Embedded Files
A is for Arrival and Attendance
Arrival/Dismissal: Students may start arriving at 8:45 am, and the tardy bell rings at 9:15. Students arriving after 9:15 should be signed in at the office by the adult dropping him/her off. Students are dismissed starting at 3:45 for bus riders, carpoolers, and After-School Care participants (YMCA). Please see the office for more information including carpool numbers, bus routes, and YMCA registration. Carpool should be picked up no later than 4:00. Students leaving school early have to be checked out in the office NO LATER THAN 3:15pm. Please send a note if your child will be leaving so we may have his/her things packed and ready to go. Thanks!
Attendance: As Kindergarten is a time of hands-on learning, it is truly important that your child comes to school ready to learn every day, on time. A note is required for each absence upon your child’s return to school. Per Wake County School policy, absences without a note are unexcused.
B is for Book bags, birthdays, and breakfast
Book bags: Your child will need to bring a backpack to school daily. These should be big enough to fit a folder. No rolling backpacks please- they don’t fit in our cubbies!
Birthdays: Birthdays are a special time and are treated as such in our room! If your child’s special day falls on a weekend or track out we’ll pick a school day close by to celebrate on. We have the students create a special birthday book for the friend whose birthday it is. Students may send in a snack, pencils, stickers, etc. to share with their classmates. Per administration, we are encouraged to choose a healthy alternative to share for birthday treats!
Breakfast: If your child plans on eating breakfast at school, please make sure he/she arrives early enough to go through the line before 9:10 am.
C is for Care Plan Communication, Conferences, and Clothes
Care Plan: The care plan put in place at Turner Creek is Take Care of myself, Take Care of others, and Take Care of our place!
Communication: I strongly believe that educating your child is a team effort! I strive to communicate with parents on a weekly basis, through the classroom website, newsletters, emails, notes home, and more. The best way to contact me is via email at aglyons@wcpss.net. I make every effort to return messages as soon as possible, but within 24 hours at the latest. If you ever have any questions or concerns, just let me know!
Conferences: Conferences will be scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Quarters (Fall and Spring.) If you wish to schedule a conference at an alternate time, please contact me with dates and times that you are available. I look forward to discussing your child’s amazing progress with you throughout the year!
Change of clothes: Each child should have a full change of clothes (including socks and underwear) at school in case of accidents. These clothes should be in a large zip-lock bag labeled with your child’s name.
D is for Discipline and Dress code
Discipline: We consider our classroom to be a community of learners. Every effort is made to ensure that every child feels comfortable and confident in Kindergarten. We utilize the philosophies of the positive behavior approach to classroom discipline: we try to emphasize the things students are doing right, not what they’re doing wrong. You’ll hear things like, “Please use walking feet” instead of “No running!” You’ll see things like students being praised frequently for making good choices and following our clearly defined expectations. We’ve found this makes our students happier and ready to take risks in learning. If there ever comes a time where a student is still struggling to make good choices on his/her own, we will notify you and schedule a time to discuss how to meet your child’s needs in the classroom.
Dress Code: We will follow the WCPSS dress code. Please note that crop tops are not allowed. Flip-flops and sandals are discouraged for play purposes. SNEAKERS ARE BEST EVERY DAY.
E is for Expectations
Expectations: All Kindergarten students in Wake County are held to the same academic expectations. If you have any questions regarding our curriculum goals, please feel free to look at the Common Core Standards curriculum found on the class website.
F is for Folders
Folders: Our Purple Folders are filled with your child’s work and other important school information. Please check your child’s folder each night and especially on Fridays, this is when the work your child completed during the week will come home. Empty and return the folder daily.
G is for Grading
Grading: Wake County uses a Standards-Based grading system. All students receive a grade of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in all core subjects. A 4 means the child exceeded our expectations when applicable, a 3 means they’ve met our expectations, a 2 means they need support to meet grade level expectations, and a 1 means they are not meeting expectations, even with support. These grades are used primarily for the report cards. Classwork will not receive specific grades.
H is for Homework
Homework: At this time we do not assign daily homework in Kindergarten. We ask you to read to or with an older sibling/adult for at least 15 minutes every night. Homework practice may come home periodically in the form of monthly letter and number practice or nonsense word fluency practice. Communication about homework will be sent via TalkingPoints or email when applicable.
I is for Independence & Illnesses
Independence: Our goal is to help your children become responsible for their choices, actions, belongings, and learning. As such, we will encourage and teach your children to unpack their own book bags, get out snacks, clean up materials, etc. You can assist us in this valuable endeavor by encouraging your child to do certain tasks at home independently.
Illness: Children must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Call the office to inform them of your child's illness so they can provide you with next steps!
J is for Jump
Jump, Wiggle, Dance: Movement activities are built into the Kindergarten day. Not only does this help get the wiggles out, but also helps us learn basic concepts like the days of the week, months of the year, letter sounds, skip counting, and more.
L is for Lunch!
Lunch: Please pack your child a filling lunch. Think brain food! A sandwich, fruit, vegetables, etc. Please do not pack cookies or candy! If your child is going to buy lunch please help them practice their 10-digit student ID number.
M is for Money and Medicine
Money: If you send money to school for any reason, please place it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name and its purpose. All money (and notes) should be sent in your child’s Daily folder to ensure we receive it. We don’t always check backpacks!
Medication: If your child needs to be given medication at school, you must have a 1702 form signed by you and the doctor allowing the school to dispense medicine. The medicine must come to school in a prescription bottle. These medication forms are in the office. Children who have serious medical conditions (severe allergies, diabetes, etc.) must have a health care plan at school. The school health nurse will work with the family and physician to ensure appropriate plans are in place.
N is for Newsletters
Newsletters: Our class website will be updated regularly. A weekly newsletter will be sent each Friday via email.
O is for Outside play
Outside play: Kindergartners have recess for 30 minutes per day, weather permitting. We make all attempts to go outside, so please dress your child accordingly. Sneakers are always best...and safest!
P is for PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
PTA: We have an amazing PTA! Please consider joining your family. They provide many useful and fun activities for the students and staff!
Q is for Quarter
Quarter: The school year is broken up into 4 quarters. Each quarter is nine weeks long. During each quarter you will receive an interim report during the first 4 weeks to let you know about your student's progress and then a report card at the end of the quarter.
R is for Report Cards and Room Parent
Report Cards: Report Cards are issued after each nine-week quarter in Kindergarten.
Room Parent: Each year I try and recruit a "Room mom" or room parent to help with various events or support the teachers and students in the classroom. In the past, the room parent has created sign-ups for me, volunteered in the classroom, cut materials at home, and organized gifts during holidays, birthdays, teacher appreciation week, etc. The PTA and administration will also reach out to room parents to ask for support with events that happen school-wide. If you are interested in being a room parent please reach out to me!
S is for Snack, Specials, and Second Step
Snack: We will have a short snack time each day. Please send healthy snacks (labeled “snack” and packed separate from lunch) to keep your child’s energy level up throughout the afternoon! Make sure your child is able to independently open all packages and has the required utensils.
Specials: Your child will attend a Specials class each day. Kindergartners enjoy Art, Music, PE, Media, and Guidance.
Second Step: This year our school will utilize the second step program. This will help students build social-emotional skills—like nurturing positive relationships, managing emotions, and setting goals—so they can thrive in school and in life.
T is for Tree Frogs, Transportation, and Talking Points
Tree Frogs: We are the Turner Creek Tree Frogs!
Transportation changes: All transportation changes must be in writing. If you forget to send a note, you may email me or send a message through Talking Points. You can also call the school office for last-minute transportation changes and the office will get this information to me immediately. We will not accept a student’s or sibling’s word in regard to transportation changes.
Talking Points: This is a messaging system that we use through the county. It is connected to our portals and is used like texting. When you first receive a message from me it will come through as a text. If you would like you can download the app and sign in that way. You can reply to messages that are sent directly to you!
U is for Unique
Unique: Every child has a unique background and needs. While we try our best to meet each child’s needs, please inform us if anything comes up at home that may impact your child’s performance at school (loss of a pet or family member, irregular sleeping habits, an impending move/divorce/etc.)
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers: After the first 3 weeks of school we will begin inviting parents to volunteer in our classrooms. Please make sure you filled out the volunteer form and background check information in order to attend any field trips!
W is for Website
Website: Our class website is a valuable resource that includes information about our classroom, curriculum, and more. It is updated frequently, so check back often!
X is for eXcitement
eXcitement: Kindergarten is such an exciting time! I truly believe this is the best grade to not only teach, but also to be a student in as well. We have so much fun exploring and learning together! I cannot wait to see how much our students will grow and change this year.
Y is for You!
You: You were your child’s first teacher, showing them the ways of the world from the very beginning. You still play an important role in their education today! Your support, dedication, understanding, and flexibility will truly make this year one full of memories and accomplishments. Thanks for all you do and for allowing me to work with your child!
Z is for Get your Zzzzz's
Zzzzz: Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest every night. Make it a priority to have your child in bed by 7:30 pm (Yep! 7:30) and asleep no later than 8:00 pm. This will make your child happier - and you as a parent as well! Setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day will also help your child adjust to his/her new schedule.
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