TeacherWeb

Mrs. Anderson's Kindernews



Top Divider


 Beginning Of Year FAQ's

 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 are class sizes for the 2008-2009 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?
--------------------------------------

When and where does Kindergarten begin?

AM Kindergarten begins at 8:30 am in room 301 on August 20th. PM Kindergarten
begins at 12:15 in room 301 on August 20th.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

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.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

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

Although any parent is welcome at any time in my classroom, I encourage
parents to stay for only a short time the first day. This helps with
separation anxiety. Some children separate easily, yet there are tears
for some. From experience, I can tell you that it is very difficult to leave
your crying 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 and supplies next to child's chair, as we will be  
  putting them away at a later time
* While child begins working on seatwork, give hugs and kisses and walk away  
  teary-eyed! Pictures/video may be taken before leavin

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!
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

What are the specifics of dismissal time?

AM Kinders - Because of the portables near our Kindergarten entrance (North by
Willowbrook), we will be dismissing all AM Kinders at the Main Entrance.All 
AM Kinders (Anderson and Norris) will be walked out of the building at 11:30 
am. Bus riders will be walked to the bus followed by walkers/pickup.

PM: All walker/pickup PM Kinders will be walked out of the main entrance (by
office)at 3:12ish. PM bus kids will be walked to the appropriate buses by bus
helpers.

****************** 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
815-389-2791 prior to 8/20. 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.
Arrival time is a busy time, and it is very difficult to remember "who said
what." Thank you in advance for your cooperation.******************
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

Is there a snack time in Kindergarten?

Yes. A treat calendar will be sent home monthly. The first calendar will be
sent home on August 22nd. 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. Birthday treats need not be healthy.
Also keep in mind, that we are usually fighting the clock; thus, 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. I will provide
snacks the first week of school. If your child has an allergy and/or diet
restriction please send a note the first day. Students with allergies/diet
restrictions may bring own snack. If you have not paid for milk, please
contact the office prior to August 2oth.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

What are class sizes for the 2008-2009 school year?

Believe it or not, our Kindergarten class sizes are down again.
Although there is still time for additional Kinders to register, the class
sizes are currently as follows:

Mrs. Anderson AM - 18
Mrs. Anderson PM - 15
Ms. Norris AM - 18
Ms. Norris PM - 15
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

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 on bar at top of web pages or on homepage
to view/print notes, Friday newsletters, treat calendars, and permission 
slips.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

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.

Although these concepts are targeted throughout the year, it is beneficial to
practice them before Kindergarten and at home during the school year.
Back to Top
--------------------------------------

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

Kindergarteners will participate twice weekly in a Fine Arts Block. These
blocks may be music or art oriented or a combination of both. Kinders also
participate weekly in PE and library.
Back to Top

Bottom Divider

My TeacherWeb
Last Modified: Wednesday August 13 2008
© 2000-2008 TeacherWeb, Inc.