What a Great First Week!

We had a busy, fun, and productive first week in Kindergarten.

The students worked really hard to learn new routines.  By Thursday, they were comfortable in the classroom, lunchroom and playground.  I will keep this update short, but wanted to let you know a few things we are working on in the classroom.

School Behaviors:

We learned about walking in a straight line, facing forward with quiet bodies.
We also learned about raising a hand when there is something to say.  We wrote out our classroom rules and signed them.  We have four rules.  They are

• Be kind.
• Listen to the teacher.
• Be safe.
• Do your best!

Reading and Writing:

We practiced writing our names and learned about writing left to right.  We clapped words in sentences and sounded out words when we were writing together.

Math:  

We started our calendar routine and did a lot of counting.  We wrote our numbers.

Upcoming Date:

Please make sure to mark your calendar for our curriculum night, this September 12.  This is an opportunity for you to come see our classroom, learn about what we will work on this year and ask me any questions about routines and procedures.  It is a very informative night and it will be worth your time.  There is childcare in the auditorium (a movie).  Children do not come to this event because there is so much to cover, please consider securing childcare or using the childcare provided in the auditorium.  Attendance at this event is a great way to show your child you care about school!

First Day!

I know by now many of your children are in a puddle on the floor from being tired, hot, and overwhelmed!  Despite what you may be seeing, we had a great day in Kindergarten.  Please enjoy the pictures below.  If you have any questions before my next post-this Friday-please do not hesitate to send an email. 

Mrs. Parkinson's photostream

Mrs. Parkinson's photostream on Flickr.

Enjoy these pictures of our first day of school! I have ordered prints for you of the individual pictures with the Kindergarten Frame!

Kindergarten is here! I am sure, like me, you are excited and a little nervous about a new beginning!  Here are a few notes to help you navigate the classroom, the school and our routines. 

Schedule: 

• Opening Bell rings at 7:55.  We will go in at 7:57.  
• Lunch and Recess is from 11:25-12:20.
• Closing Bell is 2:55.  Wednesday it is at 1:55.
• If you arrive after 8:00 please go to the office for a tardy slip.  
• If your child will be absent call the office.  Please let me know via email. 
• Please stay with your child until the bell rings in the morning.  Please arrive promptly for dismissal.  Children get nervous when they see all their friends leave and they are still waiting for a familiar face.

Communication:

• A red folder will go home EVERY DAY with a daily report.  Please talk with your child every day about this report.  Leave it in the folder during the week. You can remove it from the folder on Friday. 
• I will update the blog weekly.  I will send you an email when it is updated.  If you prefer a hard copy, please let me know.  
• For day to day communication- email is best.  You can reach me at bparkinson@op97.org
• I will respond to your email within 24 hours.  It is hard for me to email during the day unless I have a planning period.  If you need to get a hold of me during the day please call the office. 708-524-3090

Health and Wellness

• We will have a snack each morning.  I will provide it for the first 2 weeks.  After that (Or before if you prefer) you can send in a snack for your child.  It is a good idea to have it labeled so there is no confusion.  
• If you want me to continue providing snack, I will ask for bulk snack donations throughout the year.  
• PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR CHILD EACH MORNING ABOUT WHAT S/HE WILL HAVE FOR LUNCH THAT DAY.  
• LUNCH CHOICES ARE: HOT LUNCH, HOME LUNCH, SALAD, SANDWICH.   IF YOUR CHILD HAS A HOME LUNCH, DO THEY NEED MILK?   
• NO NUTS!  We have no allergies in our classroom, but it is best to be safe.
• Plan on ordering a hot lunch once in the first two weeks when I will be in the cafeteria to help.
• No edible birthday treats.  More on that on curriculum night. (September 12.)
• I cannot give medicine.  Our school nurse, Ms. Jaime Strokosch will help you navigate medical forms.

Other Information

• I am looking for lots of great parent volunteers throughout the week.  There will be opportunities to work with individual students, help with projects, and help with keeping the classroom.  Please consider signing up on curriculum night.
• Homework will start in a few weeks.  It will go home on Monday and should be returned on Friday.

Supply Drop Off

I am so excited to meet some of my students tomorrow at Kindergarten Supply Drop Off!  I hope it will ease any lingering anxiety for the students (or the parents!) and that everyone enjoys some popsicles on a hot day!  Families can bring in all the supplies they have managed to gather and get a head start on some of the paperwork they will be asked to do on the first day of school.  Remember, parents are invited to the first and last hour of school on the first day.  If you can't make it-don't worry!  We have plenty of time to get to know each other. 

Welcome to Kindergarten!

I am looking forward to a wonderful year!