Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. May I celebrate my child's birthday with the class during the school day ?
2. How can I volunteer in my child's classroom?
3. Can my child's lunch be heated in a microwave?
4. Can I obtain a class list of names and telephone numbers.
5. When is the best time to contact you by phone?
6. What is Guided Reading?
7. What type of rest time gear will my child need from home?
8. How do I pay for Scholastic Book Club orders?
9. Does my child need a snack or lunch on early dismissal days?
10. Is there anything I can purchase for my child's classroom?

May I celebrate my child's birthday with the class during the school day ?

Yes, just send in a note at least 1 day prior, so that I can 
prepare my day accordingly.  There are 17 children in the class 
and snacktime is at 10:00AM each day. Younger siblings may also 
be included in the celebration.  If you are unable to attend but 
would like to send in non-food items, you may drop them off at 
the office any time during the morning prior to 8:30 AM.  Please  
remember that any visiting adults must have a completed C.O.R.I. 
form on file before being allowed in the classroom.

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How can I volunteer in my child's classroom?

Just contact me by phone, e-mail, or note if you are interested 
in volunteering.  Since I do not have an afternoon aide I am 
usually in need of help between the hours of 12:30-2:00 PM.  Task 
assignments may include surpervising small group math/literacy 
games, preparing art projects and/or assisting Kindergarteners 
with center activities as needed. Unfortunately, siblings are not 
permitted in the classroom during instruction time. 

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Can my child's lunch be heated in a microwave?

Unfortunately, we do not have the facilities or staff to provide 
this option.  Many children who prefer hot lunches from home (ie. 
chicken nuggets)carry these meals in insulated thermoses 
accompanied by the necessary utencils.

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Can I obtain a class list of names and telephone numbers.

Classroom teachers are not allowed to provide this information.  
Only Room Mothers have such a list in their possession for class 
parties, P.T.O. functions, etc. The P.T.O. usually compiles a 
Friendship Book each year containing the names, addresses, and 
phone numbers of students attending the Hansen.  This information 
is published only with family permission.  For those having paid 
annual P.T.O. dues this book is typically free.

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When is the best time to contact you by phone?

Before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

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What is Guided Reading?

Guided Reading is an important part of our daily Literacy Block 
in Kindergarten.  Small groups of 5 or 6 children with similar 
needs and abilities work with the classroom teacher using leveled 
texts that best meet current literacy skills.  Unit Reading 
Assessments help to monitor performance for each individual child 
and are administered every 6 weeks.  This information is used 
for grouping purposes throughout the year.  Since Guided Reading 
is based on a flexible grouping model, membership may continue to 
change based upon each Kindergarteners' documented performance 
and the ever increasing challenge of assigned texts.   
  

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What type of rest time gear will my child need from home?

Since the children no longer have traditional rest time, nothing 
is needed from home. Individual vinyl mats, "Browsing Boxes", and 
classroom library selections are provided for each Kindergartener 
immediately following recess, duriing 15 minutes of daily "Quiet 
Time".  

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How do I pay for Scholastic Book Club orders?

Each month I will be sending home an order form for your review.  
If you are interested in ordering, please note the due date on 
back page, complete as required, and send to school in a labeled 
envelope along with a personal check or money order for payment.  
Since Scholastic will not accept money sent through the mail, 
this is the best method of payment.  I then call in the order on 
stated due date, and you can usually expect to receive your 
books within 7 - 10 school days.  Orders are delivered home in 
your child's backpack.

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Does my child need a snack or lunch on early dismissal days?

Yes your child will need both a snack and lunch on scheduled 
Early Release Days. Since dismissal is at 12:20PM, Kindergarten 
is scheduled to have lunch at 10:50 AM. Morning snack will 
therefore be sometime shortly after 9:00 AM. Please plan 
accordingly for your child on these days.   

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Is there anything I can purchase for my child's classroom?

1. Paper towels for cleaning classroom tables prior to and 
immediately following snacktime.   
2. 3-5 ounce plastic cups for classroom water faucet 
3. Shower curtain liners for protecting tables during Arts &  
Crafts projects
4. Hand sterilizers such as Purell liquid, in order to help  
minimize the spread of germs

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