This page will answer questions commonly asked by students and parents.
- Why doesn't my child eat very much of his or her lunch?
- When can my child use the bathroom?
- How will I know what is going on in the classroom?
- Will my kindergartener have homework? When is it due?
- How can I help my child succeed in school?
- How important is it to get to school on time?
- Do the Poetry Notebooks come home every week?
Why doesn't my child eat very much of his or her lunch?
The children work and play hard every day in kindergarten. They often have big appetites and
need extra protein-rich foods like cheese or nuts. Some children are so excited - particularly at
the beginning of the year- that they do not eat very much at lunch. After a few weeks, this will
change as your child adjusts to the routine. The children are given a morning snack time as well
as ample time to eat at lunch.
When can my child use the bathroom?
We are fortunate to have a bathroom right in our classroom. Children may use the bathroom any
time they need to go. We ask children to use the bathroom before or after recess and PE, since there
is not an easily accessible bathroom from the playground.
How will I know what is going on in the classroom?
Every Thursday your child will bring home a Thursday Folder from the classroom with a weekly
newsletter from the teacher. This will also have work the child may keep at home, and any
homework. The folder is marked with "take home" and "bring back" sides.
Will my kindergartener have homework? When is it due?
Yes, homework will come home almost every Thursday. It is due the next day, Friday. However, if
your family has a busy Thursday, the homework may be turned in on Monday. The purpose of
homework at this age is to build good habits and have a chance for short reviews of materials.
In addition, families are expected to read to their child at home for 20 minutes or more every day.
How can I help my child succeed in school?
The single most important thing you can do is read to your child. Plan regular trips to the public
library and read aloud to your child a minimum of 20 minutes a day. Longer is better. Even when
your child is able to read on his or her own, it is still paramount that you read aloud to your child.
Listening to your inflection, pronunciation of new vocabulary and your enjoyment teaches your
child an enormous amount about the language and invites them into reading. Best of all it is FUN!
How important is it to get to school on time?
It is crucial that your child arrive by 8:25 every morning. Just as we feel rushed and behind
schedule when we get to work or appointments late, your child will feel behind all morning if he or
she arrives late. Some preschool and daycare programs have a very flexible start time. In
Kindergarten, we have a specific start time. Please help your child succeed by getting to school on
time every day.
In the event that you must schedule an appointment for your child during the school day, it is
easier on your child to leave early at the end of the day, rather than start late.
Do the Poetry Notebooks come home every week?
Yes, every Thursday the Poetry Notebooks are sent home. Almost every week there will be a new
song or poem in the notebook for your child to read or recite to you. Please send the Poetry
Notebook back to school each Friday. However, if your child would like to keep the notebook for
the weekend, it is fine, AS LONG AS it is returned on Monday since we use them in class, and add to
the notebook too.