Grade Level Policies
Dear Family,
We are so thrilled to have your child/children in our Kindergarten class! We have over 100 years combined teaching experience and we are so excited to share with you everything we have planned. We are very eager to provide a fun, enriching learning experience for the students, and we know that this will be a wonderful, memorable year. These little ones make it so easy!
Philosophy:
We believe in a classroom environment in which children feel safe, comfortable, valued and loved. To truly engage learners, teachers must realize how they teach is as important as what they teach. All students will feel affirmed, engaged, and supported. We want to help them be the best little people they can be academically, socially, and emotionally. We feel so blessed to be such an important part of this faith journey.
Communication:
We are excited to work as a team to ensure the best education possible for your child, so please do not hesitate to contact us. The best way to reach us is through email, which we check frequently. However, in case of an emergency or last minute change of plans please call the school office and they will send the message immediately as we may not be able to check our emails until after school. If you need to let us know about a change in dismissal, an immediate family matter, or a volunteer cancellation, you must send a note in with your child. We will be sending home a weekly newsletter and a Wednesday envelope which will contain important information from the office (this should be returned with your child every Thursday morning).
Daily Schedule:
We will be sending home a daily schedule after the first week of school, but this schedule will be very flexible. Each day the students will participate in class prayer, a formal religion class and attend weekly Thursday Mass at 8:10. We welcome all parents at Mass but please know that your child will be sitting with their class and teachers. A block of time will be devoted to literacy. Reading workshop, writer’s workshop, literacy stations, and social centers will be the fundamental components of the literacy program; there will be a variety of whole group, small group, and individual instruction. The first month of school will consist of many whole group activities to build community, establish routine, and to gauge the instructional needs of each child. We will have a snack, drink, and recess break. We also will be devoting much of the afternoon to math. We will be integrating science, health, and social studies throughout the curriculum. Mid-afternoon the children will have a short read, write, and rest period. Music and art will be incorporated daily in the classroom. The children will attend the following specials: P.E., music movement, library, Spanish, digital citizenship and art.
Snack: Please send in a small finger food snack such as goldfish, pretzels, fruit snacks, etc. The zippered pencil pouch on the supply list will make a great carrier for the snack. This will help the little ones remember what is snack and what is lunch. As always please write their name clearly on the pencil pouch. These snacks must also be peanut free so that we can keep all of our little friends safe and happy.
Homework:
A brief amount of homework in kindergarten builds a positive mindset as well as a routine for the upcoming years. Homework will be given on Mondays and Wednesdays. As the year progresses, the children will bring home “Take Home” books. More information will come home when we begin this activity. During these first few weeks of school, it would be helpful to practice zipping zippers and tying shoes.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are much loved and appreciated! There will be a sign up genius emailed. Volunteers will mostly be working with the students in small groups. We also love to have volunteer readers come to our class on Friday mornings at 8:15 to read a favorite book from their house. This usually only takes about 15 minutes and is a great opportunity for working parents who may not be able to volunteer during the day. Sign up is on the “Parent Picks” sheet. We are only able to accept volunteers in the classroom and on field trips who have been fingerprinted and are up to date with Safe Parish here at IHM. Remember to always wear the lanyard each time you volunteer. There is a separate handout with specific instructions and times.
It is important for children to learn the routine and become comfortable in the classroom environment before we begin a volunteer schedule. We will be welcoming volunteers in mid September and will send home a schedule. Thank you in advance for devoting your time, support, and energy to our classroom!
Student of the Week:
Every child will have the opportunity to be “Student of the Week.” This is a special week for each student to create a simple book about him/herself and share it with the class. An example and more information will be sent home prior to when your child is student of the week.
Birthdays:
The Kindergarteners love celebrating birthdays at school! We will make them feel very special by giving them a special birthday badge, a class blessing, singing, and letting them know our special wishes for them. You may send in non-edible party favors but the school has discontinued food items due to allergies and health issues.
Important Facts:
•Individual testing will be completed by the end of September.
•We will be attending 3 fieldtrips: Bonneybrook Pumpkin Farm, LaRosas and Taft Theatre. Gwen Roth from Hamilton County will be coming to our rooms to give 4 presentations. PTO will also be bringing in presentations as well throughout the year.
•In the morning car riders and bus riders will be walked to the Kindergarten rooms. Although this might be difficult the first few weeks of school, it is usually best to give a quick good-bye hug at the door/bus. Lingering good-byes can cause anxiety in some children, and it is important for you to depart before your child enters the gym. It makes the transition easier, and it will only take a few days before a comfortable routine is established. It is also so important to establish this routine right at the beginning. If your child will typically be a bus rider it is best to start on day 1.
•If you will be picking up your child after school please wait in the cafeteria. If there is a change in the routine dismissal of your child, please make sure to send in a visible note. A note is required or a call to the office; there will be no exceptions.
•If you arrive late to school, you must sign your child in at the main office and then escort your child to the Kindergarten building.
•If your child has an appointment during the school day, please sign him/her out at the main office.
•Please check your child’s “Go Home” folder (empty it) each night and help them organize their book bag for the next day.
•Please write your child’s name and bus number home with a permanent marker on the outside of their I.H.M. book bag.
•Write your child’s name in all sweatshirts, jackets, and lunchboxes.
•If your child is prone to accidents, please keep an extra set of bottoms in a Ziploc bag to be kept at school.
We are anticipating a wonderful school year with your child. Thank you for the trust and responsibility you are giving to us. Kindergarten is such a big year of growth and achievement and we are thankful for your support!
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Speelman
We are so thrilled to have your child/children in our Kindergarten class! We have over 100 years combined teaching experience and we are so excited to share with you everything we have planned. We are very eager to provide a fun, enriching learning experience for the students, and we know that this will be a wonderful, memorable year. These little ones make it so easy!
Philosophy:
We believe in a classroom environment in which children feel safe, comfortable, valued and loved. To truly engage learners, teachers must realize how they teach is as important as what they teach. All students will feel affirmed, engaged, and supported. We want to help them be the best little people they can be academically, socially, and emotionally. We feel so blessed to be such an important part of this faith journey.
Communication:
We are excited to work as a team to ensure the best education possible for your child, so please do not hesitate to contact us. The best way to reach us is through email, which we check frequently. However, in case of an emergency or last minute change of plans please call the school office and they will send the message immediately as we may not be able to check our emails until after school. If you need to let us know about a change in dismissal, an immediate family matter, or a volunteer cancellation, you must send a note in with your child. We will be sending home a weekly newsletter and a Wednesday envelope which will contain important information from the office (this should be returned with your child every Thursday morning).
Daily Schedule:
We will be sending home a daily schedule after the first week of school, but this schedule will be very flexible. Each day the students will participate in class prayer, a formal religion class and attend weekly Thursday Mass at 8:10. We welcome all parents at Mass but please know that your child will be sitting with their class and teachers. A block of time will be devoted to literacy. Reading workshop, writer’s workshop, literacy stations, and social centers will be the fundamental components of the literacy program; there will be a variety of whole group, small group, and individual instruction. The first month of school will consist of many whole group activities to build community, establish routine, and to gauge the instructional needs of each child. We will have a snack, drink, and recess break. We also will be devoting much of the afternoon to math. We will be integrating science, health, and social studies throughout the curriculum. Mid-afternoon the children will have a short read, write, and rest period. Music and art will be incorporated daily in the classroom. The children will attend the following specials: P.E., music movement, library, Spanish, digital citizenship and art.
Snack: Please send in a small finger food snack such as goldfish, pretzels, fruit snacks, etc. The zippered pencil pouch on the supply list will make a great carrier for the snack. This will help the little ones remember what is snack and what is lunch. As always please write their name clearly on the pencil pouch. These snacks must also be peanut free so that we can keep all of our little friends safe and happy.
Homework:
A brief amount of homework in kindergarten builds a positive mindset as well as a routine for the upcoming years. Homework will be given on Mondays and Wednesdays. As the year progresses, the children will bring home “Take Home” books. More information will come home when we begin this activity. During these first few weeks of school, it would be helpful to practice zipping zippers and tying shoes.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are much loved and appreciated! There will be a sign up genius emailed. Volunteers will mostly be working with the students in small groups. We also love to have volunteer readers come to our class on Friday mornings at 8:15 to read a favorite book from their house. This usually only takes about 15 minutes and is a great opportunity for working parents who may not be able to volunteer during the day. Sign up is on the “Parent Picks” sheet. We are only able to accept volunteers in the classroom and on field trips who have been fingerprinted and are up to date with Safe Parish here at IHM. Remember to always wear the lanyard each time you volunteer. There is a separate handout with specific instructions and times.
It is important for children to learn the routine and become comfortable in the classroom environment before we begin a volunteer schedule. We will be welcoming volunteers in mid September and will send home a schedule. Thank you in advance for devoting your time, support, and energy to our classroom!
Student of the Week:
Every child will have the opportunity to be “Student of the Week.” This is a special week for each student to create a simple book about him/herself and share it with the class. An example and more information will be sent home prior to when your child is student of the week.
Birthdays:
The Kindergarteners love celebrating birthdays at school! We will make them feel very special by giving them a special birthday badge, a class blessing, singing, and letting them know our special wishes for them. You may send in non-edible party favors but the school has discontinued food items due to allergies and health issues.
Important Facts:
•Individual testing will be completed by the end of September.
•We will be attending 3 fieldtrips: Bonneybrook Pumpkin Farm, LaRosas and Taft Theatre. Gwen Roth from Hamilton County will be coming to our rooms to give 4 presentations. PTO will also be bringing in presentations as well throughout the year.
•In the morning car riders and bus riders will be walked to the Kindergarten rooms. Although this might be difficult the first few weeks of school, it is usually best to give a quick good-bye hug at the door/bus. Lingering good-byes can cause anxiety in some children, and it is important for you to depart before your child enters the gym. It makes the transition easier, and it will only take a few days before a comfortable routine is established. It is also so important to establish this routine right at the beginning. If your child will typically be a bus rider it is best to start on day 1.
•If you will be picking up your child after school please wait in the cafeteria. If there is a change in the routine dismissal of your child, please make sure to send in a visible note. A note is required or a call to the office; there will be no exceptions.
•If you arrive late to school, you must sign your child in at the main office and then escort your child to the Kindergarten building.
•If your child has an appointment during the school day, please sign him/her out at the main office.
•Please check your child’s “Go Home” folder (empty it) each night and help them organize their book bag for the next day.
•Please write your child’s name and bus number home with a permanent marker on the outside of their I.H.M. book bag.
•Write your child’s name in all sweatshirts, jackets, and lunchboxes.
•If your child is prone to accidents, please keep an extra set of bottoms in a Ziploc bag to be kept at school.
We are anticipating a wonderful school year with your child. Thank you for the trust and responsibility you are giving to us. Kindergarten is such a big year of growth and achievement and we are thankful for your support!
Many Blessings,
Mrs. Speelman
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