Kindergarten Start-up Information
Welcome to Kindergarten! In Kindergarten, most of the learning is play-based and hands-on. Through a variety of structured play activities, students will be developing skills in Language Arts, Math, Social Skills, Physical Well-Being, and Community/Environmental Awareness. Our activities will be centered around engaging themes, which will be shared with parents in advance. This way you will always know what your child is learning and how you can support them at home.
Arrival:
Morning classes begin at 7:55 am
Afternoon classes begin at 11:45 am
Please bring your child to the door located at the back of the building and line up behind the pylon marked with my name. For safety reasons, we ask that you monitor your child until they proceed into the school.
Late Arrivals:
If your child arrives late, please ring the doorbell to the left of the main doors and a front office. A staff member will welcome your child and escort them to their classroom.
Departures:
Morning dismissal is at 10:50 am
Afternoon dismissal is at 2:40 pm
We will be using the “Come Hold my Hand” strategy. At dismissal, students will walk in single file to their designated area and wait. When you see your child you may come forward and hold their hand while they wait in line. Once we see you (or another recognized adult from your child’s approved pick-up list), we will acknowledge you and you are free to leave with your child.
Please provide a list of the adults who are approved to pick up your child when you are unavailable. For safety purposes, this information should be submitted to the school office in advance.
Absenteeism:
If your child will be absent from school, please use the Edsby App to report the absence. https://fmcsd.edsby.com. If you experience difficulty creating an absence you may leave a message with the school office, at (780) 799-5704.
For your child’s safety, the school will contact you if your child is absent and we have not received notice. Please ensure that your phone number and emergency contact information are always kept up-to-date for our files.
If your child becomes ill at school, or if you have an appointment and need to pick them up before dismissal, please call the office before your arrival.
Monthly Newsletter/ Calendar:
At the beginning of each month, a calendar will be emailed home to keep you informed of classroom activities and upcoming events. Please refer to both the calendar and my classroom website to stay up to date.
Each month, I will also send home a book order form. There is no obligation to purchase. Book orders are simply an opportunity to encourage reading at home.
Snack:
We have approximately 15 minutes for snack each day. Please send your child with a small, healthy snack and a drink. This should be a snack only - not a full meal.
Important: All snacks must be nut-free, as there are children at St. Martha’s with severe nut allergies. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment..
Library:
Library will take place every Wednesday.
Books must be returned to the classroom by Tuesday so that students can borrow a new one.
Library books will be placed in your child’s Kanga Pouch to help protect them from being damaged.
Students may borrow one book at a time.
If a book is not returned, your child will not be able to borrow another until it is brought back.
If a book is lost or damaged, a small replacement fee will apply. Once the fee is paid,borrowing privileges will resume.
Birthday Celebration:
We will celebrate birthdays once a month, usually on the last Thursday.
This special day will be marked on the calendar as “Birthday Celebration”
For example: September birthdays will be celebrated on Thursday, September 25th.
Outdoor Play:
From time to time, we will enjoy outdoor play near the end of our day.
Please dress your child appropriately for outdoor activities each day including suitable footwear such as sneakers or boots.
Flip-flops are not permitted for safety reasons..
School Supplies:
If you did not receive a school supply list, please obtain one from the classroom teacher or refer to the district website.
Please ensure that their backpack and indoor sneakers are clearly labeled with your child's name.
Kanga Pouches will be available from the classroom teacher during staggered entry for $10.00. These pouches are used to transport daily communication between home and school and will also be used in Grade one.
For safety reasons, all children must have velcro sneakers for school.
Clothing:
Please label all clothing items, especially outerwear, as this helps and reduces the chance of lost items - particularly during the winter months.
A full set of spare clothing should be kept in your child’s backpack in case of emergencies.
Please check your child’s backp[ack daily for soiled clothing that may need replacing.
Parents are an important part of your child’s education and open communication between home and school is essential.. You may contact me through school email during school hours (7:45 & 3:00) or by phone at (780) 799-5704.
Important: Please do not send last-minute dismissal changes by email, as I may not be able to check during instructional hours. Any urgent or last-minute changes must be communicated by phoning the school office directly.
Thank you from the Kindergarten Team