This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.
- What is the Kindergarten Picnic? Who attends?
- What is the Kindergarten Open House?
- What is the First Day of School Welcome Back Coffee Social?
- What is "Spirit Wear," and when is it available for purchase?
- What should we expect on Back to School Night?
- How do I sign-up to volunteer in the classroom?
- What is the Back to School Family Picnic? Is it the same as the Kindergarten Picnic?
- Why do we have 1/2 days for the first two weeks of school?
- What is $2 Tuesday?
- What is Fabulous Friday/Hot Dog Day?
- Where do I sign up for Ki's lunch?
- If my child has a food allergy, what should I do?
- What should I pack for my child's snack and lunch? Why am I packing them separately?
- What is a Choice Award? How does my child earn one?
- Why does the Kindergarten not attend mass until January?
- What is the attire for my child at mass on Friday mornings?
- How does my child get involved in sports at the school?
- What should I do if my child has a problem with another student?
- Why am I encouraged to attend Monday morning assembly?
- How long should homework take?
- If my child is struggling on homework, what do you suggest?
- What is the AR program?
- What is the Christmas Program?
- What is Cultural Day?
- What is May Crowning/Grandparents Day?
- What is Field Day?
What is the Kindergarten Picnic? Who attends?
Sunday, August 28, from 11:30 to 1:30
Kindergarten Playground
The Kindergarten Picnic is a special event just for Kindergarteners and their
families. Siblings and grandparents are welcome. It is an informal and fun
way to get to know each other and give your child an opportunity to meet some
new friends before his or her big day. That way, on the first day of school,
your child will have the comfort in knowing there is a friend or two waiting
to play together! The dress is casual, and the room moms will send out an
email so you can sign up to bring something if you would like to participate.
On Sunday, the classroom will be closed, so please join us at our
Kindergarten Open House on Tuesday to view the classroom. And, don't forget
to bring your Kindergarten supplies to the picnic so the first day is less
hectic!
What is the Kindergarten Open House?
Tuesday, August 30, from 9:00 to 11:00
The Kindergarten Open House is new this year. This is on a "drop by" basis.
You can come anytime between 9:00 and 11:00 and just "stop by" for a while.
We wanted your child to have an opportunity to come into the classroom before
the first day of school. This enables your child to see the room, find out
where to drop his or her backpacks, understand the layout of the classroom,
and see classmates once again. We want the first day to be stress free, and
we hope this provides your child with a sense of security before the big day!
What is the First Day of School Welcome Back Coffee Social?
Wednesday, August 31
Immediately following assembly in the HFAC
The school will have a "Welcome Back Coffee Social" for all parents. Your
little ones are certainly welcome that morning. This is a nice way to meet
new parents and experience what the whole school is all about.
What is "Spirit Wear," and when is it available for purchase?
Our PTG (Parent Teacher Group) has Nativity Spirit Wear. They will be
available for sale hopefully the first full week in September. They will
certainly be available throughout the month of September, and at Back to
School Night. Each year there are different designs from which to choose.
This is a one time order only. Items for sale include sweatshirts (different
styles include zipper and pullover), visors and hats, blankets (great for
sport events and picnics), water bottles, and license plate holders. Don't
forget to plan ahead for the colder seasons!
What should we expect on Back to School Night?
Tuesday, September 13, from 6:00 to 8:30
Holy Family Activity Center, followed by the Kindergarten classroom
On Back to School Night expect to have a school wide presentation followed by
a presentation in our classroom. We are there to give an overview and
highlight our program, and answer any questions. Adults only, please.
Plan on showing up early to the Holy Family Activity Center (HFAC), if you
would like to sign-up to volunteer for any of the PTG volunteer opportunities
and Kindergarten events throughout the year. Sign-up sheets will be available
in the HFAC by grade.
How do I sign-up to volunteer in the classroom?
If you would like to volunteer as a classroom helper in the Kindergarten room
during the school day, all you need to do is email Mrs. McOwen your
availability.
On the Kindergarten website there is a folder named “Parent Helpers." This
schedule will show you what times and days need to be filled. More than one
parent may help in the classroom at the same time. However, for consistency,
it would be good to fill all slots first before doubling up. All who want to
volunteer are welcome to do so, and our goal is to allow you this special
time in your child’s class. Dads are welcome, too!
NOTE: Your child’s ability to “share” you with others is important for you to
be able to continue to volunteer. It is sometimes difficult for a child to
say “good-bye” when his or her parent leaves. You can help prepare your child
for this.
What is the Back to School Family Picnic? Is it the same as the Kindergarten Picnic?
Sunday, September 25 from 3:30 to 6:30
Soccer Fields
The Back to School Family Picnic is a school wide family picnic, and this
year it is a Hawaiian Luau Theme. All grades and families are welcome to
attend, including siblings and grandparents. This is an evening picnic where
you can get to know families throughout the school, and your child can find
his or her friends and enjoy playtime. There are soccer fields for them to
run, and there is usually a bounce house. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket,
and a cooler for drinks.
Why do we have 1/2 days for the first two weeks of school?
Kindergarteners have 1/2 days from August 31 to September 9. While some
Kindergarteners may already have had full day preschool/Pre-K, others may
only have had a few days per week. In addition, while your child may be ready
to go full day, Kindergarten is a BIG transition. Students move from a more
play based curriculum to a more academic curriculum. We make a sincere effort
these first few weeks to "play" with your child and get to know him or her.
We want Kindergarten to be FUN and STRESS FREE!
After two weeks, we begin to introduce our core academics. By this time, we
have explained our behavior expectations and routines, as well as gotten to
know each other. In addition, the children are more comfortable with the
overall school campus, as older students make up the majority of our campus!
Once comfortable and CONFIDENT, the Kindergarteners will be ready to receive
and learn our Kindergarten curriculum.
What is $2 Tuesday?
$2 Tuesday is every Tuesday. It is an opportunity for your child to put on
jeans or khaki shorts or pants with the Nativity polo shirt. It is a fun way
to "dress down," while helping our seventh and eighth graders collect money
for their Washington, D.C. trip. All proceeds benefit this historical trip to
ensure that no student is left behind for this memorable experience.
What is Fabulous Friday/Hot Dog Day?
PTG Sponsored
Fabulous Friday occurs on the last Friday of every month. Students may wear
any Nativity t-shirt and jeans with appropriate running shoes. Along with
Fabulous Friday is Hot Dog Day! There is no Ki's lunch available on these
days. Our wonderful parents volunteer for this event. A hot dog lunch is
served with a drink, chips, and a cookie for $3. Each additional hot dog is
$1.
Jersey Mike's will also be available this year. This is new this year and
will be available the second Wednesday of every month. The students will need
to order ahead of time. Ki's will not be serving that day. This information
is also on the school website.
Where do I sign up for Ki's lunch?
Our hot lunch program is provided by Ki's Restaurant School Services. All
food is organic. You can sign up for Ki's lunch on our website. We suggest
you order monthly if you will use this service. Ki's makes a sincere effort
to provide the school with delicious AND healthy food options. If your child
has a food allergy, contact them directly to see what your child can and
cannot eat. Their contact information is on our website if you have any
questions. It is not a nut free environment.
If my child has a food allergy, what should I do?
Let the front office and us know immediately on the health form. As a parent
with a child who has food allergies, we know how worrisome this can be. Know
that we will make sure your child is safe from any allergens that may harm
him or her. For example, if your child has a nut allergy, we have a special
spot at the lunch table. Friends who do not have nuts in their lunch may sit
by them, and children with any nuts will sit at the other end of the table.
Also, all Kindergarteners wipe their hands and mouth with a hand wipe made
for skin contact at the end of each lunch to ensure no cross contamination on
the play equipment.
What should I pack for my child's snack and lunch? Why am I packing them separately?
Please pack a separate snack and lunch. We have snack in the morning, and it
is easier for your little one to grab a snack sack or brown paper bag than
have to go in and get snack from the lunch box. It helps with the flow of the
classroom, and enables your child to get to where he or she wants to go...
the PLAYGROUND! Please pack in the snack water (with name), napkin, paper
towel (for individual space), and healthy snack (i.e. fruit, granola bar,
cheese stick, etc.).
For lunch, please have water (with name), napkin, paper towel, and three
healthy food options. For example, a protein, fruit, and healthy snack
option. Please leave all junk food at home.
What is a Choice Award? How does my child earn one?
A Choice Award is a school wide program that encourages your child to make
good choices throughout the day. We want to embrace the virtues we study, and
recognize when your child exemplifies these virtues. For example, if your
child shows consistent hard work and effort in class, he or she may earn a
Choice Award. They can receive it for reaching their quarterly AR
(Accelerated Reading) goal, or for helping others in need. They can receive
one at any time, and can be nominated by any teacher on campus. These awards
are given at Monday morning assemblies.
Why does the Kindergarten not attend mass until January?
We understand that Kindergarten is a big adjustment, especially when there is
lots of playing to do and friends to be made! We have found that
Kindergarteners are not quite ready to attend mass as a class even though you
may attend as a family. That is why it is our job to teach them HOW to sit
quietly and respectfully in prayer. We teach your child how to do this every
morning in our prayer corner as we begin our day. Please have your child to
school on time so it does not disrupt the flow of the classroom as we
peacefully begin our day in prayer. By January, the children will be ready to
join the rest of the school on Friday mornings.
When January arrives, our Friday mass is a fabulous way for you to see your
child among his or her peers, and get to know other families in our Nativity
community. It is a way to bond with our community, and model for your child
the importance of mass and our dedication to our faith.
At Sunday mass, it is another great opportunity for you to help your child
get to know the process of the mass. Having religious reading material (with
pictures) to bring to mass helps your child bring a personal connection to
their faith. We suggest visiting the Pauline bookstore at
http://store.pauline.org/. They have a children's section of suggestions for
your child. You can contact them at 858-565-9181, or visit them at 5945
Balboa Ave., San Diego, CA 92111.
What is the attire for my child at mass on Friday mornings?
When the Kindergartners join the school for mass in January, the first Friday
of every month is full dress. Every other Friday in the month students may
wear regular Nativity uniform and Nativity outerwear.
How does my child get involved in sports at the school?
Check the Athletics section of the school website. Winter soccer is available
for the Kindergarten students on weekends. Practices are once a week at
school with the game on the weekend. Steve Granados, our Athletic Director,
is in charge of our sports programs. Coach Malcolm Tovey is our P.E. teacher,
and will be teaching soccer skills to prepare for winter soccer season.
What should I do if my child has a problem with another student?
Please contact us immediately by email if you discover there is a problem,
which may not have been reported to us at school. If your child has tried to
work out the issue with words, and continues to have a problem, we need to be
aware so we can help the students solve the problem. There is a difference
between "tattling" and telling other people, and "getting help" if the child
has a problem to be solved. Learning how to get along and solve problems at
school, accept, and respect each other are some of our Kindergarten goals.
School problems = teachers' responsibility
Home problems = parents' responsibility
Why am I encouraged to attend Monday morning assembly?
Monday morning assemblies are a fantastic way for you to get to know other
families, be a part of our community, and, most importantly, find out the
week's events. You will stay up to date on any happenings at the school. We
also have each class give presentations at different times throughout the
year. We will notify you when it is Kindergarten's turn. And, it is also a
great way to enjoy the assembly presentations of older grades, and see what
is in store for you Kindergartener in years to come!
How long should homework take?
Homework should take about 30 minutes total. In addition to math sheets, you
will be receiving AR books to read to your child sporadically throughout the
week. Reading homework is individualized, so it may not be everyday.
If my child is struggling on homework, what do you suggest?
First, don't panic! This is all new to you and your child. The most important
thing is to remember that you are their parents first, and they look to you
for love and support. If you see your child is struggling, LET YOUR CHILD
WALK AWAY! Give them a hug and let it go. They may need a "brain break."
Before you start homework, give your child a snack. Give him or her an
opportunity to tell you about their day, and let your child choose which
homework they want to do first (math side B, fact sheet). Be there for
support, but allow them to try it on their own, first. Encourage them along
the way. Create a homework space that is conducive to learning good study
habits. Refer to side A, which outlines the concepts taught that day. Give
your child a ten minute break between each sheet, and let them play outside
or build Legos. When they return, their brains will be ready to work. If you
find your child is still struggling, circle the problem, write us a note, and
we will be sure to address it with your child the next day. Many times your
child will not be the only one struggling on that problem, and it gives us a
heads up to review the problem again with other students if needed.
What is the AR program?
Please see our AR section on our Kindergarten website. This fully outlines
our program and expectations.
What is the Christmas Program?
Thursday, December 15
The Christmas Program is a school wide tradition at The Nativity School. The
Kindergartners are the Nativity angels.
What is Cultural Day?
March 22
Cultural Day is also a school wide tradition. Every year we study and
celebrate one country, and transform our campus. Parents are welcome to
volunteer and/or join us for the day to enjoy the country's cultures.
What is May Crowning/Grandparents Day?
May 4
May Crowing is a special day at The Nativity School. We honor our Blessed
Mother Mary by praying the rosary together as a school. An eighth grader
crowns Mary, honoring her as Queen of Heaven. We welcome grandparents to
enjoy this day with us. There is an Art Show, where one piece of art work
from every student in the school is displayed. In addition, there is an Open
House. Students may showcase their Kindergarten classroom, and later explore
first grade with their families. It is a wonderful way to wrap up our year
and celebrate our accomplishments with family and friends.
What is Field Day?
June 14
Field Day is another opportunity for you to volunteer and become involved in
our school. Students will play games and enjoy some fun on our fields as we
end our year together.