Mrs. Anderson's Kindernews

Here are just a few frequently asked beginning of year questions. If you 
have
other questions not addressed here, please email me using the link above.

1. When and where does Kindergarten begin?
2. Can I walk my child to the classroom the first day?
3. How long can I stay with him/her on the first day?
4. What are the specifics of dismissal time?
5. Is there a snack time in Kindergarten?
6. What is our class size for the 2011-2012 school year?
7. What can I do if I lose correspondences (newsletters etc.) from school?
8. What can I do to better prepare my child for Kindergarten?
9. What special classes are a part of the PHS Kindergarten curriculum?
10. When is Back-to-school-night?

When and where does Kindergarten begin?

Kindergarten begins Wednesday, August 24th at 8:30 in Mrs. 
Anderson's room, 301.

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Can I walk my child to the classroom the first day?

Absolutely! Some children prefer to ride the bus to school like 
they normally would. Parents of children that choose to ride the 
bus the first day may still come to the room at arrival 
times.Please feel free to bring cameras and camcorders, as this 
is a very special day in the life of your child :)

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How long can I stay with him/her on the first day?

I encourage parents to stay for only a brief time the first day. 
Some children separate easily, yet there are tears for
some. From experience, I can tell you that it is very difficult 
to leave your Kinder in a teacher's care. Be assured that tears 
usually subside shortly after parents leave. The best first day 
arrival scenario is as follows:

* Bring child to room/meet child in room if bus rider
* Help him/her find his/her seat
* Simply set backpack next to child's chair.
* While child begins working on seatwork,collect parent bags,give 
  hugs and kisses and walk away teary-eyed! Pictures/video may be 
  taken before leaving.

Although it has been many years since I said goodbye to a Kinder 
of mine,please know that I understand how bittersweet this 
milestone is for you and your little one. Always remember, it 
does get easier!

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What are the specifics of dismissal time?

Bus riders will be walked to there appropriate buses early at 
3:10pm by bus helpers.

Walkers/pickups will be walked out the main entrance slightly 
earlier than 3:15.

**If for any reason, your child will be going home a different 
way than ususual, even for only one day, please write a note.**


****************** All Kinders will be sent home in the mode for 
which is stated on transportation sheet completed at 
registration. If you are not sure what you stated, or it has 
changed, please check with the office at 815-389-3957 prior to 
8/24. We write transportation modes on name tags; thus,
we want to ensure accuracy. If you are going to pick your child 
up the first day but he/she will usually ride the bus, please 
send a note the first day.******************

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Is there a snack time in Kindergarten?

Yes. A treat calendar will be sent home monthly. The first 
calendar will be sent home at Back-To-School Night on Monday, 
8/22. Students will be assigned a treat day, and they will
also be the helper for that day. Please send enough healthy 
snacks for entire class on all treat helper days.Please send 
treats in individual packages versus boxes of snacks. Students 
whose birthdays fall during summer months will celebrate half 
birthday 6 months earlier. Birthday treat days are designated by 
a star on treat calendar. If your child has an allergy and/or diet
restriction please send a note the first day of school. Students 
with allergies/diet restrictions may bring own snack. If you have 
not paid for snack milk, please contact the office prior to 
August 24th.

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What is our class size for the 2011-2012 school year?

Although there is still time for additional Kinders to register, 
our class size is at 20 students: 10 boys and 10 girls.

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What can I do if I lose correspondences (newsletters etc.) from school?

I will do my best to link all classroom correspondences to this 
website. Please click on Documents Connection at right
to view/print notes, Friday newsletters, treat calendars, and 
permission  slips.

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What can I do to better prepare my child for Kindergarten?

Simply talking with your child about what to expect can be the 
best way to alleviate anxieties. Setting and practicing a 
schedule a couple of weeks before school starts is also 
beneficial. Have your Kinder practice the following prior to the 
beginning of school:

* Writing his/her first name
* Writing letters of the alphabet
* Identifying letters of alphabet
* Identifying sounds of letters
* Identifying numbers to 10
* Read, read, read to your child. If he/she is already reading,  
  let him/her read to you.

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What special classes are a part of the PHS Kindergarten curriculum?

Kindergarteners will participate twice weekly in Music, 2-3 times 
weekly in PE, and once weekly in both Library and Art.  

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When is Back-to-school-night?

Back-to-school-night is Monday, August 24th, from 4 to 4:30pm. A 
teacher presentation regarding what to expect in Kindergarten 
will be presented from 4:00 to 4:15. This will be followed by a 
Get-to-know-the-room segment from 4:15 to 4:30.I welcome any and 
all questions at this time :) 

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