This packet contains the ABC’s of Kindergarten and ALL of the policies and procedures for Mrs. Schultz’s Kindergarten classroom. Please keep it to refer to during the school year. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Thank you!
The ABC’s of Kindergarten
Absences - If your child is absent, please call the attendance line 440-729-5997. Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. However, if your child has not been feeling well for the last 24 hours, please keep him/her at home. Your child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Arrival - Your child should come to school no earlier than 9:00 A.M. If you choose to drive your child to school, please adhere to the directives mailed home. Just a friendly reminder…tears are normal and will cease if you keep goodbyes short and sweet!
Art Shirt – All students need an art shirt for messy days in art. Old, large T-shirts work best. Please mark your child’s name on the shirt.
Assessments -
KRA
MAP testing
Letters
sounds
writing
Backpacks – Backpacks should be big enough to hold the “Take Home Folder.” The bag with the folder should be brought to school every day. Please check the bag and folder DAILY! It is also helpful to put the bag in the same, special place each evening. Your child should be able to open and close the bag unassisted. NO backpacks on wheels!
Bedtime – A consistent nightly routine for bedtime (brush teeth-bath-book-bed) is recommended. Kindergartners need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night.
Behavior Expectations- My goal is to create a stimulating and safe environment for your child and the other children in my class. This includes assisting the children in making appropriate behavioral choices. The desired class rules have been discussed in class. Children are praised for complying with the expectations and/or “filling others’ buckets.” If your child continues to make a poor choice after several verbal reminders, he receives an “Uh-oh.” Severe infractions will result in a conference with parent and/or principal.
Birthdays - Birthdays are special occasions for children. NO food treats are permitted for Birthday celebrations this year. Your child may share a small trinket, if desired. Keep in mind that if you wish to have a birthday party for your child, invitations can only be distributed at school if the entire class is invited or all of the boys or all of the girls.
Box Tops - Our school collects “box tops.” Our school receives $ for each box top we collect! These “box tops” can be found on all General Mills foods and some school supplies and can be submitted electronically.
Breakfast – Encourage a healthy breakfast to start the day. WG does serve breakfast. Please send me an email if your child is purchasing breakfast at school.
Bus Tags – Please remember to have your child's bus or car tag on their book bag daily. Tags need to include your child's name, destination address and bus number.
Clothing – Please dress your child in comfortable clothing that is appropriate for Kindergarten. It is a good idea to label all extra clothing (sweatshirts, jackets, winter gear, ect). No open toed shoes, please.
Communication – I believe that a good parent teacher relationship is crucial to your child’s success in school. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. A speedy reply will be given to all concerns.
Email: jennifer.schultz@westg.org Voicemail: 440-729-5901 ext 4224
Dismissal – Dismissal is at 3:40
Email – jennifer.schultz@westg.org
Kindergarten Kids – Kindergarten is a special time for you and your child! We want to make it the best experience possible. “Kindergarten Rocks!!!!”
Lunch – Please use the Parent Portal to pay for your child's lunch. Students will have 3 choices when purchasing lunch: hot lunch (will change daily), peanut butter and jelly sandwich or yogurt with banana bread and cheese stick. Your child may bring a packed lunch if he/she prefers. Please send containers/packages that your child can open independently. It may be fun to practice eating out of a lunch box before sending it to school.
Name writing – When writing names, your child must begin with a capital letter and write the remaining letters using lowercase letters…this is referred to as the “Kindergarten way.”
Pick up – If you plan to pick up your child instead of having him/her ride the bus, you MUST let us know by completing the "End of Day Pick Up Form" found on the Westwood website. This form needs to be completed by 10AM. It is school policy that I must put your child on the bus if we have not been notified. Besides, this form relieves a lot of anxiety for your child. If you say that s/he may be picked up, s/he hears you WILL pick up and it causes sadness at the end of the day. In addition to completing the form for the office, please email ME saying that you are picking up your child.
Poetry Journal – Your child will bring home a new poem in his poetry journal every week. After listening to your child read the poem to you, initial the top corner and return the journal the next school day.
Principal – Mr. Jim Kish is our building principal. He can be reached at 440-729-5990 or Jim.Kish@westg.org
Questions – Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
3 R’s –
The three most important rules at Westwood School…
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Ready to Learn
Children will learn what the 3 R’s look like in every area of our school.
Read – Read to your child daily! Research shows reading to your child is the #1 way to turn your child into a reader. Reading to your child builds vocabulary, comprehension, attention span and interest in reading. Also, let your children see you reading daily!
Recess Bag - Please send a bag of activities that will keep your child occupied during indoor recess. Suggestions include: small toys, books, coloring books. Send the recess bag daily!!!
Report Cards – The students will receive 4 report cards during the year.
School Day – Students are permitted into the school beginning at 9:00. School begins at 9:20 and dismissal is at 3:40.
Sight Words – They are now called “Heart Words.” Kindergarten students are required to know 27 "Heart words."
Snacks – Please send in a quick, finger food snack for your child daily. Please no snacks that require utensils.
Specials
Monday – 2nd Step
Tuesday – Music
Wednesday – Gym
Thursday – Library
Friday – Art
Take Home Folders – Each child has a “Take Home Folder” for notes from the school or from me. Please EMPTY the folder daily.
Toys – Please DO NOT send toys from home.
Water Bottle – Your child needs a full water bottle EVERYDAY! This is in addition to lunch beverages.
Writing – We spend lots of time writing in the classroom. Kindergarten writing is a process that begins with scribbles and moves towards letters and words, and eventually sentences. You will see your child’s writing grow throughout the year. Remember to praise, praise, praise!
eXtra clothes – Please keep an extra change of clothes in your child’s book bag in case of accidents.
ZZZZZ’s – Your child should get plenty of rest each night. Kindergarten students require 10-12 hours of sleep per day. It is important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent.