Ms. Lewis' ABC's of Kindergarten

A

Absences-Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. If your child is absent, you must send a note to the school when he/she returns.
Please include your child’s name, teacher’s name, date of absence, and the reason for the absence.

Attendance-Regular school attendance is essential for your child to make the most of his/her education. Please make every effort to have your child at school everyday.

Alphabet Knowledge-We will learn the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that the letters make in Kindergarten.

Assessment-The tools we use to measure your child's progress are Brigance and DIBELS.

Arrival-Your child should come to school no earlier than 7:45 A.M. Your child may walk to the classroom on their own after the first day.

B

Bus-Students are eligible to ride the bus if no other transportation is available. Please go to the Central Office to fill out a bus form.

Birthdays-Birthdays are very important to children. If you would like to bring treats for the class on your child’s birthday, you may pass them out at lunch.

Backpacks-Your child’s backpack should be big enough to hold a pocket folder. Backpacks help your child carry folders, notes, projects, and books to and from school. Please send to school EVERYDAY check your child’s backpack DAILY. I will place important information in your child's folder.

Book Orders- I will send home Scolastic Book orders approximately once a month. Please check due dates if you would like to purchase any books. It is not required that a family purchase a book.

Breakfast-Breakfast is served in the cafeteria each morning.

C

Clothing-Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for Kindergarten. An extra set of clothing will be kept in your child's cubby in case of a spill or accident. It is a good idea to label all coats and sweaters.

Communication- Communication between home and school is very important. If you feel the need to talk to me, please call the school, send me a note, or email me. I will get back with you as soon as I can. Email is the best way to
reach me- lewisj21@k12tn.net

D

Dismissal-Dismissal is at 1:50 P.M. We will be dismissing at the front of the school.

Discovery Bottles- Discovery bottles encourage the development of observation skills, predictability, scientific concepts, and thinking skills. We use discovery bottles in our science center during learning centers

E

Email-I can be reached by email at my school address lewisj21@k12tn.net

Emergency Sheets-Your child will have an emergency sheet on file in the classroom. At least one working telephone number is required in case of illness or emergency.

Extra Clothing- We ask at the beginning of the year for a few extra change of clothing. This is kept in your child's cubby in case of an accident or spill. Please check the clothing as the weather changes and as your child outgrows them.

F

Field Trips-We take several educational field trips during the year. A permission slip will be required anytime that we will be taking a bus for a field trip. If we do not receive a permission slip, your child will not be allowed to go with the class.

Fire Drills-Your child will participate in frequent fire drills throughout the year. We will practice the procedures before our first fire drill so that your child will be prepared.

Fund Raisers-Our school participates in several fund raisers throughout the year to raise money for various things for our school. We hope that everyone can participate, but it is not required.

G

Guidance-Our school counselor is Mrs. Sydenstricker

H

Handwriting is something we will work on in Kindergarten.

I

Illness-Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature. If they have a fever they will be sent home. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and get your child. We need at least two working phone numbers at all times in order to contact you in case of illness or emergency.

J

Journal Writing- We will write in our journals everyday. You should see a growth in your child's writing throughout the year.

K

Kindergarten Kids-Kindergarten is a special time for your child. I want to make this experience the best possible. “Kids come first!”

L

Learning Centers-We use learning centers in the classroom for active play. When we are in learning centers, we are learning to cooperate with others.

M

Math activities- We will do math activities daily that will enhace counting practice and number recognition.

N

Newsletter-A weekly newsletter will be sent home each Monday. It will contain information about our thematic unit, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events.

O

Outside-Your child will have outside time daily, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.

P


Parent Involvement-We love Parent Involvement! Please be involved in your child’s Kindergarten year as much as you can.

PTO (Parent/Teacher Organization)-All parents are encouraged to join the school’s PTO. PTO meetings will be on the calendar page. 

Q

Questions-Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. I will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.

R

Recess- Your child will have morning recess each day.

Rules- We have four rules in Kindergarten:
We use an inside voice.
We listen to our teachers.
We are nice to others.
Work and play safely.

Read-Read to your child daily and let your children see you reading daily.

Restrooms-We have restrooms in our classroom and your child is allowed to go when needed. Unfortunately accidents will happen and we will make sure that your child changes into their exta clothing.

S

Safety-Your child’s safety is top priority. I take every precaution when your child is in my care.

Snacks-We do not have a daily snack schedule. If you would like to send snacks for the entire class, I encourage you to do so. Please only send healthy snacks. Some examples are: Goldfish, animal crackers, fruit, and cheese.
crackers.

T

Transportation-If your child will be going home a different way than what I have in my files, you MUST call the school or send me a note. I will not let your child go with another adult or a different way unless you have notified me.


Take-Home Folders-Our take-home folders are blue and orange. Notes from the school or from me as well as activities will come home in these folders. I will also have a daily behavior chart to let you know how your child's day was.  Please check daily and send back to school every morning!! 

U

V
Visitors-We encourage visitors in our classroom. Please make sure that you sign in at the office before you come to the classroom. I will be looking for your sticker when you enter the classroom.

W

X

Y

Y

Yearbook-You will have a chance to buy a yearbook in the spring. What better way to capture those elementary years than with a Byars Dowdy yearbook! Please note all library books will have to be returned and all lunch charges will have to be paid before a yearbook can be purchased. 

Z

ZZZZ’s-Your child should get plenty of rest each night. Kindergarten students require 10-12 hours of sleep a day. It is so important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent.