Class of 2010-11  Welcome to Kindergarten at OLV

 Please keep this list of helpful information so your child's first year will go smoothly.

1. Read your OLV Handbook for Parents.  This year it will be found online. If you need a copy please contact the office. Many of the rules and policies that will affect your child are in this handbook.

2. I use assertive discipline in this Kindergarten class, on the playground and at lunch.  The children are expected to follow the posted rules along with other rules that I have cited in class.  I will also review the playground rules and the uniform code.  It will take your children a week or so to become familiar with the rules so consequences (time-outs, loss of recess time) will not be strictly enforced until I feel the rules are understood.  There is a reward system for the class and time outs will be served for disruptions.  I try to focus more on the rewards for good behavior.

3. Label everything.  All items are the same so sweaters, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, crayons, glue, etc. need to have a name or at least initials. 

Notice the uniform code in the handbook.  Please notice the summer uniform does not allow gym shorts except on gym day.

4. Provide your child with the items on the supply list. Check periodically to see if your child's supplies have to be replenished.

5. Naptime requires a mat cover in the form of a pillow case (with velcro or snaps to hold it in place).  The mat is 2'x4'.  The cover needs to be a little larger so it will slide on and off for washing.  We generally send them home for washing at Thanksgiving break and again in February.   Books are allowed but not toys.  Please label books so they will not be lost. The children will not be allowed to bring stuffed animals to school for nap or playtime. 

6. The lunch menu and calendar will be posted on the web site.  Lunch envelopes will be sent home on Thursday or Friday for the following week.  If your child is not buying lunch or milk, please return the envelope unmarked so I can reuse it the following week. Return the lunch envelope on the designated day.  Watch the web site for the days to return the envelope. We will be having recess at 10:10 a.m.  Your child might like a snack at that time.  Please pack the snack for recess separate from lunch, tell your child where to find it, and make it something simple that can be carried easily in the hand. Your child will be reminded to go to the bathroom before going out for recess.  This eliminates disruptions during learning time.

7. A take home folder, (The Daily Folder) will be coming home every day.  All important papers will be in this folder and anything you would like returned to me should be put in that folder.  When the folder gets worn, please replace it with a pocket folder of your own.  Make sure your child's name is clearly visible on the outside, front. 

All correspondence should be put in a sealed envelope with your child's name and grade somewhere on the outside.

8. If your child rides in a car he/she is called a "rider." Riders are dismissed at 2:40 p.m. 

 If your child is taking a bus please put your child's bus number on him/her for the first few days.  The bus drivers are helpful but it is a good idea to take all precautions. Also, if your child is taking the bus, morning or afternoon, check with the bus company to make sure your child is listed.  Riders are dismissed at 2:40 p.m. and bus children will follow.  There is a teacher on duty to make sure your child gets on the bus.

I will be sending home a form for you to sign and return.  It will indicate the dismissal for your child on each day of the week.  Please fill it out to the best of your knowledge and when there is a change you can send a note.  This will include After School Care.  

If your child is leaving school by a different means on any given day you must send a note.  I will not be able to send your child on riders or After School Care  (even with a brother or sister) unless I have a signed note or confirmation from the office.

9. Some of the things we will be working on at the beginning of school are:  printing our whole name with lower case letters, naming the letters of the alphabet and numbers to 10 (20) in and out of sequence, counting to 10 (20), naming shapes,  writing numbers to 10 (20), writing the alphabet, writing capital and lower case letters (note the use of D'Nealian handwriting), singing songs, learning poems, enjoying and responding to stories, and saying prayers. 

Please help your child by practicing skills when you notice a need.  Also practice buckling, tying, snapping, and buttoning. 

Knowing name, address, telephone number, birthday and age will be required before the first report card.  Report cards are sent home twice a year.  There will be a Parent-Teacher Conference in November and March. 

10. We will have a class list made at the beginning of the year .  If you choose to be on it you can provide names, addresses, phone numbers, and  email addresses.  This is helpful to parents because our children are in many towns and it is a great way to keep in touch.  It is also helpful in planning birthdays.  The class mother will be responsible for any special activities all year and during Catholic Schools Week. 

There will also be an opportunity to read to the class on Fridays. There will be more information  at Know Your School Night in August. Grandparents, aunts, uncles friends are also welcome to read.  This activity will require a CORI check (as will any kind of volunteering that brings you into the school).

Birthdays are celebrated with a song and some small items from me. 

Because of a growing number of allergies, we will no longer have food treats sent into the classroom.  The children will be having their snacks in the classroom before going out to recess.  They will not be allowed to take food out after lunch either so make sure they understand they have to eat their lunch at the lunch table. (This is a school-wide policy because of the many food allergies.)

11. Each month I will send home several book and computer order forms from Scholastic.  I do this to earn bonus points for the class and because I know the prices and availability of reading materials and computer software are reasonable.  Please do not feel obligated to buy anything unless you want it.  I will not be offended.  Also, if you wish to purchase something as a gift and do not want your child to see it, let me know with a note and I will set it aside in the office so you can pick it up.

12. If you have any questions or any information about your child that you think will be helpful to me, please send a note and I will try to get back to you as soon as my schedule allows.  You may email but if the message is urgent a note in the daily folder is best.

13. Most importantly, RELAX and enjoy the year.