Kindergarten is Almost Here!

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.  It was great seeing EVERYONE at supply drop off!  What a treat to meet everyone before the first day!

First Day

• I hope you can stay for the first hour of Kindergarten.  At dismissal we will follow our regular procedures.  
• If it is raining during the drop off in the morning, I will open my classroom door.  After the first day, if it is raining, you will drop your child off in the cafeteria.  
• I will have goldfish for snack in case you forget to pack a snack those first few days.  Going forward, your child will want a snack as we eat lunch rather late. 

Schedule:

• Opening Bell rings at 7:55.  We will go in at 7:57.  
• Lunch and Recess is from 11:45-12:40
• 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 folder will go home EVERY DAY with a daily report.  Please talk with your child every day about this report.  I will do my best to get these out on the first day using your child's supply folders.  However-my first priority the first day is your children.  It may be the next day before this folder is ready to go home.
• 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.  We have allergies in the classroom.  Please talk with your child about NOT sharing snacks and lunches.  
• If it is easier for you to contribute to bulk snacks, let me know.  I will not buy "back up" snacks after the first two weeks.  Our lunch is late this year, so encourage your child to eat a hearty breakfast and pack a snack that has some staying power.  
• PLEASE TALK WITH YOUR CHILD EACH MORNING ABOUT WHAT S/HE WILL HAVE FOR LUNCH THAT DAY.  
• LUNCH CHOICES ARE: HOT LUNCH (school) or HOME LUNCH.  Milk is included in hot lunch.   IF YOUR CHILD HAS A HOME LUNCH they can order milk-but they need to know it in the morning.  
• NO NUTS in our classroom, but it is fine to have nuts in lunches as the cafeteria has a nut free table.  Please no peanut butter granola bars, no peanuts or nuts in snack mixes, etc.
• 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

• Can you help in the cafeteria during the first two weeks of school?  I will be in there every day the first week and popping in the second week.  It is nice to have an extra pair of hands while the students get accustomed to the lunchroom procedures.
• 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 looking great.  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.