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General Classroom Information

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General School Information:

  • Drop Off/Pick Up: Your child may be dropped off at school in the morning instead of taking the bus. Students will not be able to walk to class until 8:45 a.m. If you are picking up your child EARLY then you must send in a note or call the office to let them know the day and time you will be picking up your child early. When you arrive you can go to the main office and have them call your child down from class. If you are picking up your child at the END of the day, then be sure to send in a note or call the office to make them aware. 
  • Absences: If your child is absent due to illness or any other reason, a note must be sent in when the child returns stating the days they were absent and a reason, signed and dated by you.
  • Snack: We have 15 minutes every day devoted to snack. I do not provide snack daily, but I do have some snacks for those who may have forgotten one for that day. I highly encourage a healthy snack and water as the beverage choice, as it helps keep our classroom clean and “un-sticky”. Even though I do not allow students to share snacks, please be mindful of any food allergies that we may have. I will be sure to send information home as soon as possible.
  • Recess: There is a half hour of recess time and as long as weather is nice, it will be outside on the playground. On rainy days we have indoor recess where students can play with the toys in the classroom. During the winter, recess is mostly outside unless it is too cold or windy. In order for your child to play in the snow they must have a hat, gloves, coat, snow pants and boots. If your child does not have ALL of the above, they are not able to play in the snow. They can however still play on the blacktop area.
  • Lunch: Our class eats lunch at their own table in the cafetorium but at the same time as all of the other kindergarten classes. They can bring their own lunch, buy lunch, or just buy milk to have with their lunch from home. Please refer to the monthly cafeteria calendar for lunch options. If you qualify for free/reduced lunch, the office will be sending you a form. 
  • Rest: Everyday there is about a 20-minute opportunity for rest and relaxation. This is a time where students unwind from recess and lunch and can read a book or just enjoy some quiet time. Students are encouraged to bring a small blanket and/or stuffed animal to leave in their cubby. Please be mindful that the cubbies are small and both blanket and stuffed animal need to fit in the space provided, otherwise they will be sent home for a replacement.
  • Clubs: Depending on the class I also include a time for “clubs” during our usual rest time. This is an opportunity for kids to have some individual time devoted to other areas in literacy; creative writing, reading with a partner or listening to a story.
  • Clothing: Thankfully we still have four seasons in New York, however the weather change can be unpredictable. I recommend dressing your child in layers in the cold months and be sure to have them in the correct footwear. On gym days it is best for your child to wear sneakers, however if you’d rather leave an extra pair of sneakers in your child’s cubby that would be fine as well. I also ask that an extra pair of clothes are brought to school for their cubby. Accidents happen…whether it is spilt food, paint or even the regular types of accidents.
  • Homework: Read with your child every night. Have them retell the story or share their favorite part. Eventually they can look for snap words from the book or draw their favorite character. I also encourage a monthly family activity/craft which gets the whole family involved! If you are interested in other ways to support your child's learning, feel free to email me.
  • Birthday Celebrations: On your child’s birthday if they want to bring in cupcakes/special snack for the class to celebrate, that is fine. Just let me know a few days before when you’d like to drop them off. We usually devote the last 15 minutes of the day to birthday celebrations and any sweet treats. If you are sending in birthday party invitations for your child to put in other students’ mailboxes, please be mindful that every student should be included. If you only wanted to invite a few of the students, then please find another way to communicate with those families. Thanks.
  • ‘Kid Mail’: Please check your child’s folder every night as it will contain important information not only from me but also the school, PTA, principal etc.
  • Communication: I am a huge advocate for having a strong school to home connection. Please feel free to contact me about anything at any time. It is best to reach me by email, and I promise to respond within 24 hours; however other communications are also effective; phone call, kid mail, or even scheduling a conference.