AR--AR stands for Accelerated Reading Program.  This computer-based program allows students to read books and take tests (on a computer) to measure their level of comprehension.  All students participate in AR.  Since most students in Kindergarten cannot read, parents or literacy volunteers for our classroom read the books to the child and give them the AR test on the computer.

   Book Clubs--I will be sending home book club forms (from Scholastic) each month for you to purchase for your child at low prices.  You do not have to participate in ordering books.

    Computer Lab--We are fortunate to be able to have a lab at our school. Students will be working on the Orchard Program in the lab later in the year.
               Clinic--Your child will go to the clinic if they are injured or feel ill. The nurse will contact you if your child needs to picked up from school.

    Donations--It is not required that you donate items, but I would gladly appreciate any donation you would like to make.  If you have something and you aren't sure that we need it...just ask!

    Emergencies--You will be contacted by the school nurse if your child gets hurt at school.  We also have specific procedures to follow in the event of fire, tornado or intruder.  It is very important that you give me a complete list of the phone numbers where you can be reached, and the names of others who you would like me to call if I cannot reach you.

    Field trips--We will be taking several field trips this year.  Parents are welcome to join in the fun, but due to the limited seating, they must provide their own transportation.

    Grades--No grades are given in kindergarten.  However, a progress report will be sent home every 9 weeks. While no grades are given, please do not take kindergarten lightly.  This is one of the most important years in your child's education.

    Home Link--I will be sending a folder home with your child each day.  Please look inside the pockets for any important papers coming home.. Some will be for you to keep and some will need to be signed and returned to school.  There will be notebook paper in the middle of the folder.  I will date it each day and write a short note.  This might be a special story that we read during the day or a special activity for the day or it might be something that your child needs a little help with at home.  Please initial or sign it each night so that I know that you have seen it.  Also, feel free to write me a note back below mine.  I will check these each morning.

    Ice Cream--Our ice cream day will be on Friday.  The cost is $.50.  You may pay by the month or week. Please place money inside an envelope with your child's name and what it is for.  Place inside the left hand pocket of folder.

    Journals--We will be keeping a journal throughout the year as part of our Building Blocks curriculum.

    Keep Up--We have a lot going on in our classroom.  Be sure to check the folder each night for new information and visit our class and school website often for all of the wonderful things happening.

    Lunch--Please send in lunch money on Monday in an envelope marked with your child's name and "LUNCH MONEY". The cafeteria will be sending home information regarding the cost of each meal.
         Library--Your child will be visiting the library almost every week.  Once they begin bringing home books, please remind your child to return his/her book the following week, in order to check out a new book.

    Math--We use the Saxon Math Program.  It uses a lot of different manipulatives to teach basic math concepts.

    Newsletter--I will send home a calender at the beginning of each month highlighting the important dates for the upcoming month.

    Open House--We will have an Open House sometime after school starts.  You will be able to visit the classroom.  You will be notified of the date.

    Phonics--We will be using the Saxon Phonics Program, which I personally think is a great program.  I will send home periodic reports about your child's progress in phonics.

    Quick Good Byes---leave dry eyes!

    Rules-Refer to the school handbook for school wide rules.

                 Research--Did you know?  The probability of a child remaining a poor reader in 4th grade given the child is a poor reader in 1st grade is 88%.  The probability of a child remaining a good reader in 4th grade if the child is a good reader in 1st grade is 87%. (Juel, 1988).  Kindergarten and 1st grade are crucial grades in determining Reading Success.  Please do not take kindergarten lightly.  It is very important. We will be working on the following awareness strategies:letter naming fluency-students name letters at a rapid pace, onset recognition-students can say the beginning sound of a word, phonemic-segmentation fluency-students can break apart the sounds of the words, and nonsense word fluency-students can blend sounds to make words.
    Snacks--Due to the fact that we eat lunch soooo early (10:30), by afternoon, we are usually pretty hungry.  Therefore, we usually have snack around 1:00.  You may choose to send either $5.00 per month or send in a couple days worth of snacks for the class. (Such as juice  boxes, cookies, crackers, peanut butter, etc.)

    Toys-- The school rule states that no toys shall be brought to school.  There is one exception to this rule.  On Fridays, we have show and tell.  The students bring in an object that begins with a certain letter.  I will let you know when we begin this.

    Understand--This we be a year of great growth for your child.  Understand that changes are to come!

    Volunteers--The best way to get to know our school, make friends, and feel a part of our school is through volunteering.  After the first few weeks, we will begin literacy centers in our classroom.  We are thrilled to have parents help out with this.  If you are interested, please let me know.

    We are a team.  Please feel free to come and talk to me any time you have comments, concerns, or questions regarding your child.  I am a parent too, and feel it is our job to work together as parent and teacher to help your child have a successful first year.

    Experiences-We have experiences:  science experiments, cooking, crafts, and making class books that relate to our monthly units.  They are fun and eXciting!

    Yearlong calendar--It is located in your handbook.

    ZZZ--The students who stay all day, we have a rest time after 1:30.