Ms. Welch's Kindergarten ABC's
Everything You Need to Know for a Successful Year in Kindergarten
A_________________________
Absences and Illness:
Should your child need to be absent from school, please be sure to contact the school office by 9:00 am. If you know in advance that your child will be absent please send a note in the communication binder.
Should your child be absent due to illness, please inform us of the illness. If it is contagious we will need to inform the other families. Please keep your child home if she/he is or has within the last 72 hours been exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19 such as fever, shortness of breath or persistant dry cough. Or if within the last 24 hours has been experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, severe asthma or allergy attacks, or you are awaiting test results for Covid-19, strep, or other communicable disease. Your child should not return to school until 24 hours after symptoms disappear without use of medications or they have been cleared by a physician.
Allergies
All allergies should be listed on the enrollment and emergency forms. However if you should become aware of new allergies (especially food related) please inform me as soon as possible.
Arrival
School will begins promptly at 8:10 each morning. The classroom will be open at 7:50 to receive students. Students arriving before 7:50 should report to before school care. Kindergartners should enter the school from the front school entrance. Once in the school, students should enter classroom using the south classroom door, promptly put their belongings in their designated space, return student binders, wash hands, and begin their morning table work.
Assessments
Assessments of student learning will take place routinely throughout the year in a variety of formats including but not limited to observation, student work, special activities and the use of ESGI. Education Softwear for Guiding Instruction (ESGI) is an online platform that helps teachers quickly and easily asses students learning and maintains data to help guide teachers' insturction to meet the needs of their students. At the end of each trimester a report will be sent home on your student's progress along with their report card.
Should your child need to be absent from school, please be sure to contact the school office by 9:00 am. If you know in advance that your child will be absent please send a note in the communication binder.
Should your child be absent due to illness, please inform us of the illness. If it is contagious we will need to inform the other families. Please keep your child home if she/he is or has within the last 72 hours been exhibiting any symptoms of Covid-19 such as fever, shortness of breath or persistant dry cough. Or if within the last 24 hours has been experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, severe asthma or allergy attacks, or you are awaiting test results for Covid-19, strep, or other communicable disease. Your child should not return to school until 24 hours after symptoms disappear without use of medications or they have been cleared by a physician.
Allergies
All allergies should be listed on the enrollment and emergency forms. However if you should become aware of new allergies (especially food related) please inform me as soon as possible.
Arrival
School will begins promptly at 8:10 each morning. The classroom will be open at 7:50 to receive students. Students arriving before 7:50 should report to before school care. Kindergartners should enter the school from the front school entrance. Once in the school, students should enter classroom using the south classroom door, promptly put their belongings in their designated space, return student binders, wash hands, and begin their morning table work.
Assessments
Assessments of student learning will take place routinely throughout the year in a variety of formats including but not limited to observation, student work, special activities and the use of ESGI. Education Softwear for Guiding Instruction (ESGI) is an online platform that helps teachers quickly and easily asses students learning and maintains data to help guide teachers' insturction to meet the needs of their students. At the end of each trimester a report will be sent home on your student's progress along with their report card.
B_________________________
Birthdays
Birthdays are specail and will be recognized in the classroom on the day of or as close to the day as possible if over the weekend or a break. For those with summer birthdays we will pick a random date for an UN-birthday celebration with our friends. Special treats may be brought in only if they are store bought and individually wrapped. Please take students allergies into consideration when choosing treats. Cupcakes from the store/bakery are stongly discouraged, they never really eat more than the frosting anyway.
Book Orders
Research has shown the best way to encourage children to become better readers is to read to them. Each month I will be sending home book order fliers from Scholastic Reading Clubs. Scholastic offers you the opportunity to purchase high quality books at discounted prices. A letter will accompany the fliers each month giving my top five recommendations and instructions for ordering.
C_________________________
Chapel
Our class will join the rest of the school each Thursday morning for Chapel at 8:30. An offering will be taken at each chapel. This provides our students the opportunity to practice giving back to our God in thanks for the many blessings he has given us. Throughout the year our offerings will be designated to local, national, or international charitable organizations. An offering envelop will come home in your student binder each Wednesday. If you are not going to use it for offering that week please leave it in the folder so it may be used at a later time. You are invited to join us each Thursday for this time of worship.
Church and Sunday School Attendance
Families are encouraged to attend church and Sunday school weekly. On the first school day of each week I will ask your child if they attended church and/or Sunday School the Sunday prior. Records of attendance will be kept and reported on report cards.
Communication
Please check your child’s backpack/school bag DAILY!! The binders on the supply list will be used for homework and mail. Any written correspondence from home or school should be sent through the binder system. This may include notices from the school office, newsletters, homework, returned papers, etc. Please take the time to read anything that comes home in the binder as it may contain important information.
Information about what is happening at school can be found in a number of places. First and foremost Seesaw, Gradelink, and my weekly newsletter, as well as hallway bulletin boards, and the TV outside the school office. My weekly newsletter, The Kindergarten Chronicles, will be posted on Seesaw and sent home in the binders to keep you up to date on classroom activities. Please do not forget to log into Seesaw or Gradelink account and check it regularly to stay informed about what is happening at school and in our classroom throughout the year.
You are welcome to contact me anytime by way of any of the following:
[email protected], Seesaw, (these are the recommended options) or leave me a message by calling the school office at (616)363-0505 (ex 202 for the Kindergaten room.)
Cooking
Occasionally we will be cooking/preparing our own snacks. On these special occasions, a note may be sent home requesting volunteers to help and donations for needed ingredients.
Our class will join the rest of the school each Thursday morning for Chapel at 8:30. An offering will be taken at each chapel. This provides our students the opportunity to practice giving back to our God in thanks for the many blessings he has given us. Throughout the year our offerings will be designated to local, national, or international charitable organizations. An offering envelop will come home in your student binder each Wednesday. If you are not going to use it for offering that week please leave it in the folder so it may be used at a later time. You are invited to join us each Thursday for this time of worship.
Church and Sunday School Attendance
Families are encouraged to attend church and Sunday school weekly. On the first school day of each week I will ask your child if they attended church and/or Sunday School the Sunday prior. Records of attendance will be kept and reported on report cards.
Communication
Please check your child’s backpack/school bag DAILY!! The binders on the supply list will be used for homework and mail. Any written correspondence from home or school should be sent through the binder system. This may include notices from the school office, newsletters, homework, returned papers, etc. Please take the time to read anything that comes home in the binder as it may contain important information.
Information about what is happening at school can be found in a number of places. First and foremost Seesaw, Gradelink, and my weekly newsletter, as well as hallway bulletin boards, and the TV outside the school office. My weekly newsletter, The Kindergarten Chronicles, will be posted on Seesaw and sent home in the binders to keep you up to date on classroom activities. Please do not forget to log into Seesaw or Gradelink account and check it regularly to stay informed about what is happening at school and in our classroom throughout the year.
You are welcome to contact me anytime by way of any of the following:
[email protected], Seesaw, (these are the recommended options) or leave me a message by calling the school office at (616)363-0505 (ex 202 for the Kindergaten room.)
Cooking
Occasionally we will be cooking/preparing our own snacks. On these special occasions, a note may be sent home requesting volunteers to help and donations for needed ingredients.
D_________________________
Discipline
Classroom discipline is intended to help children develop self discipline. Throughout the year we will work on developing several self discipline skills including but not limited to; listening, following directions, asking questions, sharing, social skills, reasons for rules, and resolving problems. I will be using some of the Whole Brain Teaching (WBT) methods for class discipline which include a class scoreboard (smiles and frowns) and our 5 rules for the classroom with practice cards (as needed), For more information on WBT check out their website at http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/
We will also be working on good character throughout the year. When the kids are caught making good choices and showing good character they will earn a tokin. When they earn 5 tokins they will earn a special reward that they have chosen to work toward.
Just as God’s mercies are new every morning, all children will begin each day with a clean slate. The choices they make throughout the day/week/year will determine the need for rule practice cards and which personal goals they will be working on throughout the year. More information will be provided at parent orientation.
Dismissal
Those children who are only attending half day should be picked up from the school office by 11:30. Any half day student not picked up 11:35 may be charged late pickup fees. Full day students will be dismissed in the following ways: Those attending after school care will be excused to the after care room. Bus riders are escorted to the bus with other bus riders. All others should be picked up via car line through the school parking lot. We will release your child to you or a designated adult. For your child’s safety, we will not allow them to walk unescorted through the parking lot to a vehicle. Children not picked up by 3:20 will be sent to the after school care room.
Anytime there is a change in your child’s normal pick-up routine please send a written note, Seesaw message and/or email explaining the change. Change of Transportation notes can be found in your student Binder. This helps to prevent any confusion and miscommunication.
Dress Code
While the required school dress code is for grades 1-8, kindergartners should adhere to casual dress code rules below. Should you wish to have your kindergartner follow the regular dress code; it can be found in your school handbook.
Casual Dress Code
+Shirts must have sleeves and all words/graphics must be appropriate.
+Socks must be worn at all times with shoes and sandals.
+Jeans and athletic pants are allowed as long as they are in good repair. ·
+Clothing should be neat, clean, and in good condition.
Any type of dress or grooming that is determined by the administration and staff to be inappropriate in the school environment is prohibited.
Drop In Day
This is a designated day and time for you to drop in before school begins to meet the teacher and drop off school supplies.
Classroom discipline is intended to help children develop self discipline. Throughout the year we will work on developing several self discipline skills including but not limited to; listening, following directions, asking questions, sharing, social skills, reasons for rules, and resolving problems. I will be using some of the Whole Brain Teaching (WBT) methods for class discipline which include a class scoreboard (smiles and frowns) and our 5 rules for the classroom with practice cards (as needed), For more information on WBT check out their website at http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/
We will also be working on good character throughout the year. When the kids are caught making good choices and showing good character they will earn a tokin. When they earn 5 tokins they will earn a special reward that they have chosen to work toward.
Just as God’s mercies are new every morning, all children will begin each day with a clean slate. The choices they make throughout the day/week/year will determine the need for rule practice cards and which personal goals they will be working on throughout the year. More information will be provided at parent orientation.
Dismissal
Those children who are only attending half day should be picked up from the school office by 11:30. Any half day student not picked up 11:35 may be charged late pickup fees. Full day students will be dismissed in the following ways: Those attending after school care will be excused to the after care room. Bus riders are escorted to the bus with other bus riders. All others should be picked up via car line through the school parking lot. We will release your child to you or a designated adult. For your child’s safety, we will not allow them to walk unescorted through the parking lot to a vehicle. Children not picked up by 3:20 will be sent to the after school care room.
Anytime there is a change in your child’s normal pick-up routine please send a written note, Seesaw message and/or email explaining the change. Change of Transportation notes can be found in your student Binder. This helps to prevent any confusion and miscommunication.
Dress Code
While the required school dress code is for grades 1-8, kindergartners should adhere to casual dress code rules below. Should you wish to have your kindergartner follow the regular dress code; it can be found in your school handbook.
Casual Dress Code
+Shirts must have sleeves and all words/graphics must be appropriate.
+Socks must be worn at all times with shoes and sandals.
+Jeans and athletic pants are allowed as long as they are in good repair. ·
+Clothing should be neat, clean, and in good condition.
Any type of dress or grooming that is determined by the administration and staff to be inappropriate in the school environment is prohibited.
Drop In Day
This is a designated day and time for you to drop in before school begins to meet the teacher and drop off school supplies.
E _________________________
Even a child is known by his deeds. -Proverbs 20:11
F__________________________
Family Night
Family Night is a special evening at school when we get to spend some quality time with our family. There are fun activities planned in each classroom. Date and time will be announced.
Field Trips
Field trips will be scheduled throughout the year to promote further learning on our current topics of discussion in class. Sometimes trips will be scheduled for fun and a break from our learning environment or have some relation to serving others. Some trips will be all day events and half day students are invited to join us for the full day on those occasions. Information will be sent out prior to each trip informing you of location, cost if any, and requesting drivers/chaperones and permission for your child to attend. No child will be allowed to participate in a field trip without a signed permission slip. All drivers will be required to provide a copy of your valid driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance. In addition drivers must sign a statement agreeing to the school’s field trip transportation rules. A copy of the chaperone guidelines and the transportation rules can be found in the drop down menu at the top of this page.
Family Night is a special evening at school when we get to spend some quality time with our family. There are fun activities planned in each classroom. Date and time will be announced.
Field Trips
Field trips will be scheduled throughout the year to promote further learning on our current topics of discussion in class. Sometimes trips will be scheduled for fun and a break from our learning environment or have some relation to serving others. Some trips will be all day events and half day students are invited to join us for the full day on those occasions. Information will be sent out prior to each trip informing you of location, cost if any, and requesting drivers/chaperones and permission for your child to attend. No child will be allowed to participate in a field trip without a signed permission slip. All drivers will be required to provide a copy of your valid driver’s license and proof of current auto insurance. In addition drivers must sign a statement agreeing to the school’s field trip transportation rules. A copy of the chaperone guidelines and the transportation rules can be found in the drop down menu at the top of this page.
G_________________________
Grandparents/VIP Day
This is the day we get to celebrate our grandparents and other very important people in our lives. We love to share with them what ISJ and our kindergarten is all about. Invite your grandparents or another very important person in your life to join us for this special day. Watch your newsletters for announcement on the date.
This is the day we get to celebrate our grandparents and other very important people in our lives. We love to share with them what ISJ and our kindergarten is all about. Invite your grandparents or another very important person in your life to join us for this special day. Watch your newsletters for announcement on the date.
H_________________________
Homework
Homework will not be sent home regularly. Anything that may be sent home to do or complete should take no more than 5-10 minutes. The major exception being nightly reading. I recommend the research suggested 20 minutes of reading per night (to, with, and/or by your child). Weekly phonics and sight word decodeable readers will come home at the beginning of the week and should be read at least once by your child each night.
It is always a good idea to look over and discuss your child’s work from school each day. When worksheets or other assignments do come home, they should be completed and returned to school in the homework folder the next school day unless otherwise indicated. Completed work that has been checked by me will have a sticker or mark of some kind and does not need to return to school unless corrections are requested.
Homework Check Lists
A homework check list will be kept in the student binder each week to help you keep track of items that need reviewed or worked on each day. A new check list will be put into the binder each Monday or the first school day of the week.
Homework will not be sent home regularly. Anything that may be sent home to do or complete should take no more than 5-10 minutes. The major exception being nightly reading. I recommend the research suggested 20 minutes of reading per night (to, with, and/or by your child). Weekly phonics and sight word decodeable readers will come home at the beginning of the week and should be read at least once by your child each night.
It is always a good idea to look over and discuss your child’s work from school each day. When worksheets or other assignments do come home, they should be completed and returned to school in the homework folder the next school day unless otherwise indicated. Completed work that has been checked by me will have a sticker or mark of some kind and does not need to return to school unless corrections are requested.
Homework Check Lists
A homework check list will be kept in the student binder each week to help you keep track of items that need reviewed or worked on each day. A new check list will be put into the binder each Monday or the first school day of the week.
I__________________________
Instruction
Kindergarten is the foundation for formal schooling. I believe that all children are capable of learning, they learn at different rates, and have different needs. By using varied learning experiences throughout the year I am able to assist children in developing, socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually. Daily opportunities for success are provided through positive reinforcement and the freedom to explore, experiment, and discover new ideas. My goal is to assist each child in becoming an independent, self-reliant, lifelong learner.
Formal assessments are taken regularly throughout the year. However, because the individual learning rates of kindergarteners vary; informal assessments take place daily on both group and individual levels. These assessments help me to plan and adjust activities to accommodate the current needs of the class. Please remember that although a child may be developmentally ready for kindergarten as a whole, they may not be completely ready to embrace individual concepts such as reading. If I find a child is struggling in a particular area, I will inform the parents as soon as possible so together we can help the child succeed. Likewise, if you have concerns about how your child is developing in a particular area, please contact me. I do not wish to limit our communication to scheduled parent and teacher conference times.
Independence
Please help your child to be independent by not doing things for them that they are capable of doing themselves.
Kindergarten is the foundation for formal schooling. I believe that all children are capable of learning, they learn at different rates, and have different needs. By using varied learning experiences throughout the year I am able to assist children in developing, socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually. Daily opportunities for success are provided through positive reinforcement and the freedom to explore, experiment, and discover new ideas. My goal is to assist each child in becoming an independent, self-reliant, lifelong learner.
Formal assessments are taken regularly throughout the year. However, because the individual learning rates of kindergarteners vary; informal assessments take place daily on both group and individual levels. These assessments help me to plan and adjust activities to accommodate the current needs of the class. Please remember that although a child may be developmentally ready for kindergarten as a whole, they may not be completely ready to embrace individual concepts such as reading. If I find a child is struggling in a particular area, I will inform the parents as soon as possible so together we can help the child succeed. Likewise, if you have concerns about how your child is developing in a particular area, please contact me. I do not wish to limit our communication to scheduled parent and teacher conference times.
Independence
Please help your child to be independent by not doing things for them that they are capable of doing themselves.
J _________________________
Jesus Loves You!
K _________________________
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus!
L _________________________
Library
Once we have gotten into our daily routine we may begin taking trips to the school library. We will generally go on Monday and books should be returned on Friday. This reduces the opportunity for library books getting lost or forgotten over the weekend. I suggest keeping your library book in the same place every week so that it is easy to find when it is time to be returned. Children will not be allowed to check out new books until the previous one has been returned.
Lunch
ISJ is currently not offering a hot lunch program. All lunches will need to be brought from home. Milk will be available for purchase for 50 cents for a pint sized carton. Milk orders will be taken by Ms. Welch during attendance at 8:10. Milk will be charged to your school account or you may pay for it daily/weekly by sending the money in the money pouch in the student binder. Please be sure to include a note so I know that the money is for milk.
Lunch time is the perfect opportunity for us to practice using our table manners and learn about sound nutritional food choices. Children are always encouraged to use proper manners and begin eating healthy foods first then move on to eating snacks and treats.
Lutheran Schools Week
Each year for one week, Lutheran schools around the country celebrate National Lutheran schools week. It is an opportunity for our schools to celebrate our unique place in Christian education. Often many special events are scheduled during this special week including special dress up days and sining at our sponsoring churches.
Once we have gotten into our daily routine we may begin taking trips to the school library. We will generally go on Monday and books should be returned on Friday. This reduces the opportunity for library books getting lost or forgotten over the weekend. I suggest keeping your library book in the same place every week so that it is easy to find when it is time to be returned. Children will not be allowed to check out new books until the previous one has been returned.
Lunch
ISJ is currently not offering a hot lunch program. All lunches will need to be brought from home. Milk will be available for purchase for 50 cents for a pint sized carton. Milk orders will be taken by Ms. Welch during attendance at 8:10. Milk will be charged to your school account or you may pay for it daily/weekly by sending the money in the money pouch in the student binder. Please be sure to include a note so I know that the money is for milk.
Lunch time is the perfect opportunity for us to practice using our table manners and learn about sound nutritional food choices. Children are always encouraged to use proper manners and begin eating healthy foods first then move on to eating snacks and treats.
Lutheran Schools Week
Each year for one week, Lutheran schools around the country celebrate National Lutheran schools week. It is an opportunity for our schools to celebrate our unique place in Christian education. Often many special events are scheduled during this special week including special dress up days and sining at our sponsoring churches.
M_________________________
Meet the Teacher
Each year before school begins, a day and time will be designated for you and your child to drop in and meet your teacher.
Memory
Memory work is an important part of our curriculum and will be assigned each week. On the last day of the school week, usually Friday, you will receive a 3x5 card with the memory verse assigned for the next week in the homework folder. Memory is to be recited on Friday of the next week. A complete list of memory verses for the school year will be available above in the drop down menu for this page. Please help your child learn the verse and Bible reference.
Milk
Milk is available for purchase at the price of 50 cents a pint. Students should please inform Ms. Welch during attendance time (8:10) if they wish to order a milk for the day.
Each year before school begins, a day and time will be designated for you and your child to drop in and meet your teacher.
Memory
Memory work is an important part of our curriculum and will be assigned each week. On the last day of the school week, usually Friday, you will receive a 3x5 card with the memory verse assigned for the next week in the homework folder. Memory is to be recited on Friday of the next week. A complete list of memory verses for the school year will be available above in the drop down menu for this page. Please help your child learn the verse and Bible reference.
Milk
Milk is available for purchase at the price of 50 cents a pint. Students should please inform Ms. Welch during attendance time (8:10) if they wish to order a milk for the day.
N_________________________
Newsletters
Our classroom newsletter, The Kindergarten Chronicles, is published weekly and is available for view on Seesaw and on the website in the drop down menu on this page.
Our classroom newsletter, The Kindergarten Chronicles, is published weekly and is available for view on Seesaw and on the website in the drop down menu on this page.
O_________________________
Open House
Throughout the year we will hold several open houses. These events offer a great opportunity for you to share how much you love our school with friends and family and invite them to find out what we are all about. They are also a great time to stop in and find out what's happening in other classrooms.
Throughout the year we will hold several open houses. These events offer a great opportunity for you to share how much you love our school with friends and family and invite them to find out what we are all about. They are also a great time to stop in and find out what's happening in other classrooms.
P_________________________
Parent and Teacher Conferences
Parent and teacher conferences will be held twice during the school year; once in the fall (usually in November)and once in late winter or early spring (usually in March). Information will be sent from the office prior to each conference date about how to sing-up for the best day and time for you to meet with me. If you have questions about your child’s progress prior to these scheduled conference dates, please feel free to contact me to set up an appointment to meet.
Portfolios
Throughout the year I will be collecting samples of your child's work to create their kindergarten portfolio. Most of their work will be collected digitally on Seesaw and a added to your flash drive each quarter. These portfolios are a great way to chronicle your child's growth throughout the school year. When you finally get to take your child's portfolio home at the end of the year you will be amazed how much your child's skills have grown and changed.
Parent and teacher conferences will be held twice during the school year; once in the fall (usually in November)and once in late winter or early spring (usually in March). Information will be sent from the office prior to each conference date about how to sing-up for the best day and time for you to meet with me. If you have questions about your child’s progress prior to these scheduled conference dates, please feel free to contact me to set up an appointment to meet.
Portfolios
Throughout the year I will be collecting samples of your child's work to create their kindergarten portfolio. Most of their work will be collected digitally on Seesaw and a added to your flash drive each quarter. These portfolios are a great way to chronicle your child's growth throughout the school year. When you finally get to take your child's portfolio home at the end of the year you will be amazed how much your child's skills have grown and changed.
Q_________________________
Questions
If you have questions or concerns about things that are happening in the classroom or about how your child is progressing please do not hesitate to contact me. The quickest and easiest way to to contact me is through a Seesaw. You may also email me a [email protected]. My contact information as well as a direct link to my email is also available in the drop down menu on the About Ms. Welch page.
If you have questions or concerns about things that are happening in the classroom or about how your child is progressing please do not hesitate to contact me. The quickest and easiest way to to contact me is through a Seesaw. You may also email me a [email protected]. My contact information as well as a direct link to my email is also available in the drop down menu on the About Ms. Welch page.
R_________________________
Report Cards
Report cards will be sent home at the end of each trimester. Student’s skills are evaluated on the following number system:
1 = Mastery: Student has mastered this skill
2 = Secure: Skills are developed and consistent
3 = Developing: Skills are improving
4 = Emergent: Skills are beginning to develop
If a skill area is left blank that means it has not been evaluated for that time period. In addition to the different learning skills being evaluated you will also see church and Sunday school attendance.
Recess/Large Motor Play
Our large muscles will be worked out at least once a day. Weather permitting our large motor play will take place outside on the playground. Please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather conditions outside. Should we be unable to go out, large motor games will be played in the classroom.
Responsibility
Teaching children to be responsible is a life long journey, however, we can begin with the little things. Please do not do things for your kindergartner that they are capable of doing for themselves, like packing their student binders in their backpack or turning them in at school. Allow them to struggle with things a little first, like putting on or zipping their coats, before offering to help and always encourage them to try first and then to ask for help. In kindergarten we believe in the power of YET. Just because we cannot do something at the moment doesn't mean we will never learn it. It means we cannot do it YET! Please let them struggle through it to help them learn to problem solve.
Rest Time
Young children need to rest their bodies and minds, especially with such a long and busy day of school activities. Each afternoon we will spend about 15 minutes relaxing as Ms. Welch reads from a chapter book.
Report cards will be sent home at the end of each trimester. Student’s skills are evaluated on the following number system:
1 = Mastery: Student has mastered this skill
2 = Secure: Skills are developed and consistent
3 = Developing: Skills are improving
4 = Emergent: Skills are beginning to develop
If a skill area is left blank that means it has not been evaluated for that time period. In addition to the different learning skills being evaluated you will also see church and Sunday school attendance.
Recess/Large Motor Play
Our large muscles will be worked out at least once a day. Weather permitting our large motor play will take place outside on the playground. Please be sure to dress your child appropriately for the weather conditions outside. Should we be unable to go out, large motor games will be played in the classroom.
Responsibility
Teaching children to be responsible is a life long journey, however, we can begin with the little things. Please do not do things for your kindergartner that they are capable of doing for themselves, like packing their student binders in their backpack or turning them in at school. Allow them to struggle with things a little first, like putting on or zipping their coats, before offering to help and always encourage them to try first and then to ask for help. In kindergarten we believe in the power of YET. Just because we cannot do something at the moment doesn't mean we will never learn it. It means we cannot do it YET! Please let them struggle through it to help them learn to problem solve.
Rest Time
Young children need to rest their bodies and minds, especially with such a long and busy day of school activities. Each afternoon we will spend about 15 minutes relaxing as Ms. Welch reads from a chapter book.
S_________________________
Schedule
Our daily class schedule or learning format can be found above in the drop down menu for this page.
Sight Words & High Frequency Words
Sight words ( aka heart words) are words we come accross that just do not follow what we know about phonics rules and should be learned so they are known by heart when a child sees them. High Frequency Words are words that are used most frequently in writing and children will see at a high rate when reading. While we will learn to decode these words, to help our young readers with fluency, students will work to recognize many of these words by sight as well.
Students will receive a short list of sight words and high frequency words to learn each week that correspond with the phonics skills that we are learning. Decodable readers will also come home each week to help them practice these words each night.
Snack
During our morning free choice time the students will be allowed to have a morning snack if they choose. All snacks should be supplied from home and stored in their backpacks or lunch boxes/bags. Healthy snacks such as fruit, vegatables, and low sugar items are strongly encouraged.
Supplies
Please be sure your child has all their school supplies by the first day of school. I recommend bringing them in on the drop in day to reduce confusion and simplify things for the first day of school. You may wish to label your child’s supplies, however, please do not label shared items such as tissue, paper towels, note cards, or paper. A supply bag equipped with pencils and erasers will be provided to store your child’s crayons, and glue. Occasionally during the year some supplies may need to be replaced. If your child needs replacement supplies you will be notified.
A list of the supplies needed for Kindergarten is located in the drop down menu above.
Our daily class schedule or learning format can be found above in the drop down menu for this page.
Sight Words & High Frequency Words
Sight words ( aka heart words) are words we come accross that just do not follow what we know about phonics rules and should be learned so they are known by heart when a child sees them. High Frequency Words are words that are used most frequently in writing and children will see at a high rate when reading. While we will learn to decode these words, to help our young readers with fluency, students will work to recognize many of these words by sight as well.
Students will receive a short list of sight words and high frequency words to learn each week that correspond with the phonics skills that we are learning. Decodable readers will also come home each week to help them practice these words each night.
Snack
During our morning free choice time the students will be allowed to have a morning snack if they choose. All snacks should be supplied from home and stored in their backpacks or lunch boxes/bags. Healthy snacks such as fruit, vegatables, and low sugar items are strongly encouraged.
Supplies
Please be sure your child has all their school supplies by the first day of school. I recommend bringing them in on the drop in day to reduce confusion and simplify things for the first day of school. You may wish to label your child’s supplies, however, please do not label shared items such as tissue, paper towels, note cards, or paper. A supply bag equipped with pencils and erasers will be provided to store your child’s crayons, and glue. Occasionally during the year some supplies may need to be replaced. If your child needs replacement supplies you will be notified.
A list of the supplies needed for Kindergarten is located in the drop down menu above.
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Tears
Sometimes the beginning of the school care be filled with tears caused by fear and anxiety of this new adventure. Rest assured they will only be temporary and will end as your child adjusts to their new routine.
Theme
The theme for the 2022-2022 school year is Making Disciples for Eternity based on the scripture Matthew 28:18-20.
Sometimes the beginning of the school care be filled with tears caused by fear and anxiety of this new adventure. Rest assured they will only be temporary and will end as your child adjusts to their new routine.
Theme
The theme for the 2022-2022 school year is Making Disciples for Eternity based on the scripture Matthew 28:18-20.
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Unto Thee, O God, do we give thanks!
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Volunteering
Parents are the most important teachers a child has and being a part of their school experience is important. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities for you to be involved in our classroom and other school wide events. The following is a brief list of possible classroom volunteer opportunities:
Parents are the most important teachers a child has and being a part of their school experience is important. Throughout the year there will be many opportunities for you to be involved in our classroom and other school wide events. The following is a brief list of possible classroom volunteer opportunities:
- Planning or helping at class parties
- Making play-dough
- Driving/Chaperoning for field trips
- Preparing supplies for class projects or learning centers (cutting things out at home)
- Assisting with special classroom activities
- Being a guest reader
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Washing Hands
In an effort to keep my students healthy, they are required to wash their hands upon arrival to the classroom, before and after snacks and meals, after using the restroom, and when returning inside from the playground. Proper hand washing techniques will be taught to the class in the first week of school. All this washing can sometimes irritate the skin so Aveeno lotion is made available for their hands should they need it. If you would prefer another type of lotion be used, please send in a small container labeled with your child's name and a note with written permission for application.
In an effort to keep my students healthy, they are required to wash their hands upon arrival to the classroom, before and after snacks and meals, after using the restroom, and when returning inside from the playground. Proper hand washing techniques will be taught to the class in the first week of school. All this washing can sometimes irritate the skin so Aveeno lotion is made available for their hands should they need it. If you would prefer another type of lotion be used, please send in a small container labeled with your child's name and a note with written permission for application.
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eXalt the Lord your God!
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YET!
In kindergarten we believe in the power of YET. Just because we cannot do something at the moment doesn't mean we will never learn it. It means we cannot do it YET! Please let them struggle through it to help them learn to problem solve.
You!
You are the first and most important teacher your child has!! Please take interest in what they are learning in school and make time to read and talk with your child about school every day!
In kindergarten we believe in the power of YET. Just because we cannot do something at the moment doesn't mean we will never learn it. It means we cannot do it YET! Please let them struggle through it to help them learn to problem solve.
You!
You are the first and most important teacher your child has!! Please take interest in what they are learning in school and make time to read and talk with your child about school every day!
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Zip, zap, zend, this is the end!