Everything You Need to Know About KP!

                             

Dear KP Parents,

             Welcome to Kindergarten at Holy Rosary Academy! I am very excited to be working with your children, and I am looking forward to an outstanding year with them.

              The beginning of the school year is a thrilling time in the lives of children, especially Kindergarten students! I have prepared this packet of information to introduce myself to you, to identify important items that will get our year off to a smooth start, and to, hopefully, answer the many questions you may have concerning our room and the school.

                    

A Little About the Teacher

             My name is Cassie Phillips, and I grew up in Tennessee. I am an alum of Holy Rosary Academy, St. Cecilia Academy, and Belmont Abbey College. From Belmont Abbey, I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education (K-6) with a Minor in Theatrical Arts. While at Belmont Abbey, I student taught in Kindergarten. It was a wonderful experience, and I know Kindergarten here at Holy Rosary will be even better!

             After graduating from college, I worked in a Montessori school in Mt. Juliet, TN, and then transitioned to Holy Rosary in January 2010, where I taught second grade. This is my first full year teaching at Holy Rosary.  Outside of school, I attend St. Frances Cabrini in Lebanon with my fiance. We are marrying at the end of the year, but I will not be changing my last name until the end of the school year. I sincerely look forward to working with your children and creating the best learning environment possible for them. With collaboration and support among parents, teachers, and students, I know we will all have a STUPENDOUS year!

                        

Special Classes & Teachers

            We will have several "extra" teachers and classes this year that you will probably hear about from your children.

            In addition, we have on staff a full-time guidance counselor, Ms. Goodman, who is available for individual referrals at any time. She also conducts classroom visits once a month* to cover important topics, such as feelings, friends and personal safety.
*Please note that this a change from the Orientation packet handed out on Parent Night (August 11, 2010).

                  

Communication

DAILY COMMUNICATION

             Your child will have a B.E.A.C.H. Book to carry to and from school every day.  B.E.A.C.H. is an acronym for Bring Everyday: Assignments, Communication, & Homework.  The three-ring binder will contain all of the papers, notes, and other communications necessary for home and for school.  Each night, please check the folders, review the day's behavior, work with your child, initial the calendar, and return the book to school the following day.  There is a pouch to send money back and forth to school as well.  After you have looked over the work and discussed it with your child, please keep the work.  Your child should also bring his/her HRA tote bag every day to carry belongings, including the B.E.A.C.H. Book, to and from school each day.

                            

WEEKLY COMMUNICATION

             A weekly family folder from the office will be sent home each Friday with the eldest/only student in each family.  The folder carries communications about calendar changes, upcoming events, menus, and other important information from the school.  Please read and keep all communications.  Sign the folder and return it with your child the following MONDAY to receive the next week’s communications.  Each Monday (or the first day we return from a long weekend), your child will bring home a Weekly Newsletter in their B.E.A.C.H. Book, telling about what has been happening in the classroom and what to expect in the future.

                    

COMMUNICATING WITH THE TEACHER

             Any time you need to contact me, please feel free to send a note with your child, call me at school and leave a voice mail, or send an e-mail.  My extension is #311, and my e-mail address is phillipsc@holyrosary.edu.  I will respond to your note, e-mail, and phone calls as soon as possible, but, please, keep in mind that the majority of the day I am with your children and not near a phone.  An open line of communication is extremely important to me, and I hope to you as well.

                  

KP’s CALENDAR and NEWSLETTER

            At the beginning of each month, you will receive a calendar showing all the important events that will be taking place in KP.  Please keep your child’s calendar in his/her B.E.A.C.H. Book, and then remind your child each morning to cross out the correct day. This will help him/her become more familiar with numerals, days of the week, months of the year, and concepts concerning time.  Along with the calendar, you will receive weekly newsletter called The Phillips Post that updates you on things that will be happening throughout the week, such as field trips, the letter of the week, high frequency words, etc. The KP calendar and KP newsletter will arrive home in your child’s B.E.A.C.H. Book.

               

CLASS WEBSITE

             Check the school website weekly for events and information of what is going on in the classroom. The classroom newsletter, a list of high frequency words, spelling words, and many other activities will be listed on it. I have included useful information as well as links to other sites you and your child might enjoy.

             

Daily Acitivities and School Procedures

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL

             School begins each day at 7:45am.  The children are expected to be in their rooms and ready to begin their day at this time.  Please drop your child off by 7:40am to ensure that they are in the classroom on time.  We use the early morning time from 7:30am – 7:45am to unpack tote bags, to prepare for the day, and to work in their journals. Therefore, it is recommended that they get to school by 7:30am in order to give them plenty of time to complete all morning tasks and not feel rushed!  Children arriving after 7:45am are considered tardy and must have a tardy slip to be admitted to class.  The tardy policy at HRA is strictly enforced, so please review it in your handbook.  Children may also arrive between 7:15am and 7:30am.  At this time, they go to the meeting room with other K-1 students for supervision by Mrs. Glass (one of our first grade teachers).  At 7:30am, the students are dismissed to their classrooms.  For the first few days while the children are becoming familiar with the building, kindergarten parents may park and walk your child to the room.  After the first few days, we ask that you drop them off and have them walk to the room on their own to encourage and develop their independence.

             School dismisses each day at 3:00pm.  There is an optional 2:45pm dismissal for Kindergarten students.  Students eligible for the 2:45pm dismissal are kindergarten students, first grade students, and combinations of kindergarten and first grade students in car pools.  No student above first grade will be allowed in the back parking lot for dismissal.  At 2:55pm, the remaining students are escorted to the front parking lot to be picked up there, or if they are to attend ESCAPE (our after school daycare program), they will be taken to the dining hall.  We must have written notification of the dismissal time your child will use this year.  The children are taught to look for their cars or the person waving from their car.  They must stay in line with the kindergarten teachers until they see the person picking them up.  Parents may walk up to find their child for the first few days, but after that they are expected to stay by their cars.  Please, do not come over to talk to your child’s teacher during dismissal time.  If your child does not see you and proceed to your car and the traffic begins moving, you must drive around and come back into the parking lot.  Under no circumstances may the children leave their teacher and go with their parents when traffic is moving. You also, can not park across or down the street and walk to get your child. This policy is for the safety of the children.  Please, be patient for the first few days while everyone becomes accustomed to the parking lot procedures at dismissal.

                  

ABSENCES

             Parents are asked to call the school between 7:00am and 8:30am if your child will be absent.  In the event of an absence, excuse notes (reason for absence) are required after each absence.  The notice must include the reason for the absence, the date,  a parent signature, a phone number, and the name of the child.  The notes will be kept on file as part of the attendance record.  A doctor’s note is required after three (3) consecutive days of absences.  For one day’s absence, the make up work will be given to the child the day they return. For 2 or more days of absence, you may contact the office for work to be picked up or sent home. Please refer to the family handbook for full details on the school’s policy. Because of the nature of the kindergarten curriculum and program, it is not always possible to send home make-up work.  It is especially important for this age to be at school and hear the lesson of the skill being taught.  Hands-on experiences are important for kindergarteners!  Please try to schedule vacation times for when we are out of school.

           

DISCIPLINE PLAN

             In your child’s B.E.A.C.H. Book, in the Behavior section, is a copy of my Kindergarten Discipline Plan that I use for positive and effective classroom management.  Please read, discuss it with your child, sign and return the bottom portion to me by August 20, 2010.

              

MASS

             The kindergarten classes will begin attending Mass with the primary grades on Wednesday mornings beginning September 1 and on Thursday mornings with the entire school a few weeks later.  Mass begins promptly at 8:00am, and we must take care of “school business” first, so it is very important that your child arrive on time.

             

BATHROOM BREAKS

             Each day we will take 2 class bathroom/water breaks, one during the morning and one after recess.  We will also take a break before lunch to wash our hands and an optional break before rest time.  We encourage all children to use the restroom during these scheduled times so that class time can be focused on lessons, learning, and fun, instead of starting and stopping to use the restroom, which distracts all learners.  Each Kindergarten is equipped with a bathroom in the classroom for emergencies or need; however, disruption of class times is discouraged.  Also, please help your child learn how to independently handle clothing (zippers, buttons, belts, shirts tucked in, etc.).  I do understand that in the beginning children may need assistance with clothing, and I will be happy to help.

             

LUNCH

             Kindergarten students go to lunch each day from 10:45-11:15.  The dining hall staff provides a lunch menu in the Friday Family Folder every two weeks with menus; the cost of daily lunches; and the cost of meal tickets, milk, etc.  Meal tickets should be purchased at the beginning of the week and tickets can be carried over if your child does not use it every day.  Whether you are sending money for a meal ticket, a daily lunch, etc., please send money to school with your child in an envelope with your child’s name, his/her class (KP), the amount of money, and what it is for clearly marked on the front. This envelope should be in the money pouch in your child’s B.E.A.C.H. Book.  Children may purchase hot lunches at school or are welcome to bring their lunch from home.  If your child brings his/her lunch, please label the lunchbox or bag.  We try to teach the children to eat healthy so please do not send candy or sodas to school and only one dessert. Parents are welcome to come to school to have lunch with their child from time to time.  Please send a note with your child on the day you are coming so that you can be included in the lunch count we are required to send to the dining hall.  When you arrive, sign in at the office. Please note the dining hall policy of no outside food being brought in at lunchtime, especially fast food.

                 

RECESS

             The children are supervised by the teachers during their fifteen-minute recess outdoors after lunch each day.  Please be aware of weather conditions and dress your child appropriately.  Only on extreme cold or wet days do we have recess indoors.

                    

REST TIME

             We do have rest time each day for 45 minutes to 1 hour.  A small, folding rest mat is necessary, and you may send a small pillow and cover, if desired.  Beach towels work great as covers. Please do not send heavy sized blankets or quilts due to the lack of room and because they are hard for the children to fold.  The children are not required to go to sleep, but they are expected to rest quietly on their mat.  Please keep rest time items as small as possible, since we have limited storage in our classroom. We ask that favorite stuffed “friends” be left at home now that they are in kindergarten.

                 

SNACK

             Each afternoon after rest time, students may eat a light nutritious snack (this is optional) before/while working at centers.  If desired, please send in a simple, nutritious snack that can be handled as independently as possible.  Please, NO drinks or candy at snack time. We normally have snack in the classroom, so if you send a snack that requires a fork or spoon, please send one with your child.

                

S.S.R. (SUSTAINED SILENT READING)

             At the end of each school day from 2:40pm -3:00pm, our school engages in silent reading (younger students are read to).  Please conduct all school business, including phone calls/messages, prior to this time so that S.S.R. time is not disturbed.  Children that have early dismissal will miss S.S.R. time.

             

Special Days

STAR OF THE WEEK

             During the year, each child will have a chance to be a “Star!”  I will assign each child a week to be featured and before that week they will bring home the “Star Student” folder. The folder contains an information sheet to fill out with your child.  A few weeks prior to your child’s week, a the folder will be sent home asking you to send in pictures, mementos, favorite things, etc. to be shared with classmates, along with the information sheet. Return the folder, filled in sheet, and other items on your child’s assigned week.  An informative letter about being “Star of the Week” will be sent home at the start of the year with a calendar showing the dates.  The calendar will also be available in the B.E.A.C.H. Book a few weeks into school year.

         

BIRTHDAYS

             Birthdays are special days, and we will celebrate each child’s birthday at school.  The summer birthdays will be celebrated on the closest date to his/her half birthday.  A week or two before your child’s birthday you will receive a note asking how you would like to participate in their birthday celebration. You are invited to come and have lunch with your child on the day we celebrate his/her birthday, read a story to the class either before lunch (10:30-10:40) or during SSR before regular dismissal (2:30-2:45), and you may also send a special treat for our snack time.  Please send napkins with the special snack and bring it to the classroom that morning before school.  Please keep birthday treats simple (cupcakes, brownies, cookies, etc.).  The less time we spend cutting up a treat, the more time we have to enjoy it!  Students will also have a uniform break on their birthday.  (Remember, you must have a Diocesan Profile form on file in the office to participate in the classroom.)  This is a very sensitive age and in order to not hurt any child’s feelings we ask that you do not send birthday invitations to school to be passed out.  Please see the HRA school handbook for school policy.

                       

FIELD TRIPS

             Kindergarten will be going on five field trips this year:  Walden Farm - TBA, Traveller’s Rest - TBA, Nashville Children’s Theater November 30th to see Seussical and March 1st to see Goodnight Moon, and the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere in May.  We travel by chartered buses, and all trips are chaperoned by the teachers unless it is a trip when we need one or two extra chaperones. Our policy is that parents do not attend field trips with their child in order to help develop their independence and social interaction/development with their peers and teachers.  We appreciate your cooperation with this policy for your child’s benefit.  Permission forms and information about fees will come home 2 - 3 weeks prior to each field trip.  Your child must have a signed permission form for each field trip.

               

SHOW & TELL

             We will have Show & Tell one Friday a month, on most months as noted on our monthly class calendars. For Show & Tell Fridays, please encourage your child to bring things to school that they are prepared to tell about and share with their classmates. Toys are not permitted at school except on Show & Tell days. Your child may also bring books, records, tapes, etc. that are appropriate for the class at any time. No comic books, please. Please be sure that all items coming to school are clearly marked with names, including sweaters, jackets, raincoats, etc. Many are identical and lost items are much easier to return to the owners if marked with names.

             

Volunteers

PARENT ART

             Each month, KP friends get excited to have parents volunteer to lead art projects.  Parent Art time is on the designated Friday from around 11:30-12:15.  I allocate about thirty to forty-five minutes for instructions, preparation, and clean up, but please do not worry if your project will not last that long. We’d rather have too much time than not enough!  Please know you are responsible for coming up with the art project idea and having all of the materials prepared and ready to bring to school on your given day.  Remember, to make these simple and child friendly!  Children are easily pleased and have fun doing most things so please do not stress yourself out by spending a lot of time or money in planning these.  We love to have projects that we can hang in the hallway on display so that the children and the other classes can see their work. I am always here to help with ideas and to help in any way.  Please note the school policy that younger siblings are NOT to participate in these activities in fairness to the students.

              

VOLUNTEERING AT HRA

            ALL people (moms, dads, relatives, friends, etc.) who wish to volunteer in the classroom or school in any way, MUST have the required and current DIOCESAN PROFILE FORM completed and on file in the school office. This would include art projects, reading on birthdays, party participation, field trip chaperoning, clinic, library, office volunteers, and any other activities with the students. If you have not completed a form, please do so, they are available in the school office. Forms must be complete ahead of time and entered into the school computer (at least 2 weeks before the date you plan to visit) before one can participate. Please note the school policy that when volunteering or attending a class activity or party siblings are not to participate in the activity in fairness to the students. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this manner.

                 

HELPING OUT IN THE CLASSROOM

            I have discovered there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do everything.  I am looking for some “at home” help.  If you would be willing to make playdough, do some simple coloring or cutting for art projects or games, and help in special projects, please let me know.  This is a great way for working parents to feel a part of helping. Also, when we begin our “Letter of the Week” unit, I will be asking for volunteers to send in a snack that begins with the letter, example:  Letter “P” – popcorn.

                      

Student Progress and School Recognition

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES & REPORT CARDS

             We will have a scheduled parent-teacher conference in the fall and optional conferences in the spring.  Please refer to the school calendar for dates. These conferences are very important to your child’s education.  Please put these dates on your calendar and plan to attend on this day. We ask that you do not plan vacations during this time and note in the school handbook these are MANDATORY!  You must attend to receive your child’s progress report.  Kindergarten report cards will begin at the end of the second nine-week grading period in January, and again after the third and final grading periods.  Please feel free to contact me anytime you need to discuss anything, and I will do the same.

                  

AWARDS

             Along with daily praise and weekly trips to the treasure box, at the end of each semester, there will be an awards ceremony conducted by Mrs. Hart, our principal, in the gym (dates and times are on calendars). For both semesters, kindergarten students can earn the “Citizenship” award based on their weekly behavior grades. They may also earn the homework award beginning the first semester by bringing in their B.E.A.C.H. Books every day.  This is an important way to teach your child responsibility by being sure their book is initialed on the calendar and back at school each morning.  After 6 days of not having the B.E.A.C.H. Book signed or with them when they enter school in the morning, they will not be eligible for the homework award for that semester.  (The B.E.A.C.H. Book is late if not at school by 7:45am.) The award will also be based on returning requested homework on its due date in the morning no later than 7:45 am.  Examples of homework are Letter of the Week (due on Fridays), spelling when it begins, and special assignments that will be sent home from time to time.

                

Odds and Ends

EXTRA CLOTHING

             We ask that you send an extra change of clothes to be kept at school in case of an accident (shirt, pants or shorts, underwear, socks).  The clothes you send might be older clothes (as close to uniform colors as possible) that are not needed at home because they are to be kept at school.  Please make sure the clothes are labeled with your child’s name and place them in a large zip-lock bag with your child’s name on the outside.  The zip-lock bag will be used to send dirty clothes home.  If your child has a “wet” accident, the child will change into their spare clothes and assistance will be given if necessary. But, for any other bathroom accidents, you will be called to come and take your child home for necessary cleaning. The child is welcome to return the following day.  This is for health and sanitary reasons. Please be sure to send in another change of clothes the next day after your child has an accident.

                

SUPPLIES

              During the year, I will send home a note when it is time to replenish any supplies in your child’s work box that have been used up.  Please try to fill the missing supplies as soon as possible, so your child may complete his/her work efficiently without having to worry about not having an item.

                      

BOOK ORDERS

              Your child will have the opportunity to order books for your home library each month or so.  The book orders are from Scholastic Books and will be sent home each month attached to the monthly calendar.

                 

Finally

             Please, talk to your child about going to school and what he/she will be learning, doing, and its importance.  Talk positively about school.  Encourage your child to discuss school activities with you each day.  Your constant interest will play an important part in your child’s positive and happy experience in school and learning success. I am delighted to have your child in my class, and I look forward to working with you through the year.  Please keep this packet for future reference in your child’s B.E.A.C.H. Book.  I deeply appreciate your support and anticipate a thrilling and successful school year.

                 

Thank you,

Cassie Phillips