Great Expectations

Dear Families,

Welcome to Kindergarten at Thompson School! We are looking forward to the start of a wonderful school year full of learning, fun, and friendships. Our first gathering will take place on Kindergarten visiting day.  On this day, the class will be split into groups so that children and their families have time to meet with their teachers and explore their classroom.  During the visiting day, parents will also have the opportunity to check out the classroom and ask questions about the school year.

Every child has an assigned visiting time on Tuesday, September 5th which was mailed home. (Please email me if you need a reminder on your time!)

After our visiting day, our kindergarten fun will begin!  We will meet you outside and say good bye before our day begins.  Please take note of the dates below.

1/2 the class has school on Wednesday, September 6th & the other 1/2 has school on Thursday, September 7th (Please email me if you'd like me to let you know your day!)

Friday, September 8th - Full day of Kindergarten (8:10 AM-2:30 PM)

The following guide is designed to be a helpful orientation to the kindergarten program.  We suggest that you review this prior to visiting day, as it will help ensure a smooth transition to the start of our school year.  

We hope that you enjoy your summer and look forward to meeting with you soon!

Sincerely,

The Kindergarten Team

Welcome to Kindergarten

2017-2018

Arrival- The school bell rings to signal the start of the day at 8:10.  Each classroom will line up together before entering their classroom.  Each class lines up outside their classroom door.

There is a breakfast program.  Breakfast can be purchased for $.75.  When the school bell rings and the day begins, children will then proceed to their respective classrooms.   

One of our primary goals in kindergarten is to help children develop independence.  One way we encourage this is by requesting that all children say their good-byes to parents before entering the classroom. This allows children to have time and space to make important connections with their classmates and teachers each morning. We also ask that you encourage your child to be responsible for carrying his/her own belongings to and from school each day.  

Dismissal- All Kindergartners will be dismissed at 2:30.  Every Tuesday is an early release day and children will be dismissed at 1:00.  Fifth grade patrol leaders and their teacher will dismiss the children each day.  Students who participate in afterschool programs will be escorted to a bus or designated location.  

To ensure the safety of all students, your child will never be dismissed to anyone but you and people you have listed as acceptable.  If you cannot be present at dismissal time, we will need to know in advance who will be escorting your child home.

Backpacks and Home/School Communication-We ask that each child carry a backpack to and from school in which they can store their belongings. Each child will receive a folder, which they should bring back and forth from home/school each day.  Please check your child’s folder EACH EVENING as important written/typed communication is often enclosed.   Each teacher has an e-mail address where they can also be reached.  

*Please understand that the beginning of the school day is an important time for teachers to be available to the children, if you have information that you would like to share with your child’s teacher, please e-mail or write it in a note, rather than trying to converse at the door.  If you feel more comfortable speaking in person, we can arrange a time to meet.

   

Each Friday you will receive the “Friday Flash” newsletter that will provide information about curriculum, important events, and general notes and reminders about your kindergartners’ following school week.

Snack- We will have a brief afternoon snack each day.  Please keep the snacks healthy and peanut free.  

Parent Volunteers- You are an essential part of our team and your help is greatly appreciated!  There are many opportunities to participate in kindergarten school life.  Within the first month or two of school, you will have the opportunity to sign up to be a room parent or to help out with a variety of helper tasks.  Many of these jobs can be sent home with your child to be completed by you and sent back.  In addition, our in-class volunteer program usually begins in December.  Stay tuned for more detailed information on how you can participate!   

Lunch- The children can purchase school lunch for $3.00 and white or chocolate milk for .60.  There are three choices each day.  A calendar with meal descriptions is available online via the Arlington Public Schools Home Page.  We have found that prepaying for lunches is a perfect strategy for our Kindergarteners.  This is done through an online account that you will receive more information about.   They will keep track of how many lunches your child has consumed and let you know when your child is running low on prepaid meals!  

Clothing- Please encourage your children to practice getting dressed independently each day.  Help them to practice and learn how to zip their own coats, and put on their own shoes. Teachers are always available to help, but we will also be working to foster these important skills. We go out for recess everyday and the children will need warm winter clothing and boots.  We find that layers work well.  

Sometimes children have bathroom accidents.  We ask that you send a change of clothing, including underwear, to school.  We will keep it readily available in your child’s cubby, just in case.  In the past, parents have sent these clothes in a large ziplock bag with their child’s name clearly marked.  This is helpful in ensuring that all clothes are returned to their rightful owner at the close of the year!

Specialists- The children will participate in Physical Education, Music, Art and Library each week.  On Physical Education days the children need to wear rubber soled shoes and shorts or pants.  

Some final words of advice:

*Many children are especially tired during the first few weeks of school.  Setting a “winding-down” schedule with an early bedtime will help ensure that your child is well rested and ready for a fun day of learning each school day.  A nutritious breakfast is a great start too!

*For the nervous child/parent:  Think positive! We find that children take their cues from parents.  Express in your words and actions that you are confident that they will have a wonderful school day.  (And they will)!