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FAQFrequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to commonly asked questions.
Our school day begins when the bell rings at 8:30. Children are welcome to arrive on the playground (or in the gym in the case of inclement weather) after 8:15. What should my child bring to school? -a backpack or sturdy bag -a healthy snack including a drink and utensils if necessary -sneakers or shoes appropriate for running and climbing -clothing appropriate for messy projects -a change of clothes to be left at school labeled with your child's name -a smock (commercial or a parent's old shirt) -a small blanket or beach towel -appropriate clothing for being outside (we go out most days) What shouldn't my child bring to school? -toys -weapons -items of great value to your child -soda, candy, gum or junk food -shoes that don't stay on his/her feet -school supplies such as markers, notebooks etc. How can I get in touch with you? Here is my contact information in order of preference: -send a note with your child in the morning -voice mail (781-446-6275) if the information is not time sensitive -leave a message in the office, especially if it involves a change in dismissal -email (dmcfarlane@postal.wellesley.mec.edu) Are there bathrooms in the classroom? No. The children use the primary wing bathrooms that are located in the hall outside our classroom. They have to check out and back in when using the bathrooms so that I always know who is out of the room. How do you celebrate birthdays? We celebrate everyone's birthday in KM. The birthday child is given a special crown to wear, a birthday pencil and a certificate. Each child in the class makes a picture for the birthday child and those pictures are put into a book for the child to take home that day. We also sing to the birthday child. Due to our food policy, we do not have birthday treats at school. For the first two weeks, all children are dismissed at 12:00. Beginning the week of September 22, each child will stay for one full day. The class is divided into 4 groups so that about 5 children stay each afternoon until 3:05. Beginning the week of October 20, your child will stay for 2 full days. If your child's first stay day was a Monday or Thurday, then he/she will now stay every Monday and Thursday. If your child's first stay day was a Tuesday or Friday, then he/she will now stay every Tuesday and Friday. Following April vacation, all the children will stay until 3:05 every day except Wednesday which will remain a 12:00 dismissal time. All children in the elementary schools are dismissed every Wednesday at 12:00. The afternoons are used for parent conferences, faculty meetings, staff development work and time for teachers to prepare the materials and activities we do with your children. Children are dismissed from the door by the pillars in the circular drive. Please park and walk to this location. No cars should enter the circular drive during dismissal times. The children remain in a line with me and are dismissed one at a time to their adult. If you are not here, your child will remain with me until all the other children are dismissed and will then be brought to the office to wait for you. If your child is going to an afterschool program, I will make sure he/she connects with the appropriate adult. What if I need to change my child's dismissal plans? I will collect information from you at the beginning of the year. If you need to change your child's dismissal plans, please send the changes to me in writing. If it is a last minute change, please call Barbara O'Brien (781-446-6275) in the office with the change. What should my child bring for snack? Your child will need a drink and a healthy snack each day. Snack time is short, so crackers and cheese, fruit or a half of a sandwich are good choices. Please pack utensils if your child will need them. How does lunch work on stay days? Your child has several options for lunch on stay days. He/She can bring their whole lunch including a drink. He/She can bring lunch and buy milk only. He/She can buy the hot lunch choice which includes a drink or buy the cold lunch choice which also includes a drink. It is very helpful if your child arrives at school in the morning knowing what he/she is doing for lunch. Since we put lunches brought from home in a special bin first thing in the morning, please pack lunches and snacks separately. When can I come into the classroom? There are many opportunities to volunteer in KM. Parents often help monitor the stations during Activity Time (literacy block). This time block is about 1 hour each day and requires no special talent. Other volunteer opportunities include environmental science support (nature walks and the water unit), Art Appreciation and field trips. Please check in at the office when you come to volunteer before coming to the classroom. How will I get information about my child's progress? There are 2 scheduled parent/teacher conference times during the year. One is in the fall (October/November) and one is in the spring (March/April). During these times, I will share with you how your child is doing in the classroom both socially and academically. If you need information at another time, just let me know and we can talk on the phone or meet in person. You will receive 2 written reports. One will come home in late January or early February and the other will come home in June on the last day of school. How will I get updates about what is happening in the classroom? Check this website and read my monthly newsletter about our curriculum and activities in the classroom. |
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