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HERE for the most current
copy of our Kindergarten Klippings Newsletter
Welcome to KA! Below are the ABC's of Kindergarten
for our class.
Dear Parents,
Welcome to
Prairieland! I am thrilled to be your child’s Kindergarten teacher. I am
looking forward to a fun and exciting year. This is a very important year for
your child and I will do every thing I can to make it special! I am sure you
have many questions for me, so I have tried to anticipate as many as possible,
and put the answers in writing for you to have for future reference. Please
look over the information in this packet carefully when you have some free
time. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 888-6838 or
by e-mail (armstrbm@unit5.org).
ATTENDANCE:
It is essential that your child attend school regularly. Many of the
activities that we do in kindergarten are “hands on” and it is important that
your child participates in the projects for maximum benefit. If your child
is ill and must be absent, please call the attendance hotline (862-5057) before
9:00 a.m. to inform the office.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL:
Students should arrive between 7:55 and 8:10 a.m. and go to the kickball field
(multi-purpose room in inclement weather) to line up by grade level. Students
are expected to be in their classrooms by 8:15 a.m.. Any child arriving after
this time will be marked tardy. Students are dismissed at 3:00 Our class
waits at the North East corner by the overhang in front of the school.
ART:
Students will attend 40 minutes of art weekly with Ms. Meredith, the art
teacher.
BACKPACKS:
Your child should bring a book bag/backpack to school with him/her daily.
It should be large enough to carry their homework folder and library books that
will be transported to and from school. Please make sure that you check
your child’s backpack on a daily basis. Also, backpacks that have wheels
are not recommended.
BIRTHDAYS:
Birthdays are an important day for kindergartners, and you are welcome to send
treats to celebrate your child’s special day. If your child’s birthday
falls during the summer, we will be happy to celebrate a half birthday if you
notify me in advance. If your child’s birthday falls on a weekend, we will
celebrate it on the weekday closest to the actual day.
Please notify me in advance if you plan on sending treats
so I may plan accordingly. District policy also requires that birthday
invitations for home parties may only be passed out at school if all classmates
or all boys/girls are invited. If you are only inviting select students,
please do not send invitations to school so me may avoid hurt feelings.
BIRTHDAY TREATS:
Please send single serving treats such as cookies, Rice Krispy treats, or fruit
snacks as birthday treats. Please DO NOT send cupcakes or other messy
treats. If you wish to send juice, please send single serving juices as
well to help avoid spills. Also if the snack you send requires paper
plates or napkins, please provide them for the class. I will have a few of
these items on hand for emergencies, but the expense is too great for me to
supply these items for each child’s birthday.
***If you do not celebrate birthdays or other holidays, please
let me know and we can work out an alternate plan.
BOOK ORDERS:
I will send home several book orders at a time throughout the year. You
are welcome to order from none, one, some or all of them. If you do choose
to order, please pay by check, and make it payable to the book company. If
you would like to order books as gifts for your child, please let me know and I
will hold the books for you, otherwise they will be sent home with your child.
BOOK BORROWING:
Starting later this fall, I will begin a book borrowing program. Students
will have the opportunity to borrow a book from a selection I have set aside for
home reading. They will bring these books home and may keep them for up to
a week. When they finish reading it, they may return it and choose a new
book to borrow. Please set aside some time each day to read with your
child.
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BEHAVIOR:
Prairieland has established a school wide behavior plan that consists of
five steps. In our Kindergarten classroom, I we use a slightly
modified version to suit Kindergarten. Each student has a magnet
with his/her name on it that begins the day in a green square,
indicating good behavior. If a child does not meet one of the
school behavior expectations, they will be asked to move their magnet to
the yellow section, indicating a warning. If the child does not
meet behavior expectations again, they will be asked to move their
magnet to the orange square. They will then miss 5 minutes of
recess or developmental centers depending on the time of day, and we
will discuss appropriate choices. If your child must move his/her
magnet to red (the next step), they will receive a red behavior slip
indicating which expectations were not met. The red slip will be
sent home for you to sign and return so you are aware of the situation.
The child will also miss 10 minutes of recess or centers. If a
child must move his/her magnet off the color board, then all of
recess/centers will be missed and if the behaviors are serious, a
detention may be given as well. At this point, you will also
receive a phone call to let you know what has happened. Any
extreme behaviors are subject to being sent to the office for discussion
with the Principal.
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BEHAVIOR:
Prairieland has established a school wide behavior plan that consists of five
steps. In our Kindergarten classroom, I will use a slightly modified
version to suit Kindergarten. Each student has a magnet with his/her name
on it that begins the day in a green square, indicating good behavior. If
a child does not meet one of the school behavior expectations, they will be
asked to move their magnet to the yellow section, indicating a warning. If
the child does not meet behavior expectations again, they will be asked to move
their magnet to the orange square. They will then either complete a
logical consequence (ex. If a child moves his/her magnet for tearing up a
classmate’s paper, he/she will need to think about and come up with a way to
make his/her classmate feel better. This may mean getting a new paper for
the friend or making an apology card etc…), or if this is not possible, take a 5
minute time out. If your child must move his/her magnet to red (the next
step), they will receive a red behavior slip indicating which expectations were
not met. The red slip will be sent home for you to sign and return so you
are aware of the situation. The child will also either miss 10 minutes of
recess/centers or offer a logical consequence. If a child must move
his/her magnet off the color board, then all of recess/centers will be missed
and if the behaviors are serious, a detention may be given as well. At
this point, you will also receive a phone call to let you know what has
happened. Any extreme behaviors are subject to being sent to the office
for discussion with the Principal. The purpose of the behavior program in
our classroom is to help children become problem solvers. It is my hope
that children learn how to interact and solve their differences independently.
On the last day of the week, students will bring home a yellow slip of paper
letting you know how many "checks" were received for the week. Students
with no magnet moves (these are called “checks” because we have a traveling
clipboard that teachers make check marks on to record behavior) for the week
will also earn a trip to the prize box. Please look for this slip every
week! Your support for this behavior program is essential to
its success. Cheer for your child when he/she brings home a good week
slip, discuss appropriate behavior if a red slip is necessary.
CONFERENCES:
District sponsored Parent/Teacher conferences will be held in the fall. If
you would like to meet at another time during the year, please feel free to call
or e-mail me to set up an appointment.
COMPUTERS:
Students will have a 40 minute Tech Time in the IMC weekly. They will be
receiving direct instruction in computers and using specific educational
programs.
CENTERS:
We
have developmental centers weekly with all the kindergarten classes. Students
are mixed together and rotate through different kindergarten classrooms each
week.
We also have developmental centers several times a week that include handiwork & construction, puzzles & games, theme &
math, and magnets & paperwork. The purpose of these centers is to
reinforce topics we have already covered, increase literacy, and to develop
problem solving skills and fine motor ability.
CLOTHING:
The clothing your child wears to school needs to be easy for him/her to put on
and take off by him/herself. Practice shoe tying, coat zipping etc… at
home to make sure learning time isn’t lost to these activities. Also,
please label any coats, shoes backpacks, etc… with your child’s name to prevent
confusion.
DATES:
Please watch your monthly edition of the Prairieland Press for important dates
as well as other relevant information.
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E-Mail:
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I try to check it at
least twice a day. If it is an emergency however, please realize
that with such a large system, our server does go down more frequently
that we would like, so a phone call may be better. My e-mail
address is: armstrbm@unit5.org. |
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E-Mail:
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I try to check it at
least twice a day. If it is an emergency however, please realize
that with such a large system, our server does go down more frequently
that we would like, so a phone call may be better. My e-mail
address is: armstrbm@unit5.org. |
|
E-Mail:
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I try to check it at
least twice a day. If it is an emergency however, please realize
that with such a large system, our server does go down more frequently
that we would like, so a phone call may be better. My e-mail
address is: armstrbm@unit5.org. |
E-MAIL:
Please feel free to contact me by e-mail. I try to check it at least twice
a day. If it is an emergency however, please realize that with such a
large system, our server does go down more frequently that we would like, so a
phone call may be better. My e-mail address is: armstrbm@unit5.org.
FIELDTRIPS:
Please make sure that you have signed the field trip permission form with your
registration information. If parent helpers are needed, I will let you
know a few weeks before the trip.
GYM:
The children will have gym (or PE) daily for 20 minutes with Mr. Kinley and Mrs.
Garneau. Students will be required to wear gym shoes every day or they
will not be allowed to participate.
HOMEWORK:
Homework folders will begin in September. Folders will come home on
Monday, and will be due on Friday or the last day of the week. Please
enjoy these activities that can enhance your child’s learning experience.
I don’t expect perfect products, it is the process that is most important.
If your child would like to show off a project you completed together, they are
welcome to bring it in for me to see, however it is not required on the calendar
homework pages. Other homework may also be included in your child’s
folder, please check for it each week. Make sure that homework becomes a
priority for your child. If your child knows that his/her homework is a
priority for you, it will become a priority for them and good habits will be
formed that will benefit your child throughout his/her educational career. Home
reading activities will also be an important part of your child’s homework.
Although children receive incentives and rewards for several of the reading
programs, please consider them homework as well. Home reading is one of
the most important things parents can do to ensure educational success.
ILLNESS:
The district has set policies about children’s health and their ability to
attend school. When students are ill, they must stay home. Please
call the doctor if necessary. Do not send your child to school if he/she
has a fever, has vomited or had diarrhea in the last 24 hours, has inflamed
eyes, a rash of undetermined origin, or has obvious signs of a respiratory
infection. Call the school to report the absence. Please also
remember that children are not to bring medication (including cough drops) to
school unless the appropriate medical form is signed and on file in the nurse’s
office.
JOURNALS:
Students will be writing in journals weekly in addition to thematic writing
activities and 4-Square writing.
KINDNESS:
Students at Prairieland are encouraged to treat each other with kindness and
respect. Prairieland uses a problem solving method called CPR, which
stands for Children Practicing Respect. Students learn how to discuss
their feelings with their classmates and how to work out problems with this
method.
LUNCH/RECESS:
We will be eating lunch at 11:30 a.m. each day. You may send a cold lunch
with your child or put money in your child's account for hot lunch.
Student lunches are $1.60 each. Milk may be purchased for 40¢.
Students will keep lunch cards at school. Please check the family access
portion of the unit 5 webpage to check your child's account balance.
Payments may also be made via the website. After
lunch each day, students will have recess time. Children go outside for
recess unless the temperature (including wind chill) is below 20 degrees or
there is inclement weather. Please make sure your child has appropriate
clothing for the temperature!!!
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LIBRARY:
Students will go the library for story time and book check out once a
week for 20 minutes with Mrs.
. Our library day is
. Books should be returned on or before this day every week.
Please make sure your child takes good care of his/her library books.
Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for before students can
check out a new book. |
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LIBRARY:
Students will go the library for story time and book check out once a
week for 20 minutes with Mrs.
. Our library day is
. Books should be returned on or before this day every week.
Please make sure your child takes good care of his/her library books.
Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for before students can
check out a new book. |
|
LIBRARY:
Students will go the library for story time and book check out once a
week for 20 minutes with Mrs.
. Our library day is
. Books should be returned on or before this day every week.
Please make sure your child takes good care of his/her library books.
Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for before students can
check out a new book. |
LIBRARY:
Students will go the library for story time and book check out once a week for
20 minutes with Mr. Ford. Our library day is Wednesday. Books
should be returned on or before this day every week. Please make sure your child takes good care of his/her
library books. Books that are lost or damaged must be paid for before
students can check out a new book.
MUSIC:
Students will attend music class with Mrs. Sharp for 25 minutes 3 times a week.
The kindergarten and first grade classes will be doing the winter music program
at the beginning of December.
NEWSLETTERS:
I will do my best to send home regular newsletters explaining the events of the
previous weeks. I usually include important dates, themes that we are
covering, special Prairieland events and things we need here in the classroom.
OFFICE:
Visitors to Prairieland are required to sign in at the office before coming to
the classroom and get a visitors badge. Also, any time a child arrives
late, leaves early or has to leave for an appointment or lunch, you must sign
him or her out in the office.
PARTIES:
We have 3 major parties at Prairieland, a Halloween party, a winter party and a
Valentine’s Day party. The room parents will organize these events and
coordinate volunteers. All parents are welcome to come and help out during
these times.
QUIET TIME
(M.O.U.S.E.):
Students will have a daily quiet time in the afternoon. At the beginning
of the year, students will be resting quietly on their towels and either napping
if they choose or listening to relaxing music. As the year progresses,
students will be able to use this time for quiet reading or writing as well.
The daily quiet time is a developmentally necessary opportunity for children to
re-energize and re-focus for the remainder of the day.
REPORT CARDS:
You will receive a progress report for your child at Parent/Teacher conferences
shortly after the first nine weeks. Kindergarten report cards will be
issued for the remaining 3 quarters on the same schedule as the rest of the
grades. You will have an opportunity to view a Kindergarten report card at
Parent/Teacher conferences.
SNACK:
We will be having a daily snack time. Each child will be responsible for
bringing his/her own snack from home every day. Please do not send drinks
or any snacks that require utensils. Disposable packaging is encouraged.
Left-overs will be thrown away, so make sure to check with your child to see if
he/she is finishing all of his/her snack. Examples of good snacks include:
Goldfish Crackers
Grapes
Fruit Snacks
Bananas
Carrot Sticks Apple Chips
Rice Krispy Treat Graham Crackers
Dry Cereal
SUPPLIES:
These are the supplies listed on the Kindergarten Supply list. Please
label with your child’s name. Crayola Crayons (12
count 3 boxes);
Pencils, Number 2 lead (at least 5); Scissors (Fiskars for Kids); Tissues,
Facial (Pop up, no lotion would be appreciated!); Elmer’s Glue (White,
3 bottles) plus one bottle for art; Markers, Crayola Watercolor (2 of the 10 pk.
w/ gray and pink if possible, broad tip); Gym Shoes (non-marking soles to remain
at school if
necessary );
Gallon size Zip-Lock Bags; Baby wipes (2 packs); Bath Size Towel for quiet time
(should be able to fit into a storage tub about the size of a shoebox);
Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer and Watercolor Paints (boys); Colored Pencils and
Thin Dry Erase Markers (girls); $3.00 paper fee
TRANSPORTATION:
I will assume your child will be using his/her regularly arranged form of
transportation
unless I receive a written note stating otherwise.
Kindergartners can be easily confused and may thing someone is picking them up
when no one is coming, or have the day mixed up. A note will alleviate
tears and confusion at dismissal time.
TOYS:
Bringing toys to school unless it is a show and tell item is discouraged.
If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt, and toys often
disrupt learning time. Please make sure your child is not bringing things
to school that are best left at home.
TEACHER’S PET:
Each day, one student will be chosen at “Teacher’s Pet.” That child will
be the line leader and helper for the day. Teacher’s Pets will be drawn
the day before and your child will bring home a note informing you that he/she
has been chosen for the next day. Your child may also bring one item for
show and tell on his/her Teacher’s Pet day. Good ideas for show and tell
include a special book or a well loved toy. Keep in mind that your child
is responsible for whatever show and tell item that is brought in, so you may
not want to send an expensive electronic game or your favorite crystal vase.
TELEPHONE CALLS:
You may hear from me if your child has been absent for several days, if your
child had a super day, or if I have noticed a change in behavior, either good or
bad. You may need to call me for any of the above reasons, as well as if
you have questions about a note that has come home. I would also
appreciate a call if there has been a family triumph or tragedy. This
knowledge helps me understand some behaviors I may see at school.
UNIQUE:
Every child in our class is a unique individual. We try very hard to
respect everyone for who they are and we do not allow unkind words or behaviors
in our classroom. It is important that we make everyone feel as special
and valuable as they truly are.
VOLUNTEERS:
I will be sending home a volunteer sheet in a few weeks once we have
become comfortable with our schedule. We need all kinds of help from you
to make our kindergarten run smoothly. If you can help in the classroom,
do paperwork or help at home, please sign up when the volunteer sheet comes
home.
WEBSITE:
Our Prairieland website address is
www.unit5.org/prairieland
EXPLORE:
Children in kindergarten participate in a lot of “hands-on” explorations.
We try to have an appropriate mix of paper and pencil activities and
explorations. Ask your child daily to explain what he/she did today, as
many of our activities are not represented by the paperwork that comes home.
YOUNGER SIBLINGS:
It is in your child’s and the program’s best interest to have our parent
volunteers available without younger children. This not only allows your
full attention to be focused on the class, but also allows for some special time
between you and your kindergartner. Thank you for making childcare
arrangements for younger siblings.
ZERO THE HERO:
You may hear quite a lot about our kindergarten superhero named Zero. He
comes on the 10th, 20th, 30th 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, and 100th day
of school to help us celebrate. He also usually leaves behind a small
treat in the shape of a zero. On the 100th day (a big day for
Kindergartners) we will be having a special celebration and many fun activities
will be taking place.
I realize
this is quite a bit of information all at once, and every class is unique, so
some things could change. You and your child may feel a bit overwhelmed at
first, but I’m sure we will have a wonderfully successful year after we all get
adjusted to our new routines. Please feel free to come and visit after the
first month so we can become comfortable with our schedules and expectations.
I’m looking forward to another wonderful year in Kindergarten here at
Prairieland!
ALL I REALLY
NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED IN KINDERGARTEN
by Robert Fulghum
All I
really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in
kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but
there in the sand pile at school.
These are
the things I learned:
· Share
everything.
· Play
fair.
· Don't
hit people.
· Put
things back where you found them.
· Clean
up your own mess.
· Don't
take things that aren't yours.
· Say
you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
· Wash
your hands before you eat.
· Flush.
· Warm
cookies and cold milk are good for you.
· Live
a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and
dance and play and work every day some.
· Take
a nap every afternoon.
· When
you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
· Be
aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go
down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all
like that.
· Goldfish
and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they
all die. So do we.
· And
then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned - the
biggest word of all - LOOK.
Everything
you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic
sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.
Take any
one of those items and extrapolate it into sophisticated adult terms and apply
it to your family life or your work or government or your world and it holds
true and clear and firm. Think what a better world it would be if we all - the
whole world - had cookies and milk at about 3 o'clock in the afternoon and then
lay down with our blankies for a nap. Or if all governments had as a basic
policy to always put things back where they found them and to clean up their own
mess.
And it is
still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best
to hold hands and stick together.
