Welcome to Kindergarten Class! We Are Looking Forward to an Exciting and Successful Year

August 2, 2016

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Kindergarten class! We are looking forward to an exciting and successful year with your child. Kindergarten is a time of tremendous social and academic growth. The Kindergarten year is also one of introduction to the more formal learning environment. Students will still have many opportunities to work and play in hands –on activities, but will also be involved in more independent tasks as well. Our goal for each child is to thrive and flourish academically and socially to the best of his or her ability. This letter will familiarize you with the Kindergarten curriculum as well as procedures and policies for my classroom.

CURRICULUM

Language Arts: Literacy is a major component of the curriculum. We will begin with letter recognition and letter sounds, progressing to blending sounds to read words. Our reading series consists of children’s literature and integrates reading, spelling, phonics, language arts and writing. Instruction will be presented through small and whole group instruction and activities along with individual reading practice. Reading comprehension will be developed through story retelling, predicting outcomes and critical thinking activities.

Math: Students will learn skills and apply them to everyday life. These skills include: number identification, counting, ordering and comparing numbers. Students will also explore measurement and data analysis and addition and subtraction. Students will also participate in hands –on activities using manipulatives and games.

Social Studies: Social Studies will include a five-unit study focusing on community, school, careers, the Earth, resources and our country.

Science: Science topics will be introduced and studied quarterly. We will explore the areas of life, physical, earth, and health sciences. Students will have opportunities to participate in hands-on activities and experiments related to each quarterly topic.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Homework: Homework will be given daily. Homework is an important part of your child’s academic development as it reinforces what is taught during the school day and teaches a sense of responsibility. Your child will receive a communication folder. Please check this folder daily for homework assignments and your child’s behavior report. Please place all completed homework in the folder and return it to school the next day. Parent/Teacher Communication: Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you would like to schedule a conference. I may be reached by contacting the school office and leaving a message with the secretary. You may also reach me via email or send a note with your child.

DISCIPLINE

Classroom rules and discipline are established to provide structure and maintain a safe, risk free learning environment. I will need your help as a parent to reinforce the behavior I expect from your child. My discipline plan is listed below:

CLASSROOM RULES:

1. Please follow all directions the FIRST time they are given by the teacher or paraprofessional.

2. Raise your hand and wait to be recognized

3. Please listen when others are talking

4. Be courteous and kind to your class mates. Name calling, hitting, pinching, fighting, bullying or teasing WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

5. Be sure to use your inside voices

6. Please keep all hands, feet and other items to yourself.

RULES IN THE HALL

1. Stay in line

2. Walk on the right side of the hall

3. No talking

CONSEQUENCES WHEN RULES ARE FOLLOWED (POSITIVE)

1. Stickers

2. Verbal Praise

3. Pencils

4. Extra time in the reading center or computer center 5. Note or call to parent

When rules are broken your child will move his or her pin from green to the appropriate color. At the end of the day all pins are moved back to the original starting point. This allows a child to start over the next day.

CONSEQUENCES WHEN RULES ARE BROKEN

1. First offense - verbal warning

2. Second offense- move your pin from green to yellow

3. Third offense-move your pin from yellow to orange

4. Fourth offense-move your pin from orange to red

Please be sure to review your child’s behavior report daily and encourage them to exhibit appropriate behavior. Please sign your child’s behavior report daily.

Transportation

***Changes to your child’s transportation must be done so in writing and signed by the parent.***

SUPPLIES-Please see attached sheet for a list of needed supplies

We are truly looking forward to a fun and productive year. Please feel free to contact us at (706)737-7219, email us at the following e-mail addresses or send a note with your child if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely,

Ms. Candice Brooks

[email protected]

Please read this letter in its entirety and sign below. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand the information contained in this letter. Please sign and return this portion of the letter to school with your child.

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Parent Signature