This page contains answers to common questions of students 
and parents.  If you have other questions please send me an 
email by using the mailbox in the upper right corner of the 
home page.

1. I am afraid that my child will have separation problems. How can I help?
2. I have heard that you don't have holiday parties. Why not?
3. How can I help my child to become more independent at school?

I am afraid that my child will have separation problems. How can I help?

Almost everyone is anxious in new situations, even 
adults!  
1.You can help ease your child's anxiety by going 
to see their new school in a non-threatening way.  
First just point the building out when you are 
driving by (or make it a point to do so if it is 
not someplace your child has seen before).  Take 
some time to play at the playground behind the 
school to develop some familiarity.  
2.View the powerpoint tour of the classroom that is 
on this website.  You can look at it over and over 
with your child.  
3.If your child has never been away from you, they 
may not be certain that you will come back to pick 
them up after leaving them at school.  Practice 
getting ready for this by leaving your child with a 
friend or relative,for short periods to start.  
Increase the length of time you leave them for and 
emphasize that you will ALWAYS come back to pick 
them up.
4.This may be some children's first exposure to 
school (especially those without older siblings) 
please tell them that it is a safe place and their 
teachers will take very good care of them.
5.Please contact me if you are still uncomfortable 
about leaving your child. I would be glad to work 
with you on this important issue.

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I have heard that you don't have holiday parties. Why not?

Children are always encouraged to share anything 
they'd like about their families and traditions.  
However, not everyone shares the same traditions.  
Typically, in the past, school parties have been 
times of stress and unhealthy treats.  Rather than 
put children in that type of situation, we leave it 
up to families to celebrate holidays in a manner 
they choose and to monitor their children's access 
to sweets and treats.  We do, on occasion, have 
special days, such as popcorn or 5 senses parties, 
that are more low key and support our curriculum.

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How can I help my child to become more independent at school?

It often seems that teachers and parents have 
different expectations for children's school 
participation.  It will most help your child if you 
try to step back a little, and let them do what 
they are capable of.  You can always help as 
needed, but they may surprise you.  
Please let your child carry their own backpack and 
hang up their things.  They will learn to do 
the milk chart on their own with just a little help 
at first.  What a sense of accomplishment and self-
esteem for them!  
You can also help by providing opportunities for 
your child to be successful.  If possible, purchase 
backpacks and clothing that your child can manage 
independently.  Purchase snacks that are easy to 
open, or transfer them to containers such as 
baggies that are easier to open.

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