Welcome to Kindergarten at K.T. School! It was a gorgeous summer and I am looking forward to a fabulous fall, especially with your children in my class.
I also assume that some of the children (and parents) are a bit nervous about the first day of Kindergarten. Honestly, I am too . Every year, I have butterflies when I walk outside and see all of the children playing. I really hope your child is excited about beginning the school year...all of the anxieties about the "newness" will soon disappear and we will all be having such a great time as we start learning our routines and making friends to enjoy throughout the year.
Starting school is a very big step in your child's life. You can help your child adjust to Kindergarten in the following way:
1. Encourage your child to dress independently; including putting on his or her coat and shoes.
2. Encourage your child to follow three step directions such as " Find your crayons, make a picture and bring it to me".
3. When your child comes home from school, ask him or her specific questions such as "Who did you play with today?" "What centre did you play in and what did you do there?" and "Tell me about the story your teacher read today?"
4. Establish a consistent bedtime routine for your child. Tuck your child into bed with a good story such as Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, Love You Forever by Robert Munsch, Time for Bed by Mem Fox or Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
There are a number of books available at the public library, our school library and/or from bookstores on the topic of starting school. Some of the titles you and your child might enjoy are:
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois
- Kimberly Worries by Kevin Henkes
- Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come by Nancy Carlson
- Miss Kindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
What to Bring to School
Your child will need to bring a bag or backpack to school every day to carry home papers/projects from school. Please check the contents of this backpack daily ! In addition, your child will also need to have a nutritious snack and a water bottle. It is also very helpful, to have an extra pair of clothes in your child's back pack in case we have an emergency.
Water Bottles
Proper hydration is very important for students. "The brain is a water-loving organ, and if it doesn't get enough of it, it doesn't work right". Studies have also shown that children need a higher amount of water than adults. So I am strongly encouraging all of the students to bring water bottles to school every day. Please write your child's name on the bottle with a permanent marker.
Your Child's Belongings
Please, please, please put your child's name on everything that comes to school, including hats, mittens, shoes, coats, snow pants etc... As the seasons change so quickly in Calgary, sometimes the kids are coming to school in different coats on different days. At times, they do not recognize their own belongings. If their name is in them it makes it much easier to help them keep track of their belongings.
Volunteering in Kindergarten
Once your police check and paperwork have been processed you are welcome to volunteer in the classroom beginning in October. This gives the students time to learn our school routines and feel comfortable in the classroom environment. Please DO NOT bring siblings to school on your scheduled volunteer day so that you can enjoy a "special" time with your child.
Scholastic Book Orders
Throughout the school year, students will have the opportunity to order books from Scholastic. Order forms will be sent home with your child. You are NOT obligated to purchase anything. However, Scholastic books provide a great way to increase your home library or make great gifts. Though Scholastic purchases we are able to earn free books and material for our school. We ask that you please send cheques only (made payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd) for the exact amount ordered. Please include your child's and teacher's names on the order for m. Return order forms by the due date. We cannot process orders past the due date.
* A very important volunteer job is the collection and organization of the Scholastic book orders. We are in need of one or two parents to do this very important job for our classroom. If you're able to help us out please contact me as soon as possible.*
When Should My Child Be Kept Home From School ?
For the benefit of all students and staff, children who are sick are not to attend school. Please keep your child at home if they are sick. Children are considered sick if they have any of the following:
- fever
- green or yellow discharge from nose
- any infection requiring antibiotics
- any communicable diseases
- vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
If your child has been running a fever or vomiting please ensure they must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school 403-817-3504 to let us know if your child will be absent or late. This will help us ensure, in a timely manner, that all Ken Taylor students are safe and that their attendance record will be accurate
After you call the school press 1, and leave your message on the Attendance Line and please let us know your child’s first and last name (please spell the last name), teacher and room number; and the reason for, and duration of the absence, if known.
Please come to the office and request an extended absence form - if your child is going to be absent for a duration longer than 5 days.
I look forward to working with you and your child throughout the year. It's going to be a fun year with lots of learning and new adventures along the way. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at michelle.lai@cbe.ab.ca
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Lai
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