St. Mary School Early Childhood Program
Philosophy of Education
St. Mary School, a Catholic education community, is an integral part of St.
Mary Parish Community embracing the values and traditions of the Catholic
faith.
St. Mary’s Early Childhood program strives to nurture young children in
Christian love and to foster an awareness of being a child of God. We work to
create a happy and positive environment for each child to explore and
experience their surroundings in order to achieve a positive self-concept.
We believe that the teachers, in partnership with the parents, who are the
primary educators, recognize the uniqueness of each child. We seek to provide
an atmosphere where students develop a wholesome self-image so that they may
reach their full potential.
GOALS
St. Mary’s will strive to:
Help children realize the special people they are through participation in
activities centered around love for God and others. Teach the Sign of the
Cross, daily meal prayers, and other simple prayers which are a part of the
day.
Develop self-expression through language skills. Language skills include
listening, speaking, pre-reading, and pre-writing.
Develop math concepts based on experiences.
Develop social skills through group interaction with emphasis on thoughtful,
courteous behavior.
Develop find and gross motor skills.
Provide an opportunity to expand concepts and ideas about the world.
Develop independent problem solving skills.
THE DAY
Gathering time includes prayer, pledge, simple calendar activities and
preview of the day
Center activities:
Dramatic play
Blocks
Quiet area - books and puzzles
Writing center
Manipulatives
Special projects
Music and story time to promote movement, creative expression, listening
skills, language development
Large motor activity to promote physical development
Snack time to encourage socialization and good manners
Circle time - A quiet ending time to review the day’s events, to pray, to
prepare for going home.
Field Trips: Field trips will be scheduled throughout the year, one out of
school and one in school. Children will attend cultural arts programs in
school when available.
Literacy: Our goal is to develop and enhance early literacy through reasoning
and logical thinking. Children will learn that oral language can be written
and written language can be read. They will learn that a group of letters can
be arranged to make a word. Children will develop an appreciation and
enjoyment of literature.
Snack Time: Each child will be asked to bring in a simple snack to share.
Milk may be ordered, or parent may send in juice.
Birthday Treats may be brought in on the child’s birthday. Cakes and cupcakes
are recommended for their "at home" party. Simple treats are recommended.
Parent Communication A weekly bulletin will keep parents informed of
classroom activities. A monthly newsletter from the principal will be sent
home with updated school information.
Clothing: Uniforms will not be worn by preschool children. Children should
bring a complete set of clothing including underwear and socks in their
backpack each day.
Personal Information:
Full name, first and last
Address, including city or town and state
Phone number
SUPPLY LIST FOR PRESCHOOL:
These supplies are necessary for the first day of school:
Paint smock with name clearly printed on it. (Mom or Dad's t-shirt makes a
good paint smock).
School bag large enough to hold art projects and an extra set of clothes.
Roll of paper towels.
Box of Kleenex
Container of baby wipes
Please do not send crayons, pencils, scissors, glue sticks and erasers. These
will be supplied to the children through the materials fee.
CLEARLY PRINT YOUR CHILD'S NAME ON THE SUPPLIES AS WELL AS CLOTHING.
Parents provide valuable experiences and learning opportunities which prepare
their child for school. Familiarity with some of the skills listed below will
give your child a good start.
Personal Information:
Full name, first and last
Address, including city or town and state
Phone number
Self Help Skills:
Dressing self
Buttoning, snapping, zipping clothing
Totally caring for toilet need
Taking care of personal items
Proper use of eating utensils
Social Skills:
Greeting others in an appropriate manner
Using "please" and "thank you"
Listening to others
Sharing and taking turns willingly
Playing appropriately with one another
Speech:
Using language to express feelings, ideas, wishes and fears
Learning songs and poems from memory
Being listened to when speaking
Large muscle development through various activities:
Running
Jumping
Climbing
Throwing and catching
Morning Drop Off
Children are to be dropped off at the main door. Please make sure you park by
the new church if you plan to walk your child to the door.
Cars must use the Buffalo Grove Road entrance and exit onto Church Road.
Children will be dismissed at the main door.
Report Absence: If your child will be absent from school, a call must be made
to the school office in the morning.
Vacation: Please notify the teacher prior to vacation. Important mail and
communication will be saved for your return.
Conferences: Parent/Teacher conferences are held in November and February.
Progress in various developmental areas will be assessed and discussed. If
you wish to meet with the teacher at any other time, please contact the
teacher for an appointment.
Medical Records: Each incoming student is required to have a completed
medical exam on file prior to the first day of school. These are to be mailed
to the school during the summer.
PRESCHOOL MILK PROGRAM
Milk will be available to the children. 1% white milk will be served. All
milk is ordered through the Archdiocesan School Lunch Program. If your child
prefers, he/she may bring juice daily.
The orders for milk will be taken by semester. Because this will be a blanket
fee, there will be no refunds if your child is absent. Once the milk count is
given, orders cannot be canceled for any individual.
Please attach check made payable to St. Mary’s and mail to:
St. Mary School Lunch Program
50 North Buffalo Grove Road
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
