We had a Great First Week!

We have been super busy and I have really enjoyed getting to know your children.  This week, in addition to learning many routines, we really focused on learning the classroom and school rules.

Our rules are

• We listen.
• We use helping hands.
• We use walking feet.
• "I am the boss of me!" 

Your child has a book in his/her folder with these rules.  Please read this book with your child and talk about each rule.

We also met our Book Buddies from Mrs. Sak's class.  Please enjoy the quick video she made today with pictures from our first chance to read together!

Some general notes:

• Please send in a sweater or sweatshirt that could stay in the locker.  The air is sometimes chilly.
• Whenever possible, I wait until Friday to send home notes and announcements from the school.  While the packets generally go out on Tuesday for the rest of the school, I have no way of distributing them until the next day because of our schedule.  If something is time-sensitive I will always send it on Wednesday.  Work completed in class also goes home on Fridays.  If your child brings home a paper or two throughout the week, that is from choice time or other work that was not curricular.
• Homework will start the Monday after Curriculum Night.

Upcoming Dates:
Friday, September 5:  Back to School Party with SEOPCO in the evening.  It's a great back to school tradition and a great chance to hang out with new friends!  I plan on going!
Thursday, September 11:  Curriculum Night is a chance for you to see the classroom, learn about routines and hear about our curriculum.  I hope to have 100% attendance!  Childcare is provided in the auditorium.  The children do not come to the classroom for the presentation,b ut they are welcome to walk you around the school to meet their special area teachers after the presentation.

Thunderously Good First Day!

Well...we started the year off with a bang!  Literally!  The thunderstorm patiently waited for us to go inside to eat lunch...barely!  That same thunderstorm left me without power or internet at home, so I truly apologize for the delay in getting this out to you!

I will usually update my blog on Fridays, but I did want to give you a chance to see your kiddos hard at work and play on the first day of school.  Please enjoy the pictures the the left.

I also wanted to let you know about our special schedule.  On PE days your child NEEDS GYM SHOES.  We have library on Thursdays.  Kindergarten does not check books out until next week.  Once we do check out books your child may keep them for 2 weeks.  However, most families choose to send them back each week in Kindergarten.  You may return them any day of the week.

Special Schedule

Monday:  Thinking Skills with Mr. Packer and Spanish
Tuesday:  PE and Music
Wednesday:  Spanish and Art
Thursday:  Library and Spanish
Friday:  PE and Music

Are you still reading this?  Please send me a quick email
bparkinson@op97.org
to let me know you are able to access the blog!  Thanks so much!!!

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.

Welcome to the New School Year!

Welcome to Kindergarten 2014-2015!  We will have a great year!  I hope to see all of you at Supply Drop Off next Thursday, August 21 between 4 and 6 pm.  It is a chance for you to drop off supplies, formally meet me as your child's teacher, and meet new families on the playground.  No worries if you cannot make it.  We have all year to get to know each other!  I will update the blog with first day notes next week.  In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to email me at
bparkinson@op97.org