The ABC's of Kindergarten

Welcome to Kindergarten! I’m looking forward to teaching your child and providing meaningful experiences to develop a lifelong love for learning. I truly want their first year to be a positive experience. This is a fundamental year in your child’s education. Kindergarten is a year of growing socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually. Your involvement, interest, and enthusiasm will help make this a wonderful year of growth for you and your child.

Each kindergartener will have a wide range of abilities, ages, and backgrounds. I believe in creating an environment for my students that is homelike, positive, safe, creative and fun. I believe children learn best in an atmosphere of comfort and where they feel successful. Children learn in a variety of ways so I provide a wide range of opportunities to ensure all students are learning! I feel that parents are an important and essential part of the educational process and I value your communication and support. As you talk with your child about their day and celebrate their best effort on the work they do.

  • Expect them to be tired the first couple of weeks.

  • Remember they are trying very hard to be on their best behavior for a very long time---this translates into them falling apart for you at home. It will get better!

This alphabetical guide may answer some of the questions you may have and will be a good future reference. I am looking forward to an exciting year!

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Absences - If your child will be absent from school, please call the office at 353-9333 by 8:20 a.m.

Academics--I have district standards that must be met and each lesson/activity is designed to meet those standards. I do not teach “Letter of the Week” which is a too slow, outdated style quickly being replaced with authentic, real-world activities that are more meaningful to children, many of which are literature-based. There will be a ‘focus’ sound to work on. We will begin with many activities based on their names as nothing is more personal to a child than his/her name and that of their friends. In essence, I will talk about all the letter sounds, all the time. Whenever I can, our academics will be presented in the form of games and other ‘hands-on’ activities. This may appear to be ‘play’ but this is how children learn best, by ‘playing’ with all kinds of materials…..make no mistake though, this is play with a purpose.

Attendance - A successful school experience is the responsibility of the children, the parent and the school. Your child's progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is a key. Arrival – School begins at 8:35am. Students are not allowed in their classrooms until 8:35am. Supervision is not available by the school staff until then. Students arriving early must stay in the front lobby by the main doors and wait for the OK to head to the classroom.

Art – We will have the opportunity to explore different medias of art with the art teacher Mr. Szymanski.

Assembly - Every 3 weeks the Kindergarten classes will gather together for a short assembly. Classroom Recognition, citizenship, growth mindset and birthdays are all a part of our assembly.

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Backpacks - To help your child carry messages and information to and from school, you are asked to provide a backpack for this purpose. Please have your child share the contents of the backpack with you daily and help them keep it uncluttered. Backpack/FOLDER must be brought to school daily. Please check backpack daily and remove important papers. Have a set spot for keeping backpack.

Birthdays - Birthdays are special occasions for young children. If your child wishes, he/she may bring healthy treats for the class. Please send a note a week in advance and let me know what your child will be bringing so that I may make the necessary arrangement for other students unable to have certain ingredients.

Book Orders - Each month I will send home book order forms for you and your child to look over. These clubs offer wonderful books at reduced prices – what a great way to build your home library! Please make checks out to Scholastic or order online.

Breakfast – Please make sure your child is eating breakfast daily. Research shows children who eat breakfast learn better than those who don’t eat. The school does provide breakfast bags to purchase.

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Clothes - Please send your child to school in clothes appropriate for learning. Do not send your child to school so "dressed up" that you might be concerned about her or him "getting dirty." It is very important that you send an extra set of clothes in case of a bathroom accident or a messy spill. Please send them in a gallon sized Ziploc baggy with your child's name written on the outside. Accidents are common in kindergarten. Extra clothes will help make the situation easier for all parties. In the event of an accident, I will put your child’s soiled or wet clothes in a plastic bag and send them home in his/her backpack.

Conferences -Parent/Teacher/Child conferences are held twice a year. At these conferences, we will be discussing your child's accomplishments, strengths and overall progress.

Communication - Please check your child's backpack after school each day for news and info from school. I will be emailing our Classroom newsletter weekly along with emailing quick updates throughout the year.

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Differentiation - Because all children are unique and special, they may be at many different instructional levels. Since it is my responsibility to take each child from where he or she is to a higher level, students may be learning concepts different from his/her peers. With this type of teaching in the classroom, you can be sure that your child's individual needs will be met.

Discipline - My philosophy of discipline is based on the belief that children need affectionate care and firm guidelines within a flexible structure. To establish good order and help the children learn self-control, the children will be guided to respect themselves and their companions through specific directions, positive reinforcement, suggested new activities and responsible actions. Sometimes a break from room is all they may need to help them refocus. Our class will be using the responsive classroom teaching philosophy.

Dismissal – Students being picked up by parents and daycares will be dismissed at 3:05. Students who are riding buses are dismissed at 3:15. If your child needs to leave early for any reason, you must go to the office and sign him/her out. If, for any reason, someone else is picking up your child, you must send in a signed note or call the school. The school cannot release your child to anyone without your permission.

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Envelopes - When sending money (cash or check) to school, please put it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child's name, what the money is for, the amount, and the teacher's name. This insures all the money gets to school and we know what to do with it.

Emergency Closings - If schools are closed for any emergency, school phone calls, radio stations and television will make announcements.

Email -You can contact me via my email address at lemontj@RSU5.org This is a great way for me to communicate with you. I do not check my school email in the evening and on weekends.

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Fieldwork - Fieldwork trips during the year are both fun and educational for the children. We often need parent volunteers on the trips so please consider chaperoning. Notes about field works will be sent home two weeks prior to the trip.

Fire Drills - Fire drills are held periodically throughout the year. All students will participate and are expected to walk quickly and quietly to their designated exit. We will practice and become familiar with procedures before our first scheduled drill.

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Guidance – Our wonderful Guidance teacher, Mrs. Triggiano, will visit our classroom once week to teach a whole group lesson.

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Hands-on Learning - I feel that the best way to help children learn is to make learning fun. Important concepts can be learned by doing meaningful hands-on activities. There are times when seat work is required and necessary, but for the most part, our classroom will be an active learning environment.

Homework –Read, Read, Read! Every night try to read with your child. Soon your child will be bringing home small, guided reading books to read to you. These books promote home involvement and allow for reinforcement of book concepts, reading strategies, fluency and beginning comprehension skills. Please take the time to enjoy this special reading time with your child. I will also be sending home quick little math activities for you to do with your child to help them review what we have been working on.

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Illness - The question of when to keep your child home from school is often a difficult one, especially when decisions must be made first thing in the morning. It is important, however, to keep your child home if he/she is ill. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill. Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy.

Independent Reading - Because children learn to read by reading, they need plenty of opportunities to read independently. Sufficient time and appropriate materials are necessary to develop and strengthen reading abilities. By giving the children time to read both at school and at home, we can work together to provide a literature rich environment and a life-long love of reading.

Ipads -We use a variety of age appropriate programs that reinforce math, science and prereading/reading skills.


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Jobs – In my classroom each child will have a weekly job, such as delivering mail to the office or stacking chairs. Jobs will change at the start of each new week. I have found that the children love to have a classroom job and look forward to the responsibility.


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Kindness - Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members of our class as well as others with kindness and respect. Hitting, fighting, name-calling, and making fun of others will not be permitted.

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Literacy Block - During literacy block, children practice phonics, reading and writing skills. The activities are designed to strengthen letter/sound knowledge, listening skills, oral language expression, rhyme, letter formation, cooperation, sight words, Reading Workshop, etc.

Lost & Found - We have a Lost and Found area at the school. We encourage children to check the lost and found collection for any missing items. We ask that you label clothing items worn to school by your child. This will help us return a lost article to its owner. Many students come to school with identical items that do get mixed up. Please label.

Lunch – Children have the option of bringing their lunch or getting a free lunch from the school cafeteria. We have lunch at 11:10. If you would like your child to have a school lunch, please give your child a reminder. Lunch menus will be sent home so that you may decide or viewed online.

Library - Our class will have library with Mrs. Damone. She will read to the students and have activities for the children to do. Our kindergarten students will also be checking out books. They will check out and return their books at the next Library visit.

Late Arrivals – When bringing your child to school late, please stop by the office and check–in with our office secretaries. I enter in my attendance at 8:45.

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Math –The kindergarten mathematics curriculum (Everyday Math) provides students with mathematical experiences that help them develop number sense and a positive attitude towards mathematics that will continue through their school career and their lives.

Music - Our music teacher, Mrs. Palmer & Ms. Edwards will be teaching the children the basics of music education and will be sharing many wonderful songs!

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Newsletter - I will be sending home a newsletter at the end of each week to keep you informed of the happenings in our classroom. This is a great way to stay abreast of our curriculum, classroom news, special activities and upcoming events.

Nurse - We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful nurse at Durham School, Mrs Gormley. I take care of minor hurts in the classroom, such as scratches and scrapes, but send the children to the nurse for more serious injuries and illnesses. Please be sure to send in any change of contact numbers in case the nurse needs to get in touch with you.

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Outside Time - The children will be going out for recess every day. Please keep this in mind when helping your child to select clothing for the day.

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Physical Education - Our class will have P.E. class with Mr. Lyons. The children are asked to wear sneakers on P.E. days, and girls must wear pants or have a pair of shorts to slip on under their dress.

Parent Involvement - Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school! I will have a volunteer sign up, once the children are in a routine, for help with class material prep and working with students. Please let me know if there is some time when you would like to come in to help out. There will also be a variety of special classroom activities and celebrations throughout the school year that will also need extra help. I hope that you can come and join in the fun!

Parties and Celebrations - We will have class parties and celebrations from time to time for occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, December celebrations, and Valentine's Day. All are welcome to participate in the festivities! If you have a concern or question in regards to these celebrations, please let me know.

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Questions – Since some of you may be new to Durham Community School this year, I'm sure that you may still have some unanswered questions. Please feel free to write a note or email me at: lemontj@rsu5.org Or you can always call me at school (between 8:00-8:20a.m. or between 3:25-4:00p.m.).

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Reading Workshop- Reader's Workshop provides students with a supportive environment that involves them in authentic reading experiences that focus on the strengths and needs of each individual student. This part of our day helps kids develop strong reading skills through the use of a mini-lesson, shared reading, read aloud, conferencing, independent reading, paired reading, literature response, and Reader's Chair. The basic philosophy behind the Reading Workshop is to allow students to spend an extended amount of time reading authentic texts that interest them on a daily basis and to provide opportunities to talk about literature. The ultimate goal of a Reading Workshop is always to develop life-long passionate readers. I will monitor and evaluate your child's progress.

Report Cards - Report cards are issued 3 times a year. These reports reflect the growth your child has made towards various kindergarten objectives and uses a number system that reflects the developmental nature of kindergarten learning.

Reversals: - Five and six year olds many times write numbers and letters backwards. It is a developmental function of the brain. It usually disappears by second grade and is not a concern at the kindergarten level.

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Science - The focus of the kindergarten science curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world in which we live. Through scientific inquiry, concepts will be presented in the life and earth sciences, including the study of animals and plants, general health, and the four seasons.

Shared Reading - Shared reading is an interactive process used with the whole class. As the teacher reads a story, children join in on phrases or words that they know. During subsequent rereading, children read more and more of the text, until they are able to read the story independently. Shared reading is an opportunity for the teacher to model conventions of print and the use of reading strategies.

Snack – There will be a 15 minute snack time each morning and at the end of the day. Please send your child in with two small, nutritious snacks (fruit & veggies are encouraged). Your child may also get a free morning snack bag that comes with milk.

Social Studies - The kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they relate to others in their families, classroom, school, and community. Activities will help the children focus their natural curiosity for the world around them.

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Take Home Folder - Your child will bring a folder home everyday that will contain his/her, letters from the office, or important news from me. Please be sure to check the folder everyday with your child.

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Unique- Kindergartners learn that they are special and unique. Kindergartners have opportunities to describe how they are alike as well as different from others. They share their culture and learn about different cultures within the class.

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Visitors – Durham has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including familiar faces) are required to check in at the office and wear a visitor badge. Durham welcomes and encourages family involvement and the presence of a visitor badge will help identify visitors to all faculty and staff. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient to frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.

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Web page: Be sure to check out our classroom web page. Go to the Durham school homepage ( http://dcs.rsu5.org/ ) and click on staff directory. Here you will find a link to our class site in the last column of my name.

Wish List - Throughout the year we sometimes need supplies above and beyond our classroom materials (such as egg cartons or a box of crackers). These needs will be posted in the class newsletter. Extras items that you think we might be able to use are always welcome!

Writing Workshop - During writing workshop the kindergartners combine their emerging writing skills with their drawing skills. As the children are exposed to a variety of phonics and reading experiences, writing entries will move from drawings and “inventive” spellings towards more conventional writing. Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Writing begins with drawings and labeling and moves more into sentences. Your children will be encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in writing. Providing a risk free environment is paramount to your child's progress in writing. If possible, please provide your child with writing tools, such as pencils, crayons, markers and paper at home.

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eXtra Special and eXpectations - Every member of our class is Extra Special! I have high expectations for all the children in my class. I expect them to learn, to try their best and to always act like kindergartners. Children, who get lots of encouragement in a supportive environment, feel secure to try new things and take risks in new learning. Kindergarten should be a fun place where all children grow and develop at their own rate and become the best that they can be.

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Younger Siblings - It is in your child's and the programs best interest to have our parent volunteers available without younger children. This not only allows your full attention to be focused on the class, but also allows for some special time between you and your kindergartner. Thank you for making this time special.

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ZZZZZZs - Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day!

Zippers - Please help your child learn to operate zippers!

I hope this guide proves helpful. Please keep this handy in case of crisis! If you have further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Jamie Lemont