I am looking forward to teaching your child during their Kindergarten year and want to share some information that you may find helpful as the year begins. Below you will find the ABC’s of Kindergarten. Kindergarten is a big adventure and I will work hard to make this a relaxed and successful start to your child’s school experience.
Arrival and Dismissal - Children should arrive no earlier than 8:30 am since supervision by the school staff is not available. No child or parent should be in the building before this time. School begins at 8:46 AM and afternoon dismissal is at 2:45 PM from the classroom outside door. Please pick up your child promptly. If you are late, look for your child in our classroom or in the office. Please make sure your child and I know who is picking them up. If there is a different arrangement than usual please inform me or the secretary.
Attendance - A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parents and the school. Your child’s progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is critical. Should you arrive after the 8:51 bell, please bring your child to the office to sign in and to pick up a late slip.
Absences - If your child is ill, please call the office 604-888-5257 and inform us of your child’s absence and the reason for it. This is for your child’s safety. If a student must leave early for an appointment, go to the office to sign them out and the secretary will call them to the office.
Backpacks - Every child needs a backpack to transport their Message Bag, library books, lunch and other projects between school and home (backpacks on wheels are not suggested since they do not fit into the cloakroom easily). Having children pack and unpack their backpacks is a great way to encourage independence and responsibility.
Birthdays - If you would like to send in a small snack for the class to celebrate your child's birthday, please let me know in advance. Please be aware of the school “no nuts” policy. If you wish to hand out invitations at school, please discreetly hand them to me and I will be happy to distribute them in the Message Bags.
Clothing - Please remember that we do a variety of activities in Kindergarten, including painting, and playing outside, so please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for these activities. Children must have rubber-soled slip-on or Velcro runners to be used as their inside shoes. These will remain at school and be kept in their cubbies. Outdoor shoes should also be slip-on or Velcro. Also, send an extra set of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) in a large zip-lock for emergencies. Please ensure that all of these items are labeled with your child’s name.
Contact Info - If you need to reach me, you can leave a note in your child’s Message Bag, or send me an e-mail. I usually check my e-mails daily, however, if you need me to get a message before the end of the day, please call the secretary, Mrs. Sollows.
Daily Communication - Each child will have a large zip-lock bag to use as their Message Bag. It is important that your child remembers to bring their bag back to school everyday in order to receive important information. I will use it to send home notes, newsletters, and information from school, so please remember to check it daily. Likewise, if you have any information, notes or money to send to school, please place it in the bag, as they are checked each morning.
Emergency Closings - In the event of inclement weather, Langley School District may decide to delay or close for the day. Please watch the local news channels or listen to local radio stations for information. Information can also be found on the school district web site at www.sd35.bc.ca.
Field Trips - Kindergarten classes will have the opportunity for field trips during the course of the year. Children need to have a signed permission slip to attend. If chaperones are needed for a particular field trip, I will put out a note to ask for parent volunteers. In some instances there is a cost for the field trip. If this fee poses a financial hardship please see myself or Mrs. Lainchbury.
Fire and Earthquake Drills - Drills are held on a regular basis throughout the year. All students are expected to walk quickly and quietly to their designated area. We will discuss this together often and practice to become familiar with the procedures.
Gym and Creative Movement - Children will attend gym classes two days a week and will participate in movement activities daily. Children must wear their inside shoes (rubber-soled slip-on or Velcro runners) to participate.
Hands-on Learning - Many of the learning activities in Kindergarten are hands-on activities or learning centers. There will not be a lot of worksheets coming home, so be sure to ask your child about their day, and check your child's FreshGrade portfolio frequently.
Homework - It is important that children are read to every day as it is essential for future success. Other than daily story times, Kindergarten students do not typically have homework, however there may be occasional projects to work on at home. It is hard for your child to make up work missed in Kindergarten since most work is hands-on. Homework packages will not be prepared for students missing class due to family vacations since most learning is not able to be replicated on worksheets.
Home Reading Program – As the year progresses, I will start a Home Reading Program where I send home books at the appropriate reading level for your child to practice reading with you.
Internet - Kindergarten will have opportunities to use the internet. Parent permission to use the internet was on the Kindergarten registration form.
Independence - One of the goals for children during Kindergarten is for them to increase their independence. We encourage them to be responsible for their own belongings and spaces, make their own decisions, and work through problems with peers on their own.
Journals - During the year, we will work in our journals. This is a place where children can practice their drawing and writing skills at their own individual level.
Joyful Learning - Children learn best when they are feeling loved and encouraged to try new things. Our classrooms build a feeling of mutual respect, being risk-takers and supporting each other. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be permitted. Happy faces are so important!
Kindergarten - In Kindergarten, the children will be learning colors, shapes, letters, numbers, counting, reading, writing... the list goes on and on. We will be covering themes such as apples, butterflies, insects, community helpers and fairy tales, and we will tie the academics into these themes. Not only will your child be working on these 'academic' skills, but they will also be working on their social skills, and becoming responsible, self-confident individuals who can recognize and solve problems.
Library - Children will be able to check out two books each week and they must be returned before new ones can be checked out. Our library day is on Thursday.
Litter-Less Lunch - We have very limited garbage space as James Kennedy has moved to a more "recycling-based" system. We would prefer that you send your child with "litter-less lunches"...this means reusable containers and snack bags. Should the children bring snacks or lunch in packaging that would need to go in the garbage, the packaging may be sent home with your child :)
Lunch – Kindergarten children will have a 20 minute lunch period after their 25 minutes of outside play (weather permitting). Please make their lunches as easy for them to eat (ie: peeled fruit, cut sandwiches, small portions). Please try to keep lunches as healthy as possible and refrain from sending pop or candy.
Music - Children attend music classes twice a week with Ms. Hu. Our music days are on Tuesday and Wednesday.
No Naps - We do not have a nap time in Kindergarten; however we do have a quiet time after lunch when the children can relax and read or have downtime drawing.
News - I will be using Fresh Grade to regularly communicate classroom information regarding our thematic units, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events.
Nut Aware Classroom - James Kennedy is a nut aware school as there are many students who are allergic to nuts. We do have a student in our class this year who has a sensitivity to nuts. Please be mindful of this when packing your child’s snacks and lunches.
Open Communication - Please let me know if your have ANY concerns or questions regarding your child throughout the year. I feel it is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful year.
Ordering Books - If you would like to order books from the Scholastic Book Clubs which are sent home monthly, you can order and pay online or return the order form and a check payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd. by the date indicated on the flyer. Books usually arrive within 2 weeks. If you order from more than one club, you can add the totals together and send in one check for the full amount.
Parties - We will have various parties throughout the year. A notice will go out or a sign up may be posted in the window for help with the celebrations.
Playground - We will have a 15 min recess time on the playground in the morning as well as 25 minutes at lunch and sometimes again at the end of the day. We will try to go outside every day, unless there is inclement or extremely cold weather. Please send appropriate outerwear with your child each day. Children will be fully supervised outside at all times.
Questions - Please call, e-mail, or leave a note in the Message Bag if you have any questions!
Quick good-byes…. leave dry eyes.
Report Cards - There will be three report cards; one in November, one in March and one at the end of the year in June. These will be sent electronically through FreshGrade.
Room Parent – The room parent helps communicate information from the PAC to the parents in the class and they will help to organize and coordinate certain events for the class. Our class room parent will be in touch with everyone soon.
Separating - If your child has trouble separating from you in the morning, reassure them that they're going to have a great day, tell them you have to go, give them a hug and leave. While it is always difficult to leave the classroom with your child crying, most children will become involved with activities and their friends pretty quickly once you've gone and we will help them to find an activity. For those children who continually have difficulty separating in the morning, we can discuss other ideas that may help in your individual situation.
Snack - We have a morning snack each day. Your child requires a snack separate from their lunch. I encourage the children to have a small serving of fruit, veggies, cheese or yogurt at snack time.
Special Helper - Each day we will have a new Special Helper. This child will be able to help with special activities and duties each day.
Show and Share – This will start soon. The Special Helper will come home with a drawstring bag to fill with something special to them. Please help them fill it with something that is appropriate and help them fill in the clues for that item on the Mystery Bag sheet that is inside the bag.
Supplies – The Kindergarten teachers have purchased all the school supplies for the year. The cost per child is $45. Please send the money or a cheque payable to JKE as soon as possible. Thanks!
Toys - Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. It is very upsetting for children if their special toy gets lost or broken at school. There will be many toys for them to enjoy playing with in the classroom.
Units and Themes - The units and themes in Kindergarten give us focus and allow children to explore topics in a hands-on way, helping them to discover new concepts.
Volunteer – I will be sending e-mails out throughout the year when volunteer opportunities arise. If you are able to help please let me know.
Writing - Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Writing begins with scribbles and proceeds to random strings of letters, words and spaces, and eventually sentences. Children are encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in writing, including invented spellings. Students will learn about writing during Writer's Workshop mini-lessons. Each student will have their own journal, and opportunities to write pages for class books. Writing is also encouraged during other projects and is built into a variety of dramatic play areas.
eXtra Clothing - Please make sure that your child always has an extra set of clothes in a large zip-lock bag kept in their cubby and replenish them if they are used. It is important to send in a new set as each season approaches. It is no fun to pull out a pair of shorts in the middle of winter, or find that the extra shirt is a few sizes too small!
Year of Growth - As the year goes on, we will be collecting work samples from the children. At the end of the year, we will be able to look back on the exciting year of growth as the children move on to Grade One!
Zzzzzz's - Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day!
Attendance - A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parents and the school. Your child’s progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance without tardiness is critical. Should you arrive after the 8:51 bell, please bring your child to the office to sign in and to pick up a late slip.
Absences - If your child is ill, please call the office 604-888-5257 and inform us of your child’s absence and the reason for it. This is for your child’s safety. If a student must leave early for an appointment, go to the office to sign them out and the secretary will call them to the office.
Backpacks - Every child needs a backpack to transport their Message Bag, library books, lunch and other projects between school and home (backpacks on wheels are not suggested since they do not fit into the cloakroom easily). Having children pack and unpack their backpacks is a great way to encourage independence and responsibility.
Birthdays - If you would like to send in a small snack for the class to celebrate your child's birthday, please let me know in advance. Please be aware of the school “no nuts” policy. If you wish to hand out invitations at school, please discreetly hand them to me and I will be happy to distribute them in the Message Bags.
Clothing - Please remember that we do a variety of activities in Kindergarten, including painting, and playing outside, so please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for these activities. Children must have rubber-soled slip-on or Velcro runners to be used as their inside shoes. These will remain at school and be kept in their cubbies. Outdoor shoes should also be slip-on or Velcro. Also, send an extra set of clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, socks) in a large zip-lock for emergencies. Please ensure that all of these items are labeled with your child’s name.
Contact Info - If you need to reach me, you can leave a note in your child’s Message Bag, or send me an e-mail. I usually check my e-mails daily, however, if you need me to get a message before the end of the day, please call the secretary, Mrs. Sollows.
Daily Communication - Each child will have a large zip-lock bag to use as their Message Bag. It is important that your child remembers to bring their bag back to school everyday in order to receive important information. I will use it to send home notes, newsletters, and information from school, so please remember to check it daily. Likewise, if you have any information, notes or money to send to school, please place it in the bag, as they are checked each morning.
Emergency Closings - In the event of inclement weather, Langley School District may decide to delay or close for the day. Please watch the local news channels or listen to local radio stations for information. Information can also be found on the school district web site at www.sd35.bc.ca.
Field Trips - Kindergarten classes will have the opportunity for field trips during the course of the year. Children need to have a signed permission slip to attend. If chaperones are needed for a particular field trip, I will put out a note to ask for parent volunteers. In some instances there is a cost for the field trip. If this fee poses a financial hardship please see myself or Mrs. Lainchbury.
Fire and Earthquake Drills - Drills are held on a regular basis throughout the year. All students are expected to walk quickly and quietly to their designated area. We will discuss this together often and practice to become familiar with the procedures.
Gym and Creative Movement - Children will attend gym classes two days a week and will participate in movement activities daily. Children must wear their inside shoes (rubber-soled slip-on or Velcro runners) to participate.
Hands-on Learning - Many of the learning activities in Kindergarten are hands-on activities or learning centers. There will not be a lot of worksheets coming home, so be sure to ask your child about their day, and check your child's FreshGrade portfolio frequently.
Homework - It is important that children are read to every day as it is essential for future success. Other than daily story times, Kindergarten students do not typically have homework, however there may be occasional projects to work on at home. It is hard for your child to make up work missed in Kindergarten since most work is hands-on. Homework packages will not be prepared for students missing class due to family vacations since most learning is not able to be replicated on worksheets.
Home Reading Program – As the year progresses, I will start a Home Reading Program where I send home books at the appropriate reading level for your child to practice reading with you.
Internet - Kindergarten will have opportunities to use the internet. Parent permission to use the internet was on the Kindergarten registration form.
Independence - One of the goals for children during Kindergarten is for them to increase their independence. We encourage them to be responsible for their own belongings and spaces, make their own decisions, and work through problems with peers on their own.
Journals - During the year, we will work in our journals. This is a place where children can practice their drawing and writing skills at their own individual level.
Joyful Learning - Children learn best when they are feeling loved and encouraged to try new things. Our classrooms build a feeling of mutual respect, being risk-takers and supporting each other. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be permitted. Happy faces are so important!
Kindergarten - In Kindergarten, the children will be learning colors, shapes, letters, numbers, counting, reading, writing... the list goes on and on. We will be covering themes such as apples, butterflies, insects, community helpers and fairy tales, and we will tie the academics into these themes. Not only will your child be working on these 'academic' skills, but they will also be working on their social skills, and becoming responsible, self-confident individuals who can recognize and solve problems.
Library - Children will be able to check out two books each week and they must be returned before new ones can be checked out. Our library day is on Thursday.
Litter-Less Lunch - We have very limited garbage space as James Kennedy has moved to a more "recycling-based" system. We would prefer that you send your child with "litter-less lunches"...this means reusable containers and snack bags. Should the children bring snacks or lunch in packaging that would need to go in the garbage, the packaging may be sent home with your child :)
Lunch – Kindergarten children will have a 20 minute lunch period after their 25 minutes of outside play (weather permitting). Please make their lunches as easy for them to eat (ie: peeled fruit, cut sandwiches, small portions). Please try to keep lunches as healthy as possible and refrain from sending pop or candy.
Music - Children attend music classes twice a week with Ms. Hu. Our music days are on Tuesday and Wednesday.
No Naps - We do not have a nap time in Kindergarten; however we do have a quiet time after lunch when the children can relax and read or have downtime drawing.
News - I will be using Fresh Grade to regularly communicate classroom information regarding our thematic units, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events.
Nut Aware Classroom - James Kennedy is a nut aware school as there are many students who are allergic to nuts. We do have a student in our class this year who has a sensitivity to nuts. Please be mindful of this when packing your child’s snacks and lunches.
Open Communication - Please let me know if your have ANY concerns or questions regarding your child throughout the year. I feel it is our job to work together as partners to help your child have a successful year.
Ordering Books - If you would like to order books from the Scholastic Book Clubs which are sent home monthly, you can order and pay online or return the order form and a check payable to Scholastic Canada Ltd. by the date indicated on the flyer. Books usually arrive within 2 weeks. If you order from more than one club, you can add the totals together and send in one check for the full amount.
Parties - We will have various parties throughout the year. A notice will go out or a sign up may be posted in the window for help with the celebrations.
Playground - We will have a 15 min recess time on the playground in the morning as well as 25 minutes at lunch and sometimes again at the end of the day. We will try to go outside every day, unless there is inclement or extremely cold weather. Please send appropriate outerwear with your child each day. Children will be fully supervised outside at all times.
Questions - Please call, e-mail, or leave a note in the Message Bag if you have any questions!
Quick good-byes…. leave dry eyes.
Report Cards - There will be three report cards; one in November, one in March and one at the end of the year in June. These will be sent electronically through FreshGrade.
Room Parent – The room parent helps communicate information from the PAC to the parents in the class and they will help to organize and coordinate certain events for the class. Our class room parent will be in touch with everyone soon.
Separating - If your child has trouble separating from you in the morning, reassure them that they're going to have a great day, tell them you have to go, give them a hug and leave. While it is always difficult to leave the classroom with your child crying, most children will become involved with activities and their friends pretty quickly once you've gone and we will help them to find an activity. For those children who continually have difficulty separating in the morning, we can discuss other ideas that may help in your individual situation.
Snack - We have a morning snack each day. Your child requires a snack separate from their lunch. I encourage the children to have a small serving of fruit, veggies, cheese or yogurt at snack time.
Special Helper - Each day we will have a new Special Helper. This child will be able to help with special activities and duties each day.
Show and Share – This will start soon. The Special Helper will come home with a drawstring bag to fill with something special to them. Please help them fill it with something that is appropriate and help them fill in the clues for that item on the Mystery Bag sheet that is inside the bag.
Supplies – The Kindergarten teachers have purchased all the school supplies for the year. The cost per child is $45. Please send the money or a cheque payable to JKE as soon as possible. Thanks!
Toys - Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. It is very upsetting for children if their special toy gets lost or broken at school. There will be many toys for them to enjoy playing with in the classroom.
Units and Themes - The units and themes in Kindergarten give us focus and allow children to explore topics in a hands-on way, helping them to discover new concepts.
Volunteer – I will be sending e-mails out throughout the year when volunteer opportunities arise. If you are able to help please let me know.
Writing - Our writing program builds on what each child already knows. Writing begins with scribbles and proceeds to random strings of letters, words and spaces, and eventually sentences. Children are encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in writing, including invented spellings. Students will learn about writing during Writer's Workshop mini-lessons. Each student will have their own journal, and opportunities to write pages for class books. Writing is also encouraged during other projects and is built into a variety of dramatic play areas.
eXtra Clothing - Please make sure that your child always has an extra set of clothes in a large zip-lock bag kept in their cubby and replenish them if they are used. It is important to send in a new set as each season approaches. It is no fun to pull out a pair of shorts in the middle of winter, or find that the extra shirt is a few sizes too small!
Year of Growth - As the year goes on, we will be collecting work samples from the children. At the end of the year, we will be able to look back on the exciting year of growth as the children move on to Grade One!
Zzzzzz's - Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day!