and games that are perfect for your child. Each order helps our class earn points toward special rewards.
Communication- Our main communication will be through the Agenda. There should be enough room for you to write notes or concerns.
Conduct- This is a great year for helping your child think about how his or her choices affect his or her day and lead to certain consequences. Thank you for looking at the conduct calendar in the Agenda each night and having regular conversations with your child about his or her behavior.
Donations- Sometimes our class may run low on important items. To get us started for this year, the following items would be greatly appreciated: Individually wrapped candy (no hard candy), expo markers, colored pencils, rechargeable batteries (AA and AAA), and/or treasure box items. You may also see donation items in the newsletter from time to time.
Early Dismissal- We will dismiss early a few days this school year. Dismissal times will be listed in our newsletter when appropriate.
Emergency Dismissal- Weather conditions may dictate that we dismiss early. Please make sure you have filled out an early dismissal form for your child. If you have not received one, I will be happy to send one home. This form is kept in the room for future reference so that your child will make it home safely.
FUN!- Kindergarten is a fun and exciting year. We will work together to make sure this year is the best!
Guided Reading - Everyday in class, your child will participate in a guided reading group. This is designed to help your child learn and practice good reading skills to become an outstanding reader.
Hallway Manners- Hallway behavior is very important to Atoka Elementary. I have a marble jar, and each time the class gets a "brag" in the hallway, we can take out a marble. When the marble jar is empty, the class gets a special surprise just from me.
Illness- Atoka Elementary practices a Fever Free Policy. We ask that your child be free from fever for at least 24 hours before sending them back to school. I will be sure to let your child make up any missed work he or she may miss during this time.
Journal- In kindergarten, we spend a lot of time practicing good writing skills. Kindergarten is also a time where they develop skills needed to express their ideas and opinions through writing. Each day, students will be given time to write in their journals. Throughout the school year, students will move from simply writing a letter or their name to writing labels or age-appropriate sentences.
Keep Reading!- This is a very important time in your child's life. He or she will soon begin reading! Think about setting aside a time each night to read for about 10-15 minutes. At first, this may be a time where you read to your child, but soon he or she will be reading to you! He/She will bring home a book at least once a week to read to you. Once they've read the book to you, you will sign a Reading Log.
Literacy Stations- While I teach small reading or math groups, the other students will be actively learning at a station. These stations are varied to keep students excited about learning, but often include art, writing, reading, listening, seatwork, learning games or puzzles, and much more.
Lunch- You are encouraged to send checks or cash to school to cover your child's lunch. There will be a pocket in the back of your child's AGENDA where you can put money. Please put all money in an envelope or Ziploc and write his/her name on the outside, along with the word LUNCH so there is no confusion. Our lunch time will be sent home in one of our first newsletters. I ask that you allow our class the first 2-3 weeks of lunch without any visitors. This is the time where we work on our routine and practice good lunch behavior. If you would like to join after the first couple of weeks, please feel free to join us.
Lunch Number- Each student is assigned a lunch number. It is usually the last 4 digits of his/her social security number. You will be given this number at the beginning of the school year. Be sure to practice it with your child. He or she will have to enter it at lunch each day.
Money- There is a pocket in the BACK of the agenda for all money. Be sure to put it in this appropriate location. I will not check backpacks or pockets for money. Also, please put it in an envelope or Ziploc bag labeled with your child's name and reason for money.**
Nap- Our class will have a 30-45 minute nap each day. Naps are a time for the children to wind down and rest after a long day of learning. Please talk with your child about nap time. He or she does not have to go to sleep, but this is a complete quiet time.
Newsletter- A weekly newsletter will be sent home on MONDAYS along with your child's work in his/her work folder.
Open Communication- I love communicating with parents. My door is always open to you; however, I would like to ask that you try not to interrupt our instructional time.
Presidents- We will study one president every week. By the end of the year, you'll be amazed at how your child will be able to recite all of the presidents in order and answer important questions about them.
Questions- Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about anything. I will try to answer them the best I can.
Rules- You will see a copy of the rules and consequences in the packet for you to keep.
Reading Groups- Grouptime is my favorite time of the day, and your child will come to love it also. We will have 4 groups that will rotate in 15 minute intervals. After a few weeks, your child will bring home a reader every Monday along with a reading log. Students may keep the book until Friday.
Sight Words- Your child will have a list of sight words to master before the end of the school year.
Snack- We will have a snack everyday. Please be sure to send your child ONLY a nutritious snack that can be easily opened everyday. You may send your child a water bottle for snack or for after recess. No juice or soft drinks, only water. Please make sure your child can open and close the lid.
Traveler of the Week- A random drawing will be done every Friday for the TRAVELER. If a student's passport is drawn, and they have not broken any rules for that day, they will be the Traveler of the Week. Once chosen, a traveler's guide will go home to explain his/her duties for the week.
Understanding- I will always treat your child with lots of love, respect, and understanding.
Volunteers- We love parent volunteers! Many opportunities will be offered.
Work Folder - Your child's work AND our newsletter will go home EVERY MONDAY in a work folder. Please RETURN the EMPTY work folder EVERY Tuesday. DO NOT return the newsletter or the work.
XXX - Give your child kisses every night and tell them you love them.
You- You are your child's first teacher. Encourage your child to practice his or her new skills in real life while at home (noticing you use a clock at home, watching or helping measure while cooking, identifying letters and words in a book as you read together.)
ZZZ's - Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep each night. Kindergartners benefit from approximately 10 hours of sleep each night in order to have energy and attention for a productive day at school.
