2013-2014 Jane Ball Kindergarten Orientation

1. 2013-2014 Jane Ball Kindergarten Orientation August 15, 2013

2. Times have changed 35 Years Ago Today: Students DO learn social skills, but do so during whole group and small group learning activities. Kindergarten is a VERY structured environment unlike pre-K or day care. Playing and socializing occurs during structured work station projects and there is no rest time. • Kindergarten was more for developing social skills • A way for children to prepare for a structured school year in 1st grade • Consisted of playing, coloring, socializing and taking naps.

3. The Kindergarten curriculum provides children with a variety of opportunities to try out new ideas and be challenged by new experiences that engage emerging readers, writers, scientists, mathematicians, and artists. We want our students to be confident, love learning, and be successful in a classroom community.

4. Behavior Expectations • Disciplined classrooms promote learning • Students are expected to exhibit good behavior. • Students are expected to be safe, respectful and responsible

5. We begin your child’s journey together with one vision. Student Success!

6. Our Staff • Principal: Mrs. Debbie Snedden • School Secretary: Lori Micic • Bookkeeper: Pam Kouder • School Nurse: Chris McNeil • Counselor: Bridget Helms • Cafeteria: Karen Hoover • Kindergarten Teachers Mrs,. Jennifer Plesha Mrs. Linda Novitski Miss. Lisa Koehoorn

7. Attendance • So that the school is certain of the safety and whereabouts of students, parents/guardians are asked to phone the attendance line (ext. 3704) prior to 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence to inform the school of a student’s absence, the reason for the absence on that day, and the length of time the student will be absent. • Upon the child’s return to school, the parent/guardian is expected to provide a note to the school attendance officer (school nurse). The note should be given to the child’s homeroom teacher in an envelope marked “Nurse’s Office”. The note should include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence. • If the absence was for more than five days, a doctor’s note must be submitted upon the student’s return.

8. Kindergarten Health

9. Medications • Medications will be administered at school ONLY if a Physician order is completed, signed by physician and parent and is in the possession of school officials. • All medications must be brought to school by parent/guardian.

10. When to Keep Your Child Home from School… • Fever of 100 or higher (Should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school). • Red, watery eyes with yellow drainage • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea • Severe headache • Undiagnosed rash

11. Transportation We promise to help your kindergartner get where he/she needs to be…

12. Ways to travel… • Ways to travel… • Car • Bus • Grand Tots • Walker • Other • Transportation tags are needed for the first two weeks of kindergarten. Transportation Tag Date: ______________ Student Name:___________________ Teacher: Mrs.Plesha HowI will begoinghometoday: (include Bus numberorcarpoolnumber)

13. Gold Notes • If your child is changing the way they are going home daily (riding the bus, car rider, Grand Tots, early dismissal for doctor’s appts., etc.) please ensure that you complete a gold note and have your child turn it in to his/her teacher the day of the occurrence. • Gold notes can be found in the foyer of the school or visit our website online. If you happen to forget to send it with your child in the morning, the gold note needs to be dropped off at school before 12:00 p.m. so the teacher can accommodate your request. • We will not change your child’s transportation without the gold form. This is to ensure the safety of your child. Gold notes can be found on our school website to download and they can be faxed to our school at (219) 374-4430.

14. During the First Weeks… • Upon arrival kindergarten students are escorted to their classrooms by staff members. • A “kiss and go” routine reduces the likelihood of tears. • In the afternoons, kindergartners are escorted to buses and cars by teachers.

15. Arrival Procedures Car Riders and Walkers: • Car riders will enter the school property using the access on 133rd Avenue. • All Car riders and walkers should proceed south around the building to Door B. (South end of the school) Bus Riders: Students riding buses enter and exit the building through Door A (West Door). • Students may not arrive before 8:20 a.m. for any reason. Supervision will not be provided until 8:20. • Breakfast will be served until 8:40. • The door will close at 8:40 a.m. when the first bell rings. At that time, parents will need to enter the building through Door A (West Door) and sign their children into school. Students will be marked tardy if they are not in the building by 8:45.

16. Dismissal Procedures • Students will be dismissed at 3:20 p.m. through Door B (South Door). • Drivers will enter the school property using the access on 133rd Avenue and proceed south around the building to Door B. • Please wait in the line, remain in your vehicle, and your child will be brought out to you. All children will be given a sign to write their names on to be placed in the passenger side window. • If the sign gets misplaced, please write your child’s first and last name on an 8 1⁄2” X 11” sheet of paper. This is very helpful in allowing us to have the children ready to enter the vehicle.

17. After School Care • Please note if your child needs extended care, Grand Tots provides before school care beginning at 6:30 a.m. and after school care until 6:00 p.m. Please ask in the office for information about this program. • Parents are encouraged to sign up “just in case”

18. On the way to the first day… • Focus on the positive – your attitude determines your child’s attitude. • Communicate: Use your child’s daily folder to turn in important papers and notes for the teacher. • Get plenty of rest and expect tired children in the afternoon. August 20

19. Things to remember… • Talk to your child about how he/she will go home in the afternoon. • Talk about snack and lunch – have your child pack both in his/her backpack so they know which is which. • Allow plenty of time in the morning to arrive at school on time.

20. Time to EAT! • Snacks: Please healthy snacks only. No juice Milk available for purchase. • Prices: Breakfast $1.25 Lunch $1.95 Milk $.45 Lunch Moneycan be pre-paid online at the HCSC website under Meal Time

21. Partnership: Home & School The Important Parent

22. Parents are the first teachers in a child’s education. The partnership between families and school is critical to a child’s success. We share in your excitement as we embark on this learning journey together.

23. Communication • Newsletter • Emails • Phone • Website • Classroom Newsletters • Student Folders • Powerschool

24. Kindergarten, Here I Come! • Letters and Words • Language Skills • Motor Skills • Reading Books • Numbers, Shapes and Patterns • Growing Up

25. Literacy is so important! We strongly encourage you to work on the following skills with your child over the next few weeks…

26. Letters and Words • Recognizes and names at least 15 of the capital letters • Recognizes his/her own first name in print • Writes his/her own first name • Recognizes words/signs seen often (ie. McDonalds, Walmart, STOP, EXIT, etc.)

27. Numbers, Shapes and Patterns • Counts from 1-20 • Recognizes numbers from 1-10 • Counts at least 5 objects

28. Growing Up • Takes care of his/her own needs • Toileting, washing hands, dressing • Adjusts to new situations without family members being there • Plays cooperatively with peers • Takes turns, resolves problems • Respects the feelings, rights and belongings of others

29. The time you and your child spend together doing these activities will help your child say with confidence… “Kindergarten, Here I Come!”

30. Thank you for coming and welcome to Jane Ball Elementary! Questions?