I am glad to have your child in my Kindergarten class. I just know he/she is going to have a great year and learn so much. I enjoy a fun and positive class with many incentives and rewards for appropriate behavior, such as: praise, stickers. treats, and positive notes home. However, in the event of misbehavior I use the following step system: each child will start the day with his/her clothespin on green for good behavior. If misbehavior occurs and continues after a verbal warning, the clothespin will be moved to yellow. The consequence for this is some loss of center and/or outside time. If the misbehavior continues (or in the event of a major violation) the clothespin will be moved to red. this will result in complete loss of center and/or outside time. Please be assured that I will work with your child as much as possible to remind him/her of appropriate behavior. Please help by doing the same at home. Thank you so much for your help in this matter. Together we can !!! Thank you. MORNING RESPONSIBILITIES Your child has many morning responsibilities that they must learn to complete independently, such as unpack book bag, turn in daily folder, sign in, handle bathroom activities, and begin morning table activities. I want you to be very aware of not performing these duties for your child. It is much easier for your child to separate and develop independent skills when you walk them to the door and let them walk in by themselves. They are big kindergarteners now, and I ask your support in promoting and encouraging them to do these responsibilities independently. For the first few days of school, I certainly understand that you may want to walk you child to the classroom door. However, allowing them to walk into the classroom alone helps them become more independent. Please understand you are welcome in the classroom, but it is very important for your child to develop an independent morning routine. We promise to give each and every student lots of TLC!!!! SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Your child's regular and punctual attendance at school is crucial to his/her success. They need to be in school all day and every day. I can't emphasize this point enough! Interaction with classmates promotes social growth and learning, and we need all of our class friends at school daily! Please view school as a priority (schedule appointments or trips after school hours, or during breaks). In case of illness or emergency please send a written and dated excuse for absence within two school days after returning to school. ABSENCES WITHOUT NOTES WILL BE CODED UNEXCUSED (review student handbook). If a child arrives late or needs to leave school early, you must sign in/out at the school office BEFORE coming to the classroom. School hours are 8:45-3:15pm MONEY On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. ALWAYS send money in a sealed envelope/ziploc with the following information on it (child's name, teacher's name, amount and purpose). This helps reduce the likelihood of any errors. BOOK BAGS Your child will need a book bag (NO WHEELS PLEASE, they will not fit in the cubbies). The bag should be brought DAILY (folder inside), and checked by you EVERY night. This is to ensure that you receive all important information and makes it easier for you to help your child to complete any homework that will be placed in their folder. If your child brings lunch or snack from home, he/she will also need a lunch box/bag. Please label these and all items with your child's name. HOMEWORK Kindergarten children are eager and ready to learn! Kindergarten homework lays the foundation for good work habits in later years. Furthermore, positive homework helps establish the home-school connection and involves parents as partners in their child's daily learning experiences. Homework is an extension of what we do in class, and gives your child an opportunity to practice and reinforce the concepts and skills we are learning. It is not optional, and should be viewed as a meaningful learning experience. It is also very rewarding for you to see firsthand all things your child is learning! It is important that your child complete any homework assignments and return them the next morning. You should read with your child for at least 15 minutes each night. The more your child is exposed to language, the easier it will be for him/her to incorporate new skills in reading and writing in the classroom. Any homework should be sent back inside of their folder. Please help your child with their homework but do not do it for them. Be very patient and celebrate your child's success, no matter how small it may seem. Keep in mind that we all build on small successes! This will keep your child enthusiastic about learning and proud of their work!