SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Here’s how it works: I’ll send home throughout the year. If you decide to place an order, you can do that through our class ordering page. Your books will arrive at school about 10 days after I submit our classroom order. By teaming up with Scholastic, we’ll help your child become a more confident, independent reader—and we’ll build a classroom library all of my students are excited to explore!

Shop our class page:https://orders.scholastic.com/H2TB7
Class code: H2TB7

Welcome to 

Mrs. Hays’ Kindergarten Class

Welcome to Kindergarten! I am so excited for a great year with your child. Below you will find a little about me and our fabulous para Ms. Kristan.. Below you will find some things to know about Kindergarten! I will have a hard copy of this waiting for you at Meet and Greet today. See you soon!

About Me

I have been a teacher in JeffCo since 2001.  I have taught grades K -3  as well as done small group work with 4th--5th grades. I have enjoyed each grade level but my heart is truly in Kindergarten. Teaching all these grades has enabled me to see the full spectrum of where my students are coming from and where they need to be. I love teaching, learning, working and having fun with kids!

I earned my BS in Communication Disorders from Saint Louis University and MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Literacy from the University of Colorado at Denver. 

My husband and I are parents to four boys. Our oldest is a Senior at Montana State University and our triplets are Seniors at Ralston Valley. Things I like to do: outside of school are read, hike, walk, cook/bake, travel, go to the mountains, ski, watch sports and spend time with my family and friends. Some favorites of mine are the color red, Audible books, chocolate, cheese and iced coffee. 

Email is the best way to get in touch with me and I will do my very best to get back to you in a timely manner. 

Kristen Benefiel- Kindergarten para

Hi, my name is Kristan Benefiel, and I am the Kindergarten para that works most closely with the students in Mrs. Hays’ class.  This is my 19th year in Jeffco schools.  I was a Preschool teacher for 14 of those years and this is my 5th year as a Kindergarten para.  I LOVE spending my days with the kindergartners!  I am married and have two grown sons.  In my spare time, I like to read, put together puzzles and walk.  I'm excited to get to know you and your child along with our AMAZING Kindergarten team!

THINGS TO KNOW

Weekly Newsletter

Every Friday, Principal McDougal, will send out an email called “The Mountaineer'. This will contain a link to our weekly newsletter. Please take the time to read through it as it will provide information about what is happening in the classroom as well as important dates/information. If you bookmark the link, we will just update the same page on Friday afternoon.  Let me know if you are not receiving emails. 

Library

We will go to the library every Tuesday at 9:30. Please return books weekly. 

Snack

Pack one or two healthy snacks separate from the lunchbox. If possible, make sure it is nut free and dry (i.e. no yogurt, or dips) so that we can keep our classroom tidy and allergy safe.

Birthdays

As a part of the ‘Healthy Schools’ program, our school does not allow edible birthday treats. If you wish, you can bring a non-edible item to share(pencils, erasers, bubbles etc.) We will celebrate your child’s special day in other fun ways. 

Friday Folders

Friday Folders go home every Friday and should be returned the following school day. Please make it a routine to go through the folder for important information. I would love a volunteer every week to do Friday Folders and I will get a Sign Up Genius out next week. 

Flex Days or Testing Days

These occur 2-3 times a year and students only come in for a short time period for one-on-one testing with me. I will email a Sign Up Genius link when applicable. 

Homework

I do not assign homework, however I do expect students to be reading every night (this includes you reading to them). I will only send work home if students do not finish work because of not using work time wisely. Thanks for your support.

Daily Work

Students will bring home completed work everyday. This way kiddos can ‘show off’ what he/she did during the day and you can support them more fully with conversations at home. 

Recess/Extra clothes

We go outside as long as it is 19 degrees and above. Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately. Sometimes, kids can get a little wet on the playground or have an accident during the school day so it would be helpful if all students have an extra set of clothes in their backpack. All extra clothes plus jackets, coats, mittens and hats should be labeled.

Water Bottles

Please send your child to school with a full water bottle labeled with their name. Water bottles can stay at school all week, if you wish, but must go home on Fridays to be washed.