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.
- When and where does Kindergarten begin?
- Can I walk my child to the classroom the first day?
- How long can I stay with him/her on the first day?
- What are the specifics of dismissal time?
- Is there a snack time in Kindergarten?
- What is our class size for the 2009-2010 school year?
- What can I do if I lose correspondences (newsletters etc.) from school?
- What can I do to better prepare my child for Kindergarten?
- What special classes are a part of the PHS Kindergarten curriculum?
When and where does Kindergarten begin?
Kindergarten begins Monday, August 24th at 8:30 in Mrs. Anderson's room, 301.
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. There will be a Boo-Hoo Breakfast for
parents to enjoy in the library after dropping off their Kinder.
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 next to child's chair.
* While child begins working on seatwork, 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!
What are the specifics of dismissal time?
Bus riders will be walked to there appropriate buses at 3:15pm 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
815-389-2791 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.
Arrival time is a busy time, and it is very difficult to remember who said
what. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.******************
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 8/20. 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. 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
milk, please contact the office prior to August 24th.
What is our class size for the 2009-2010 school year?
Although there is still time for additional Kinders to register, our class
size is at 20 students.
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.
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.
What special classes are a part of the PHS Kindergarten curriculum?
Kindergarteners will participate twice weekly in Music, 2-3 times weekly in
PE, once weekly in both Library and Art.