Kindergarten Handbook

Literacy

Your children will be working in guided reading groups with activities that are tailored to their specific learning needs. We will also be doing daily read alouds in class. You will receive frequent updates from me about your child's reading skills. Your children will be participating in the Every Child a Writer (ECaW) writing program. This program consists of direct writing instruction at your child's level, independent practice, and editing. The children will also have a free write journal in class where they can do free choice writing and drawing. We will be responding to the texts we read in class in our writing and drawings.

Reading Homework

Your children should be reading (or listening to) at least one picture book or chapter every day. I want your children to learn to love reading. The best way to ensure that happens is for you to read with your child at home daily. I do not send home leveled reading material for your child unless I feel your child needs specific additional practice. If you need book suggestions, I am happy to help.

Math

I will be using the Everyday Math resource. This resource is based on the National Council on Teaching Mathematics (NCTM) standards. We also do many hands-on math activities in class.

Play

That's right, play. I think play is essential to a child's development and thus there will be many opportunities for play throughout the day. Your child's classroom has many different types of manipulatives (building blocks, magnet tiles, Lego blocks, Play-Do, etc.) for your child to use and enjoy. We will be going outside for play twice daily unless we have extreme weather. Please make sure your child is dressed in appropriate clothing.

Technology

We have iPads and Chromebooks in our classroom that students can use on a daily basis. Your children will work on reading, science/social studies, or mathematics programs during any technology time in class.

Science Topics

Metals, Fabrics, and Plastics

Roll, Bounce, Spin, or Slide

You Are My Sunshine

We Go Together

Social Studies Topics

Civics: Participation of Citizens

History: Comparing My Story to Your Story

Economics: Yours, Mine, and Ours

Geography: Different Places, Different Ways to Live

Executive Functioning (EF)

EF stands for executive functioning and EF Friends are the characters we use to teach executive functioning. Executive functions are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. Just as an air traffic control system at a busy airport safely manages the arrivals and departures of many aircraft on multiple runways, the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses. These skills are crucial for learning and development. They also enable positive behavior and allow us to make healthy choices for ourselves and our families. We will be working on EF skills in class on a daily basis.

Take a Break Station and Cozy Corner

We have two areas in our classroom where students can go if they are feeling overwhelmed or just need to recharge for a few minutes. The take a break station has fidget tools and visual cues for calming. The cozy corner has a soft rug, pillows, stuffed animals, and fidget tools. My goal is to assist your child in learning to self-regulate his/her emotions.

Hug and Go

At Parmalee, we ask that you hug your child at the Kindergarten classroom door and go. A teacher will greet your child at the door as he or she enters so parents do not walk their children all the way into the classroom. Please do not linger around the doors or windows as this makes the transition into the classroom more difficult for your child.

Volunteers

We love our volunteers at Parmalee! If you are interested in volunteering, please let me know.

Changes in Transportation

If you plan to pick up a child that normally rides the bus or if you wish for your child to come home a different way than usual, you MUST send a written note/e-mail to me AND call Parmalee’s front office. Kindergartners can be easily confused so we cannot take their word for how they will go home in the afternoon. If a written note/ e-mail AND phone call is not received your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation.

Outdoor Recess

The children will be going outside for recess twice everyday unless it is raining or snowing heavily. Please keep this in mind when helping your child select clothing for the day.

Specials

Full-day students will participate in Art, Music, and PE with our Kindergarten para-professionals. If your child does not wear sneakers, he or she will not be allowed to participate in PE that day. Our classes will also be going to the school library weekly for book check-out and a lesson with our librarian.

Money

On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. ALWAYS send money in a sealed envelope with the following information on it:

• Your child’s first and last name

• The amount of money

• The purpose for the money (lunch money, field trip money, etc.)

• Teacher’s name

School Time

9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Full-Day Kindergarten

*Children are not allowed to arrive on campus before 8:45 a.m.*

Absences

The work we do in Kindergarten is either direct instruction or partner/group oriented. This means that we are unable to send make-up work home for your child to complete if he or she is absent from school. In the event your child will be absent from school, please call the attendance line at 303-982-8020. There will be times when teachers may need to be absent from school for illness, curriculum training, or personal reasons.

Birthdays

Per district policy, TREATS or GOODY BAGS are not allowed.

• If treats or goodies come in, we are required to send them back home.

• We will sing to your child in class and I will give your child a card and small gift. Parents/siblings do not attend.