ABC's of K-4
ABC's of K-4
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Monarch Elementary.....
Monarch Elementary.....
Use this as your "go to" for any quick questions you might have.
A
Absences- If your child is going to be absent, please send a note in advance, send us an email, or call and leave a message. This allows us to plan our days appropriately and we won’t worry!
Administration- Always say "hello" to our Administration. They are the best. If you every need anything they are here for you and your child.
Allergies-If your child has any allergies, dietary restrictions, or medications taken during the school day, please communicate this information to the nurse as soon as possible.
Attendance- The State Board of Education has established regulations defining lawful and unlawful absences. Please refer to the school web site under “Handbook” for details. If you have any questions about upcoming absences please call Mrs. Luna , the attendance clerk at 455-0601.
Arrival/Dismissal-
7:00 - 7:30 a.m. Students should be dropped off at their designated area. They should not be walked to their classrooms. Those arriving before 7:45 should report to the holding hallway—A teacher will be on duty to “hold” students that arrive early.
7:30 a.m. Classrooms are opened and teachers are in their classrooms. Students are dismissed from the "holding" area and are to report directly to their classrooms.
7:45 a.m.SCHOOL BEGINS. Students should be in their classrooms and ready to begin the school day. If children are not in their classrooms by 7:45 a.m., they are considered tardy. Students should check in at the office so a tardy slip can be issued for the child to enter class.
1:40 p.m. Latest time to issue an early dismissal
2:15 p.m. Dismissal for buses and vans, car riders and walkers
Assessments-We will be assessing your child in Language ,Math, Social Skills and much more throughout the year. We will review these during the October Conferences. You child will be involved in a variety of assessment throughout the school year to help us better meet your child’s needs and tailor our instruction to enhance their areas of concern and bolster their areas of strength. All of your child’s individual screening and assessment results, in accordance with FERPA, are confidential and will only be shared with parents and/or legal guardians and appropriate district personnel (child’s teachers, administrators, and specialists working directly with your child). Any other requests to share information must be approved in writing by the parent or legal guardian.
B
Backpacks- Please provide your child with backpack s/he can open/close and that can hold folder/notebook sized items and even a lunch box if it is hard to hold at the beginning and end of the day.
Behavior- will be communicated through the blue folder calendar and /or email. If you do not hear from us we are working on the behavior at school. I promise I will communicate a behavior issue if I need your support at home. If you ever have a question or concern you can always contact me.
Birthdays- We love birthdays! We love to celebrate birthdays in the classroom. NO CUPCAKES are allowed at Monarch Elementary. Knowing this think of a healthy snack or toy if your child would like to bring in something to shar.
Any type of fresh fruit or veggie
A whole grain brown rice cake with low-fat cream cheese, honey and raisins
Baked apple crisp – sliced apples tossed with cinnamon, oats, and a little brown sugar. Baked until crisp and topped with dollop of plain low fat yogurt.
Dried or fresh fruit served with low-fat yogurt (for squeezable yogurts make sure it has no artificial food colorings and is low in added sugar).
Individually packed applesauce with no added sugar
String cheese or any small serving of cheese and fruit
Whole-wheat pita chips or home made toasted pita with hummus, bean dip or fresh guacamole
Steamed and cooled edamame (soy beans)
Raw sugar snap peas dipped in low-fat Greek yogurt dip
Apple slices tossed with lemon juice and cinnamon.
Bananas cut into 4 pieces, dipped in plain yogurt, rolled in crushed graham crackers or a whole grain cereal, and frozen.
Celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter and topped with raisins.
Fresh or steamed broccoli florets served with lemon juice, dipped into a healthy salad dressing, or sprinkled with Parmesan cheese
Sliced cheese and cucumbers on brown rice cakes.
Make a healthy Chex mix with rice Chex, whole-wheat pretzels, popcorn baked with seasonings, dark chocolate pieces, and dried cranberries.
Birthday Invitations-Invitations to private parties (birthday, holiday) will not be distributed at school by school staff. School staff members are prohibited from distributing birthday party or special event invitations. If you would like invitations to be sent home with other children, your child may distribute them to the other students’ books bags only if all children in the class are included.
Bottle Water- All students need a labeled water bottle DAILY. PLEASE think about having a no spill water bottle instead of a free flowing water bottle. This helps with a lot of spills in the classroom
Breakfast- The school does offer a breakfast program. In K-4 we will be eating breakfast every morning together. Greenville County Schools makes sure to serve a nutritious breakfast.
C
Calendar- Make sure to have a copy of the district calendar. Take note of Teacher work days and Holidays.
Chromebooks- K-4 students will not be bring Chromebook home. Technology will only be integrated for educational purposes.
Clothes-Your child will need comfortable clothing and shoes each day in order to play and participate in all we have to offer.
● Each child needs a complete change of clothing to be kept in their book bags for emergencies: shirt, pants, underwear, and socks.
● Please update your child’s extra change of clothes as they grow and/or the weather changes. WE DO GO OUTSIDE DAILY, EVEN IN THE WINTER MONTHS, SO BE SURE YOU SEND YOUR CHILD WITH WEATHER APPROPRIATE CLOTHING.
Student Dress Code
● Sensible: Weather appropriate
o Child Fasteners- Velcro is our friend
● Safe: No loose strings or jewelry
● Functional: Play clothes
● Reasonable: No offensive print or pictures on clothing
● Shoes: Sneakers are the best choice for shoes. For safety reasons flip-flops are not allowed.
Conferences- Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held with every parent in the fall and end of the year if needed. Conferences are also able to be scheduled as needed.
Communication- Your child will receive a blue Communication Folder that is used for much communication between parents and teachers. You can also reach the teacher through email or leave a message on our class phone. Behavior will be communicated through the blue folder, phone or email. If you do not hear from us we are working on the behavior at school. I promise I will communicate a behavior issue if I need your support at home.
Blue Communication Folders:
This is our main way of communication. It needs to come to school every day.
Inside will be notes and awesome work your child has done.
Please put all money in a bag with a label for what it is for.
Checks need to be separate for PTA, lunch, and Office. Most fees will be online only.
D
Digital Citizenship and safety- As digital natives our students/children need to understand both digital citizenship and safety. Many might feel that k-4 is too early, but think about the last time your child used the internet… was it today? We will be introducing age appropriate rules and procedures when using the internet and computers. Technology will only be integrated for educational purposes.
Discipline- Please see our Expectation page for information.
Dress- Students must also adhere to the district dress code policy. This includes no flip-flops, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, or very short shorts or skirts. We do play outside every day (weather permitting), so sneakers really are best. Tennis Shoes are required for PE days.
E
eLearning- Our eLearning days are a little different than other grades. If eLearning is needed, you will be asked to complete fun review activities with your child at home to receive credit for the school day.
Emergency Card-PLEASE be sure we have correct information on your child’s Emergency card and on your child student backpack account.
Emergency Closings-Please check local news stations for school closings.
F
Field Trips- We will be able to participate in several field trips this year! We strongly feel that the more life experiences children have the more “anchors” they will have for learning. All of our trips are free because of district grants or teacher reach out grants.
Fire Drills and other Drills - We will participate in a fire drill each month in addition to tornado and other drills. We do participate in other safety drills. We try to make sure that in all situation our staff and students are prepared for any safety situation. When practicing we do talk in a calm and loving manner. As a parent you may want to go over safety drills at home as well and how they make us feel, how they keep us safe, and what we should do in these situations. I know some of these conversations are hard, but coming from you is where they feel the safest. I let them know quickly that my job is to keep them safe and that is always number one. More information
G
GO!! We are a CATCH school that incorporates healthy living and physical fitness every day!
H
Half Day- There are a few half days in December and May. Please plan to pick up your child at 11:45 on these days. We will still have breakfast and lunch on this days per law. Check out the District calendar
Health- Please let me know of special circumstances which may affect your child. These could include medication that may make him sleepy, a death in the family, etc. Also, please let me know of any allergies your child may have, especially food allergies. We sometimes cook or do food activities to compliment lessons in Kindergarten and it would be helpful to know when I plan our recipes.
Hygiene- We will talk about proper hygiene and germs A LOT this year. We will be talking about how to properly wash hands and social distance while having fun learning. Please practice these at home.
Homework- Please read with your child each night!! It is truly one of the best ways to help your child’s early education. Other family project will come home to do together.
I
Independence- Our primary goal is to provide a safe, secure, warm and nurturing environment for children to EXPLORE, DISCOVER, and LEARN. Our curriculum is designed for just this! We will also be working on independence skills. The following goals are incorporated into everyday:
Develop fine motor skills
Interact with other children and adults in a positive, cooperative way
Understand and accept individual differences in a diverse society
Acquire learning skills such as problem solving and asking questions
Develop independence, self-confidence, and self-control
We understand that your child is working on being more independent and we will help them as best we can. Please try to work on these skills at home. The BIG independent skills that we need extra support on is:
Going to the restroom and wiping
Washing their hands when needed
Eating independently
Follow one step directions
Communicating needs to adults
We will communicate any other help that we might need from you. We look forward to watching your child grow this year.
Illness- As we all know it is highly important to keep your child home if he/she is ill. Please see all illness regulations. Parents should screen their child each day before sending them to school to ensure that they are symptom free and healthy enough to attend school. If your child is sick with a fever or stomach virus, he/she may not return to school until 24 hours has passed without medication AND no symptoms of the illness.
J
Journals- We will be working in two nine week journals. In this journal we will be doing writing, poem work, math concepts, and much more. If you do not see a lot of “paper work” coming home that does not mean that we are not learning. You will see progress in projects, small amount of worksheets, portfolios, and journals with in the half of the year. Anytime you would like to come and see our progress you are welcome to stop by and see.
K
Kindness- Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members of our class as well as others with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be permitted. Please be sure to discuss using kind words when upset and not hands or mean words. We will have many kindness project and community service acts to practice the important of this life skill.
L
Lunch- Your child will need to bring or buy a lunch everyday. Pre-Pay options are on Myschoolbucks online Online and app menus Please go over the menu with your child so that they are aware of the choices and not surprised and upset when it is lunch time. If your child is bringing their lunch please think about healthy choices. Fast food is not allowed in the cafeteria at lunchtime.
Greenville County Schools makes sure to serve a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day, however if you choose to send a lunch from home, please understand that teachers are unable to microwave food for children per DHEC regulations and Greenville County Schools policies.
M
Math- The mathematics curriculum 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. We employ a hands-on, problem solving approach.
Money-When you bring or send money to school, place it in a sealed envelope and label with:
o Your child’s name
o Teacher’s name
o Amount enclosed
o Purpose of money- For example, lunch, fundraiser
N
Newsletter- Each Friday we will email our Newsletter containing information for the upcoming week. If you do not receive email, please let us know so we can send you a hard copy (it may be Monday before you receive a hard copy). You can always find current and archived newsletters on the website.
Nurse- Our school nurse will tend to minor scratches and scrapes, as well as sudden illnesses. For more serious injuries, she will contact you. Please be sure to send in any change of contact numbers in case she needs to get in touch with you. If you ever have any question or concerns about your child's health and school attendance please call Nurse (she is AMAZING!!!) at 452-0604.
NOTES REQUIRED- *Important*
A note is always required, if your child:
· is absent due to illness, death in the family, or in advance of a religious holiday
· is tardy
· needs to be picked up before dismissal (please designate dismissal time)
· needs to take medicine during the day
· needs to be excused from recess or physical education
· changes from usual transportation home or to daycare This needs to be signed and hand written. No phone calls or emails are permitted!
O
Office Staff- If you need anything during the day, you will need to call the office and talk to our wonderful office staff. Learn about them.
OOOh!!! We are ready to learn!
P
Parent Involvement- Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school! We are always happy to have your help for special activities in the classroom. I will try to let you know at least a week ahead of time if I need help. Requests for help will be published in our weekly newsletter. I hope that you can come and join in the fun!
Parent Back Pack- It is extremely important that every parent enroll in Greenville County Schools Parent Backpack. This is a one-time enrollment, so if you signed up last year you do not need to sign up again. Backpack is an online tool that will allow you to view your child’s grades, see district and state testing scores, attendance and more. The Parent Backpack works on any device and is mobile friendly.
Personal Belongings: Children should leave all personal belongings (especially electronics, toys or valuables) at home, unless requested by the teacher for a special occasion.
PTA- Please consider joining the PTA!! Active in virtually all facets of school life, the PTA relies on its incredible parent and community supporters to offer a wide-range of programs. At least four PTA general sessions are held during the school year. PTA Board meetings are held once a month.
Play- A lot of times it looks like we are "just playing," but guess what, we are learning!
Psychologist Kenneth Rubin (1983) defined play as any activity that is intrinsically motivated, focused on means rather than ends, free from externally imposed rules and actively engaged in by the players. Playful interactions can center around toys. They can also center around daily routines. Try racing to the garage before an errand, creating a song about the “Wheels on the Shopping Cart” while grocery shopping, playing "Peekaboo" with a shirt while getting dressed, “I Spy” in the car, "Hide and Go Seek" in the living room etc.
Play supports foundational language skills like increased attention span, joint attention, gesture use, imitation, initiation and back-and-forth interaction.
Pretend play skills (i.e., using objects to symbolize ideas) is directly correlated to expressive language skills (i.e., using words to symbolize ideas).
Play is the language of childhood. Improved play skills equals improved relationships with peers.
It typically takes approximately 400 repetitions to create a new synapse in the brain. The same learning, in play, takes 10 to 20 repetitions (Purvis, 2020).
Play promotes physical, emotional, relational and cognitive wellbeing. It reduces stress, improves brain function, and more!
Playground-Please review these playground rules and safety procedures with your child:
Always follow the directions of the adult on duty
Follow all school rules.
Do not jump off any playground equipment.
Always make sure you can see the adult on duty.
There will be no football or tagging---it is fun, but leads to pushing.
You may only come down the slide on your bottom facing forward.
No hands in the mulch.
Do not look in the windows/doors to other classrooms
No hands on friends.
Portfolios- We will be building a portfolio of all our learning this year. This gives us a chance to see how far we have come. It also helps us with individual and class goals. Information on how to access your child's portfolio will come soon.
PROJECT APPROACH- The Project Approach is nothing new to Kindergarten! Basically, a problem is proposed by teacher or student and we use our skills and learn new skills to solve the problem---then we present how we have solved the problem or what we have learned in a creative way!
Q
Questions-Since we are all new to Monarch this year, I’m sure that you may still have some unanswered questions. Please feel free to call me at school or you can always write a note or email us at: bdwillis@greenville.k12.sc.us or tgrice@greenville.k12.sc.us
Quiet time- We have 20 minutes of quiet time a day. Your child is not asked to go to sleep, but to lay or sit quietly. We start to decrease time in January to get students ready for Kindergarten.
R
Related Arts- Your child will be going to music, art, STEAM lab, computer lab, library, P.E. and Guidance to enhance their learning at school. Check out our Related Arts team .
“Report Cards”- Your child will not receive a report card but a Skills Report. We will review the Skills Report at the Parent/Teacher Conference in October and will send it home each 9 weeks after that.
Restrooms- A restroom is available in our classroom. Children are allowed to go when they need to. We have set restroom times through out the day to remind them to use the restrooms. If we are in large group or going over instructions I always ask for them to wait. I do, of course, allow for emergencies. Please make me aware of any medical problem that might require more frequent restroom trips. There are a few times in the day that restrooms are not avalible, but no longer than 20 minutes at a time. This includes transition times, dismissal, and when too far from a restroom. We are always aware of little ones and give restroom breaks before any long transitional time.
S
School Supplies-
•A backpack (large enough for a folder, a small blanket, & a lunchbox to fit in)
•a new white t-shirt
•A small blanket
•A 4x6 family picture to be displayed in the classroom
•Lunch box or lunch money
•No spill water bottle
NOTICE: THE ITEMS ON THIS LIST ARE OPTIONAL. NO 4k STUDENT MAY BE REQUIRED TO BRING ANY OF THESE SUPPLIES TO SCHOOL. We will provide all students supplies if needed.
Science- The focus of the Pre-K 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, the five senses, general health and the four seasons. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach.
Science of Reading- This is the science of how we all learn to read. “The science of reading is a body of research that incorporates insights and research from disciplines that include developmental psychology, educational psychology, cognitive science, and cognitive neuroscience.“
In our classroom you will see, lessons that target phonological awareness, explicit and systematic phonics instruction, small groups that are goal oriented, snap/high frequency words that are mapped to analyze the sounds inside them and multisensory learning.
Snack- Due to having breakfast and lunch during the day we do not have snack time. I would suggest to have a snack ready when they get home or in the car.
Schedule-Class Schedule can be found on the front of the website and will be sent to parents if there are any changes.
Special Services- From guidance counselors, speech therapist, reading interventionists and more. Ask me for more information if needed.
Staff Directory- Need to find a staff member quick? Look
Support Staff- Our support staff is amazing at Monarch. We always like to say "Thank you" whenever we see them.
T
Transportation-Remember that any change in transportation needs to be hand written and signed by a parent and sent in that morning. Any change in transportation during the day will need to be sent via fax only. NO EMAIL OR VOICEMAIL CAN CHANGE YOUR CHILDS TRANSPORTATION. This is for your child’s safety. For more information please see administration.
A Transportation Request Form (Spanish version) should be submitted if a student is new or if the address, school, or mode of transportation has changed. All Kindergarten and First Grade students must also complete a Bus Tag Application. If your child has ANY change of transportation they will need to submit the transportation form to the office. BUS applications take at least 48 hours to complete.
Tardies- Students are expected to be in their classrooms by 7:45 a.m. If they arrive to school after 7:45 a.m., they are considered tardy and must receive a note from the office to enter class. ***Please try to be on time. We go to breakfast at 8:00 and we do not want your child to miss it.
Toys- Bringing toys to school is discouraged because they distract the children from learning. If a toy is accidentally lost or broken, feelings will be hurt. There will be special days that we can bring toys. These days will be in the Newsletter or in a special note in the communication folder.
U
Unique- We value each unique child! We can’t wait to get to know everyone’s unique personality!
V
Visitors- ALL visitors must sign in at the office and receive and nametag/sticker
Volunteer- We’d love to have you volunteer in whatever capacity you are able!
ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST RECEIVE DISTRICT APPROVAL PRIOR TO VOLUNTEERING AT ANY SCHOOL/CENTER OR CHAPERONING ANY SCHOOL FIELD TRIP. PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 2-WEEKS FOR THE APPROVAL PROCESS.
Greenville County Schools (GCS), in an effort to ensure the safety of all of our students, has implemented additional security checks for school volunteers. All volunteers must submit an online application to the district and receive clearance from the district before volunteering at any school/center or chaperoning any school field trip. To learn more information and submit a Volunteer Application click on School Visitors and Volunteer Guidelines.
W
Website-Check in regularly to find information about curriculum, special events and school news. I will be featuring photos of our weekly activities--it's the next best thing to being in our classroom each day!
Writing- Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Writing begins with scribbles and proceeds to lines and circles, random strings of letters, words and spaces and eventually 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.
X
eXcited!
Y
Yearbooks- Yearbooks will be available for purchase at the end of the year and make a great keepsake of your child’s Kindergarten year.
Z
Zzzzs! Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime will help everyone…but especially your little learner!