Welcome to kindergarten. We are going to have such a fun time and I am so excited that you are a part of our classroom family this year. This year is a milestone in your child’s life – full of new experiences and friends. I have planned many exciting activities for this school year and am eager to share them with you and your child. I realize that you may have many questions about the kindergarten program. This reference page will hopefully answer many of them.
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How do I contact Ms. Coursey?
How do I contact Ms. Coursey?
In this class, we will use 2 primary methods of communication: ParentSquare and email (courseyj@wl.k12.in.us).
I will post a weekly update to ParentSquare so you will be able to see what we are learning and doing at school.
Please use email for urgent attendance, health, or transportation change matters.
For random questions, reminders, forgotten items, or chatting, please use ParentSquare messaging. I will always attempt to reply at my earliest availability and within 24 hours.
Here is a video all about ParentSquare!
What are the goals of kindergarten?
What are the goals of kindergarten?
To develop a LOVE of learning
To expand social, physical, emotional, and intellectual skills
To build self-confidence and independence
To develop the foundational skills of reading, writing, and number sense.
How can I help my child prepare for school?
How can I help my child prepare for school?
Try to establish a structured daily routine
Talk positively about school
Reserve a little time after school to talk about your child’s day
Provide plenty of sleep
Provide nourishing meals and snacks (brain fuel)
Help your child to organize things that will be needed for school
Check and empty his/her backpack and folder each day
Allow him/her to become independent
Make sure he/she arrives at school on time
Practice tying shoes
Read to your child as often as possible
What does my child need to bring to school each day?
What does my child need to bring to school each day?
Standard-Sized backpack (Cannot be on wheels and must fit a standard-sized binder without bending.)
Red Take Home Folder (School Provided)
Plastic Reusable Water Bottle (Secure Spill-Proof Lid)
Small Peanut-Free Snack (Must be eaten without utensils. (Examples: fruit snack, small bag of pretzels/goldfish, clementine, granola bar) Please do not pack snacks in lunch boxes; the front or side pocket of your child’s backpack is the best choice.)
A kind heart
Do NOT bring list:
Technology (ex: tablet, smart watch, cell phone, gaming device)
Toys (stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, Pokémon cards)
Extra Paper/Craft Supplies (journals, coloring books, sticker books etc.)
Feel free to reach out via email regarding any questions you have about this list. You can see the Student Handbook, linked here for your convenience, for how it is handled when these items come out at school.
It takes away from all of the fun and learning we have planned to find lost items, solve disputes, or get kids refocused. The time I spend contacting guardians when these items come out is valuable time I would rather put into making your child's year as magical as it possibly can. Please assist me on this endeavor by respecting the schools rules regarding tech and toys.
Students can earn a "show and tell" pass and occasionally unlock whole-class rewards like stuffed animal parties. When this occurs, you will either see a coupon to bring one in your child's folder or will receive a message from me granting the exception.
What is the red folder used for?
What is the red folder used for?
Please take the time to check and empty the red folder each night, as you will find student work, school flyers, and other important information inside the folder! In return, I will check the folder daily for any information from you (field trip forms, bookfair money, etc.). Therefore, this folder is the best place to put any notes, permission slips, etc. that I need to see. Also, the back of the folder is a handy reference for important information.
What should my child wear to school?
What should my child wear to school?
Children need to be comfortable to be at their best. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather. Children can only wear closed-toe shoes to school and NO open-toe sandals. They are running around, playing, and exploring their world, and closed-toe shoes help prevent injury.
They need to wear tennis shoes on days they have P.E.
Please make sure your child is wearing shoes that they can independently fasten.
If your child can not put on and lace their shoes in less than 2 minutes, please send them in Velcro shoes or with no-tie elastic laces.
There is one of me and 20+ of them, and they remove their shoes during rest time each day. Please help save my knees and spine from tying shoes 100 times a day. :) I greatly appreciate it!
What do I need to label?
What do I need to label?
Any and everything that travels with your child! Backpack, lunchbox, jacket, gloves, all outdoor clothing, rest towel…The lost and found at West Lafayette Elementary School piles up quickly and if your items are labeled, we can quickly return any lost items to the right owner.
Please Label:
Art Shirts
Back Pack
Lunch Box
Outdoor Wear
Watercolors
Headphones
Supply Box
Scissors
Rest Towel
We use some community classroom supplies, so do not label crayons, glue, playdough, markers, or pencils.
Will my child have a rest time?
Will my child have a rest time?
Yes – this time will also be used for other activities as the year goes on and the children adjust to their new schedule. Even if your child is no longer napping, it is important for children to have some quiet time after lunch. We will turn off the lights, play soft music and give the students a chance to take a quiet break, whether they fall asleep or not.
The expectation during this time is silence as the class rests their brains, mouths, and bodies to give us the energy to make it through the rest of day.
Rest Time towels remain in personal locations and do not come in contact with one another. Towels are sent home quarterly to be washed and returned to school. Students are welcome to bring them home weekly if that is your preference.
What homework will my child have?
What homework will my child have?
It is beneficial for all children to periodically practice the skills at home that we are practicing during the school day. It is my hope that the children will not need to spend much extra time at home reviewing what they have learned at school. However, if you notice that your child is struggling with certain concepts on papers and projects sent home, he or she might need extra practice. The most important thing to do daily at home is read with your child. You’ll notice that as the year progresses, you will be doing less of the reading and they will be doing more! Encourage your child to embrace this role, but do not stop reading to them as well. Research proves that reading to children improves vocabulary development, comprehension, and interest in reading! For additional practice ideas, learning resources, and learning videos, see the "Learning Resources" Page.
What is the classroom discipline policy?
What is the classroom discipline policy?
"If what I am doing impacts our learning or hurts someone's heart, I will make a different choice."
If a student behaves in a way that is inappropriate or unsafe, I will begin by creating a teachable moment. This will include having a private conversation with the student to discuss what happened, teach them a better way, and allow them to try again. If the child is emotionally dysregulated, I will give them tools or skills to calm them down before any discussion. Kindergarten is an important stage where children learn and grow socially. My top priority will be helping your child build the social skills they need to interact safely and kindly with others.
I strongly believe that communication between teachers and parents is essential in the success of a child’s academic journey. I will be in contact with you if there are behavioral concerns that are not being solved within this approach.
After expectations and routines have been thoroughly introduced, behavior challenges are handled as follows:
Gentle Verbal Warning/Redirection
Heart to Heart: A one-on-one sideline conversation to get back on track
Classroom Consequence (Natural consequences are chosen when available: such as time cleaning a mess before play, taking a break to write an apology note etc.)
Parent Contact Home or Think Sheet (This serves to seek family support and encourage ongoing conversations at home.)
What is the specials schedule?
What is the specials schedule?
Monday
Art
Tuesday
PE: Tennis shoes required
Wednesday
Music & PE: Tennis shoes required
Thursday
Library: Students must bring all school-checked-out library books to school in their backpacks on Thursday morning.
Friday
Music
What schedule will my student have each day?
What schedule will my student have each day?
The doors open at 8:45 am. Your child needs to be in the classroom by 9:00 am.
Tardy arrivals can really throw off your little learner's start to the day. Arriving closer to 8:45 am can set them up for success!
8:45 am- Doors Open and Students Arrive
11:00 am- Lunch
11:30 am- Grade Level Recess
12:00 pm- Rest Time
3:28 pm- Dismissal
Our class has a short additional recess in the morning and occasionally at the end of our day. As a consequence for unsafe behavior, walking recesses or think sheets may be assigned for one of the 3 recesses during the day.
For details regarding our learning routine and schedule, please see the "About Our Classroom" page.
Can I send in treats for my child’s birthday?
Can I send in treats for my child’s birthday?
We celebrate birthdays within the classroom and make it a special day for each child. Due to allergies, you should not send in anything edible for their birthday. If your child has a summer birthday, we will celebrate it at the end of the school year. Some suggested birthday goodies for classmates are glow sticks, bubbles, stickers, or small gift bags without anything edible. Birthday goodies are not required and should be sent in with the child during their morning arrival time to be distributed in the afternoon.
As much as I am sure 22 children blowing on whistles, kazoos, or recorders at the same time would warm my heart, please do not send in "noisemakers" as gifts for classmates. The neighboring classrooms will not be joining our festivities and need a quiet place to learn. :)
What if my child is going to be absent?
What if my child is going to be absent?
Please inform the office by calling the attendance line before 9:15 a.m. at 765-269-4100 or emailing wlesattendance@wl.k12.in.us. Leave the child's name, teacher, and reason for absence.
Want to save time? Add me, courseyj@wl.k12.in.us, as a recipient on the email so you don't have to notify me separately! :)
How sick is too sick to come to school?
How sick is too sick to come to school?
Fever - fever registers below 100° without medication for at least 24 hours, and the child is acting well.
Runny nose - thick yellow or green discharge clears up.
Rash - a physician determines the cause and recommends returning to school.
Cough - coughing subsides.
Red or watery eyes - eyes return to normal.
Vomiting or diarrhea - no vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours and no further problem exists. Your child is eating normally without causing an upset stomach or diarrhea.
* Note – if your child throws up or has diarrhea at school, they may not return the following day since it needs to be at least 24 hours.
What we are doing in the classroom is not worth risking your child's health and well-being. If they are unwell, update me and keep them home. Children who don't feel well have a hard time focusing, participating, and regulating their emotions- please allow them to rest at home when they need. We have a classroom procedure of sending "Well Wishes" to students who are not at school. It fosters community and empathy and can help students feel less sad when they have to miss a day of school due to illness.
What if there is a cancellation, delay, or early dismissal?
What if there is a cancellation, delay, or early dismissal?
Find information on the corporation website, WLFI, local TV, and radio stations. We are West Lafayette Community School Corporation NOT Tippecanoe School Corporation.
What happens if there is an early dismissal? Your child will go home as normal unless you have let us know. There is no Safe Harbor Programming on early dismissal days, so please let us know what you want your child to do if they normally attend Safe Harbor.
How can I help out?
How can I help out?
You can help by volunteering to chaperone a field trip. Another way you could help is by donating supplies to our classroom as we need them. If you would ever like to help in any way, please email me. Also, feel free to check out our classroom Amazon Wishlist.
*Please note that to chaperone or work with the children, you must have a completed background check on file with the front office. It can take up to 5 business days to process. If you want to chaperone now or in future of your child's time at WLES please click this link to recieve your district mandaded background check now: https://www.wl.k12.in.us/start-here/sh-logins/background-check-volunteers
✨District Information Links✨
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