Welcome to Kindergarten Dearest Parents, Welcome! I am very excited about meeting each and every one of you.  I’m looking forward to teaching your child and providing meaningful experiences to devel…

Welcome to Kindergarten

Dearest Parents,

Welcome! I am very excited about meeting each and every one of you.  I’m looking forward to teaching your child and providing meaningful experiences to develop a lifelong love for learning.  I truly want their first year of elementary school to be a positive experience.  This letter will explain how I will run my classroom and what one should expect this year.  It would be a good idea to keep this letter at home so you may refer back to it if necessary.  If you ever have any questions, you may email me (Mrs.James@zizzerkindergarten.com) or call me at the school 417-256-6158.  It is best to email me, since I am able to check messages from home. 

Daily Schedule

Pledge/Attendance 8:00-8:10

Calendar 8:15-8:45

Reading/L.A. 8:50-9:20

Break 9:25-9:35

Writing Workshop 9:40-10:10

Reading Centers 10:15-11:00

Lunch 11:05-11:35

Special Classes 11:40-12:35

Math 12:40-1:10

Math Centers 1:15-1:45

Recess/Snack 1:50-2:25

Science/Social Studies 2:30-2:55

Dismissal 3:05

Snack

Every month I will send home the “Snack Schedule Calendar”. If you see your child’s name on a particular day, I ask that you please send a snack for the entire class with your child that day.  It is not required though.  We currently have 26 students.  It is easiest for me , if snacks are individually wrapped.  Popular items include animal crackers, fruit snacks, chips, fruit, pretzels, goldfish crackers,ect. Please avoid snacks with peanut oil and chocolate due to those students with allergies. Snacks will be eaten during recess.

Homework

Please look in your child's backpack every day for handouts or letters.  Often times, children forget what papers they were given.  Homework packets will be given on Monday’s every week and will be due on Friday’s of that same week.  Homework packets will include our classroom newsletter, homework for that week, and the snack calendar )if applicable).  Homework typically consist of 1-2 nightly review worksheet(s) and fifteen minutes spent reading with your child.  Your assistance with your child’s homework is necessary.  Directions are often too hard for the kindergartner to read;therefore your help is needed.  A manila envelope will be sent home with homework packets containing one or two reading books that can be used towards your nightly reading minutes.  Please practice reading these books with your child. 

Grading

All work that is completed as homework will be counted towards a student’s letter or effort grade.  Neatness, accuracy, understanding of the concept, and completing work in a timely manner will be part of the grading process.  Some work one of the following marks:

Advanced (exceeded grade level standards) [Star] = Outstanding

Proficient (meets grade level standards) [Smiley Face] = Good

Approaching grade level standards [O.K.] = O.K.

Below grade level standards [Oops] = Keep trying

Star Student of the Week

Each week I will select a “Stat Student of the Week”.  When your child has been selected, I will send home a packet for you to complete with your child.  The packet will be displayed on a bulletin board, so pictures or drawings are encouraged and will be returned!  The Star Student of the Week may sit in the designated chair, have special jobs and have time to share with the class each day about that makes them special!  A trophy will also be placed at his/her desk and remain at school for all to see. 

School Supplies

A list of required school supplies is currently posted on the elementary school’s website as well in the local newspaper and at Wal-Mart two weeks before school starts.  I will also mail a supply letter to all parents a month prior to school starting.  I ask that children bring a change of clothes in a plastic bag to keep in their  cubby hole.  Accidents do happen, especially in new environments!

Volunteers

The first couple of weeks of school are a period of adjustment for kindergarten children.  Leaving home, getting to know new friends, and learning about the classroom and schools are very big steps.  This adjustment can be made easier if parents postpone visiting the classroom until after the first two weeks of school.  Once the adjustment period in complete, I welcome parents in our classroom and love having extra hands, especially on Fridays.  Please let me know if you are able to volunteer!  Most of the time, I need assistance with assembling papers and homework packets, which may be done from home as well.  After the twi week adjustment period is complete I will be sending home a “Help Wanted” form for your convenience. 

Birthdays

Birthday party invitations may not be sent to school unless there is an invitation for every student or every student of the same gender (“girls only” or “boys only”).  If you would like, you may send a simple snack the day of your childs birthday to share with classmates, please no cake or punch. 

Thank you!

I am eager to get to know you and your child this school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. James