Guidelines

Arrival and Dismissal

The hours for kindergarten are 7:45 a.m. to 2:35 p.m. The doors to the school open at 7:15 a.m. At this time, the children can come and sit in the hall until the bell rings. I will be in the hall waiting for them the first few weeks of school. Please try to be at school by 7:45 a.m. every morning. The tardy bell rings at 7:55. Also, we ask that you do not walk your child down to the room. There will be helpers in the halls to guide children to their classrooms. At dismissal, we will walk out to the portico together and the children will be put into the cars as their carpool numbers are called. Please try to schedule routine appointments after school. Instructional time is very important.

Money

Anytime your child brings money to school for lunch, field trips, or any other special events, please make sure it is in an envelope labeled with: (1) their name, (2) K-McGriff, (3) what the money is for, and (4) the amount enclosed. Also, please do not combine amounts into one check. Lunch money will be sent to the lunchroom and recorded – always put your child's lunch account number on your check.

Snack

We will have snack every afternoon. The children will bring their own snack from home. Let this be an opportunity for your child to take on some responsibility. Encourage your child to help you put a snack in his/her backpack each evening. Please send healthy snacks (no candy please) and bottled water.

Medicine

According to our school handbook, we cannot dispense any medication. We have a school nurse. Medications should be turned directly into Mrs. Gaydosh, who will have some forms for you to fill out.

Field Trips

We will be going on several field trips as they are a vital part of our kindergarten program. We will need parents to accompany us on these trips. Please do not bring younger brothers and sisters. Also, there is a no-smoking policy. I will let you know the dates of the trips at a later time. Class t-shirts must be worn on all field trips.

Birthdays

Students’ birthdays will be celebrated once a month, on the first Wednesday of each month. Sweet treats for the birthday celebration will be limited to one treat per child (ex. one cupcake or one cookie.). There will be a sign up sheet where you can volunteer to bring snacks the month of your child’s birthday.

Toys

Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. We already have many toys and games in our classroom. Things brought from home can easily get misplaced. Thanks in advance for your help with this!

Clothing

The children should wear comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor play. We will go outside everyday unless it is rainy. Tennis shoes should be worn everyday since our P.E. classes require them (no boots, crocs, sandals, or open-toed shoes). Please label all clothes (sweaters, coats, hats, mittens) to avoid loss. We ask that you keep a change of clothes in your child’s backpack in case of an accident. You may also want to keep a light sweater in your child’s bag.

Library

Kindergartners are able to check out one book a week. We will visit the school library on Mondays. The book is due back at school the following Monday. It is very helpful to establish a designated place at home (i.e. backpack) to keep the library book once your child has finished reading it.

Lunch

Our lunch time is from 10:35 am - 11:00 am. You are welcome to come eat with your child but please email me so I'll know you're coming. You will need to check in at the front desk before joining us. It would be best if you waited until the 3rd or 4th week of school before you come in order to give us time to learn the routine. There are visitor tables where you and your child may sit together.

Visitors

Please remember to check-in with the office anytime you come to visit or work with our class. You will need to bring your driver's license with you. This is for the safety of our children and our school. Please send me an email if you plan to join your child for lunch.

Absences

Please send excuses to me within three days of an absence (via an email or a note in your child's folder). After 3 days, it is unexcused, so please try to send your excuse in a timely manner.