Noteworthy Information

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. and the children can come and sit in the hall until the bell rings. I will be in the hall waiting for them the first weeks of school. Please try to be here 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. I will be outside with the children until they are picked up. 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-Merrell, (3) what the money is for, and (4) the amount enclosed. Also, please make sure to send individual checks for individual functions (i.e. lunch money should be separate from field trip money). Lunch money will be sent to the lunchroom and recorded – always put account # on 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. He/she can help you put a snack in their backpack each evening. Please send healthy snacks (no candy please) and a bottle of water. Send things that do not need refrigeration.

Medicine

According to our school’s handbook, teachers cannot dispense any medication. We have a school nurse, Mrs. Gaydosh. You can fill out the appropriate form and turn medication into her.

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 non-smoking policy. Class t-shirts must be worn on all field trips. Dates of field trips and activities will be provided at a later time; stay tuned for opportunities to get involved!

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. 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

Our library day is Monday. Kindergarteners are able to check out one book at this time. The books are due back in our classroom the following Friday. If our class returns all of the books on time, we will receive a library award. It is very helpful to establish a designated place at home (i.e. backpack) to put your library book once you have finished reading it. Please be sure to keep food and drink away from library books at home as well as in back packs while returning to school.

Scholastic Book Clubs

I will send home a book club order several times during the year. Book orders are to be placed online by the deadline noted on the label.

Visitors

Please remember to check-in with the office any time you come to visit or work with our class. You will have to bring your driver’s license to have a badge printed. This is for the safety of our children and our school. Please send a note if you plan to attend/eat lunch.