KINDERGARTEN IN SEPTEMBER 2013
Each month your child will receive a class calendar. Special dates, deadlines and other information will appear on the calendar itself, or, in more detail on the back. Please post it where you and your child will use it as a tool on a daily basis. Many early reading skills and strategies will develop with regular use.
Birthday Party Invitations This can be a very sensitive issue. In order to minimize hurt feelings that arise when only some children are invited to a party, invitations will not be distributed publicly by the children. If you wish to send invitations to school, please put these in a large envelope addressed to me and I will distribute these quietly at “mailbag” time along with other notices.
CLOTHING, SHOES, KNAPSACKS, LUNCH CONTAINERS, BOOTS,… and long waits. Young children find it very difficult to wait while I help others undo packs, turn sleeves right side out, undo knots, tie shoes and try to locate lost or missing items. Please purchase clothing and footwear that your child can fasten independently. Please practice these skills with your child at home. Remember to label everything.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS Five times this year you will receive book order forms. Participation in this is absolutely voluntary. All money and bonus points earned from Kindergarten sales will be used to purchase books for our classroom. Scholastic only accepts cheques.
PIZZA ORDERS More information to follow.
VOLUNTEERS As the year progresses information will follow as needed. At this time we need one volunteer to coordinate our “Snacks for Celebrations”. This person will contact all parents to provide snack for ONE event during the year (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter or Year End). In this way we can have healthy variety without duplication. (Cheese and Crackers, Fruit Tray, Vegetable Tray and one “sweet treat”). Please send a note if you would like to have this position.
ORO FAIR -Friday September 13th.
MEET THE TECHER Thurs. September 26th. More information to follow.
PICTURE DAYS More information to follow.
KINDERGARTEN IN OCTOBER 2013
SNACKS FOR CELEBRATIONS
Patti McCullough (Thomas is her son) has volunteered to coordinate special occasion snacks for our class this year. THANK YOU! Each family will be contacted and asked to provide a snack for one celebration only. This helps organize a healthy variety – and a healthy quantity for each of the five events: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Year-end.
CLOTHING LABELS
Already we have had mix-ups regarding duplicate shoes, jackets and lunch pails. PLEASE label all clothing (coats, snow pants, boots, etc) to help the children independently identify their belongings. When you purchase winter clothing, have you child zip zippers, snap snaps, and pull on and fasten boots, so your choice will be “user friendly”. **Laces in shoes continue to be a problem. When you help your child choose Velcro shoes, you are helping him/her to be independent.
CHANGE OF CLOTHES
We still have a few children who need to bring in a change of clothes (in a labeled plastic bag) to be left in their cubby for emergency purposes. They have come in handy on a couple of occasions already this fall. Thank you!
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
At the end of the month we will have a LOW KEY celebration in the class. We will have special stories and snacks, but our day will be as “normal” as possible (we are all happier in routines). Children may wear a costume to school, but please send a change of clothes IN A LABELLED BAG so costumes can return home to the right households! The students will parade to the other classes to show their costumes, and then take them off before heading out for recess.
STUDENT –LED TEACHER CONFERENCES
Reminder notices will be sent home with your child indicating the day and time you chose to have your conference. (Sign –up was on “Meet the Teacher” night.) For those who were unable to attend, please call the office and they will sign you up for a conference.
GYM - we have inside Gym on Day 1 and 3. The other days we have Daily Physical Activity (D.P.A.) inside/outside.
COMPUTER – we have computers on Day 1 and 3.
LIBRARY – our day for a story/lesson with Mrs. Taylor is on Day 2. The students may return their library books daily and go to the library during Open Book Exchange.
THANK YOU to all parents who have been sending MAILBAGS daily. It is just part of our daily routine to unpack them and pack them independently. Also, notes regarding appointments or early departure times are really appreciated! This saves the office trying to track us down if we are in the gym or outside. Your cooperation in all of these matters has made for a smooth transition here at school.
CHECK IT OUT! Our monthly newsletters and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca website under Classes.
Kindergarten in November 2013
THANK YOU to all parents who sent in goodies for our Halloween celebration! Many of us didn't eat much lunch because we enjoyed heathly treats like veggies and dip, assorted fruits, cheese and crackers, and a FEW sweet treats. We had a great day!
SHARING TIME: Each child is invited to speak to the class about something special to them this month. Please encourage your child to choose an item such as a photo, a book they enjoy, a nature find, or an item from another culture. Toys are NOT acceptable unless they have cultural or scientific significance. This opportunity to choose, prepare, and the present in a friendly environment supports the development of speaking and listening skills in a more formal context. Later, the skills learned in effective speaking will be a solid foundation for organized writing skill development. Your child's name appears on the calendar on his/her sharing day. (If your child is away, we will be happy to include her/him on the day she/he returns to school).
BOOK ORDERS are due by November 8th. If your order is a secret for Christmas, please note this on your envelope. I will contact you to arrange a secret pick up when the books arrive.
DRESSING: Thank you for working diligently at home with your child to help them become an independent dresser. Our outside playtime is so rewarding to a child. The children who have "user-friendly" clothing get to take full advantage of this. We still have a few children who are frustrated by their outdoor footwear.
PLANNING AHEAD Our Kindergarten Christmas Carol Sing-along will be on Tuesday December 10th, 2012 at 2p.m. Parents and Grandparents are welcome to attend. We will meet you in the gym. The classes will present some Christmas favourites and then join their family in the audience for a song-along. We will conclude the afternoon with returning to our own classrooms to decorate a Gingerbread Cookie.
CHECK IT OUT Our monthly newsletters, poems and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca website under Classes.
PROGRESS REPORTS On November 8th, our SK students will be receiving a Progress Report. The JK studetns will receive one in February.
DECEMBER IN KINDERGARTEN 2013
WINTER CLOTHES: Already we have had a couple of mix ups with boots and mittens this year. PLEASE take the time to print your child’s name or initials on their belongings! Thank you to all parents who have been working with their children on dressing independently! They are so proud when they can really do this all by themselves! (It is a good idea to have spare mitts and socks tucked in the back-pack—especially on these mild “soggy” days.)
CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS: Thank you to all who have indicated an interest in helping out in our program in one way or another. Our daily individualized reading program is off to a great start! One adult is needed each day from 9:30 to 10:45a.m. to work with our Reading Club. Sign-up sheets are posted in our classroom for you to sign up. There are still a few dates available. Just a reminder that you must have completed your Criminal Record Check and be on the Approved Volunteer list.
SHARING: show your school spirit! Please bring in something that is the colour of your House Colour.
KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG
Parents and Grandparents are welcome to join us for an afternoon of singing, Christmas crafts and refreshments on Tuesday December 10th. Please meet us in the gym at 2:00p.m. We look forward to spreading some holiday cheer to you and your family!
PLAYDOUGH PATROL for the month of December.
SPECIAL SNACK DAYS: Cheese/crackers -
Veggie Tray -
Fruit Tray –
Sweet Treat –
Paper Plates and Napkins -
Have a wonderful Christmas Family holiday!
CHECK IT OUT Our monthly newsletters, poems and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca under Classes.
KINDERGARTEN IN JANURARY - 2014
THANK YOU to all parents who provided special snacks for our December celebrations. The fruit plates, veggies, cheese and crackers, and homemade treats were enjoyed by all!
A very special THANK YOU to all families who generously donated to our campaign for Christmas Cheer! The response was overwhelming and we know the gifts are greatly appreciated. We want to extend our personal THANKS for the gifts, cards and notes of encouragement - these are so appreciated!
SHARING TIME The topic this month is "ask me 3 questions". We are working on the difference between making a comment and asking a question. Your child may bring an object hidden in a container (bag, box, tin ...). The children will ask carefully formed questions about the object. When the object is identified, your child may tell more about it, or ask a question of his/her classmates relating to the object. This topic will help build better oral language and listening skills.
BOOK ORDERS are due by January Scholastic requires payment in the form of a cheque. Thank you!
PLAYDOUGH PATROL FOR JANUARY :
February in Kindergarten – 2014
Valentine’s Day: Our emphasis is on true friendship, caring and being kind. Through stories, songs and discussion we will talk about being a friend. How do friends act? How can you be a friend? (Sharing ideas and toys, listening thoughtfully, helping without being asked, co-operating and being considerate are all areas we will focus on). ***The children may bring their valentines in any day after February 6th to deliver to our individual “valentine bags”. You can find the names of our 27 students on the front of this calendar.
Sharing Days: The topic for this month is Family and Family Friends. (Mementos, photos, drawn pictures, crest, family trees, favourite pastimes, music, etc.) What is your heritage? What does your family do to have fun together?
Kindergarten Spirit Day: Try to wear red, white or pink on February 14th.
Valentine Party Reminder: Please drop off the snacks by 9:15a.m. We open the “snack buffet” in the morning and again in the afternoon. Thank you for your cooperation.
Play dough Patrol: Abby and Kaid.
Barrie Colts Night: February 21st, more information to follow.
MARCH IN KINDERGARTEN - 2013
THANK YOU to the parents who provided our Valentine snacks. We love you!
READING CLUB UPDATE: The children are very enthusiastic about their personal reading. THANK YOU to all our special READING COACHES!
AT HOME READING: Thanks to all parents (and others) who are listening to our beginning readers. Just a note: if your child reads his/her book to several listeners, please try to credit these on a single line in the reading record book. Thanks!
SHARING: This month each child is asked to show and talk about something that is hand made. He/She should be ready to tell who made it and to describe the materials used, the purpose for making it (use-gift?, decoration?, celebration?, to make music?, etc), and how the article was produced.
BOOK ORDERS: Book orders are due on March 7th.
Have a wonderful MARCH BREAK! Spring IS coming!
SPECIAL DAYS: P.J. Day - Friday March 1st
Easter Party - Thursday March 28th
APRIL IN KINDERGARTEN - 2013
THANK YOU to the many volunteers who continue to make our Reading Club so successful.
SPRING = MUD! Each child should have an extra set of clothes "stashed" in their cubby - just in case he/she gets wet or muddy. Our supply of plastic grocery bags has dwindled, so if you have a few extra we would appreciate having some to replenish the "Bag of Bags".
SHARING TIME: Our focus in April is "WHO AM I?" There is a sheet attached to the calendar for each child to complete. I would like all of these handed in by April 8th. If possible, (SK's for certain) the student should do the printing. Each day, beginning April 9th, I will select 1-2 "mystery person" sheets to read in the group. After the first 5 clues, please encourage your child to print something about themsleves that we don't already know so the "person" is not too obvious, but we learn something interesting or special about them! THANK YOU!
FAVOURITE TOY DAY (We ask that students not bring toys to school on a regular basis because of the risk of them being broken, lost or taken). However, we have planned for a day when your child may bring in their favourite to to play with. The day is Friday April 26th. *** REMINDER: The toy must be able to fit in the child's ba
Each month your child will receive a class calendar. Special dates, deadlines and other information will appear on the calendar itself, or, in more detail on the back. Please post it where you and your child will use it as a tool on a daily basis. Many early reading skills and strategies will develop with regular use.
Birthday Party Invitations This can be a very sensitive issue. In order to minimize hurt feelings that arise when only some children are invited to a party, invitations will not be distributed publicly by the children. If you wish to send invitations to school, please put these in a large envelope addressed to me and I will distribute these quietly at “mailbag” time along with other notices.
CLOTHING, SHOES, KNAPSACKS, LUNCH CONTAINERS, BOOTS,… and long waits. Young children find it very difficult to wait while I help others undo packs, turn sleeves right side out, undo knots, tie shoes and try to locate lost or missing items. Please purchase clothing and footwear that your child can fasten independently. Please practice these skills with your child at home. Remember to label everything.
SCHOLASTIC BOOK ORDERS Five times this year you will receive book order forms. Participation in this is absolutely voluntary. All money and bonus points earned from Kindergarten sales will be used to purchase books for our classroom. Scholastic only accepts cheques.
PIZZA ORDERS More information to follow.
VOLUNTEERS As the year progresses information will follow as needed. At this time we need one volunteer to coordinate our “Snacks for Celebrations”. This person will contact all parents to provide snack for ONE event during the year (Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter or Year End). In this way we can have healthy variety without duplication. (Cheese and Crackers, Fruit Tray, Vegetable Tray and one “sweet treat”). Please send a note if you would like to have this position.
ORO FAIR -Friday September 13th.
MEET THE TECHER Thurs. September 26th. More information to follow.
PICTURE DAYS More information to follow.
KINDERGARTEN IN OCTOBER 2013
SNACKS FOR CELEBRATIONS
Patti McCullough (Thomas is her son) has volunteered to coordinate special occasion snacks for our class this year. THANK YOU! Each family will be contacted and asked to provide a snack for one celebration only. This helps organize a healthy variety – and a healthy quantity for each of the five events: Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Year-end.
CLOTHING LABELS
Already we have had mix-ups regarding duplicate shoes, jackets and lunch pails. PLEASE label all clothing (coats, snow pants, boots, etc) to help the children independently identify their belongings. When you purchase winter clothing, have you child zip zippers, snap snaps, and pull on and fasten boots, so your choice will be “user friendly”. **Laces in shoes continue to be a problem. When you help your child choose Velcro shoes, you are helping him/her to be independent.
CHANGE OF CLOTHES
We still have a few children who need to bring in a change of clothes (in a labeled plastic bag) to be left in their cubby for emergency purposes. They have come in handy on a couple of occasions already this fall. Thank you!
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS
At the end of the month we will have a LOW KEY celebration in the class. We will have special stories and snacks, but our day will be as “normal” as possible (we are all happier in routines). Children may wear a costume to school, but please send a change of clothes IN A LABELLED BAG so costumes can return home to the right households! The students will parade to the other classes to show their costumes, and then take them off before heading out for recess.
STUDENT –LED TEACHER CONFERENCES
Reminder notices will be sent home with your child indicating the day and time you chose to have your conference. (Sign –up was on “Meet the Teacher” night.) For those who were unable to attend, please call the office and they will sign you up for a conference.
GYM - we have inside Gym on Day 1 and 3. The other days we have Daily Physical Activity (D.P.A.) inside/outside.
COMPUTER – we have computers on Day 1 and 3.
LIBRARY – our day for a story/lesson with Mrs. Taylor is on Day 2. The students may return their library books daily and go to the library during Open Book Exchange.
THANK YOU to all parents who have been sending MAILBAGS daily. It is just part of our daily routine to unpack them and pack them independently. Also, notes regarding appointments or early departure times are really appreciated! This saves the office trying to track us down if we are in the gym or outside. Your cooperation in all of these matters has made for a smooth transition here at school.
CHECK IT OUT! Our monthly newsletters and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca website under Classes.
Kindergarten in November 2013
THANK YOU to all parents who sent in goodies for our Halloween celebration! Many of us didn't eat much lunch because we enjoyed heathly treats like veggies and dip, assorted fruits, cheese and crackers, and a FEW sweet treats. We had a great day!
SHARING TIME: Each child is invited to speak to the class about something special to them this month. Please encourage your child to choose an item such as a photo, a book they enjoy, a nature find, or an item from another culture. Toys are NOT acceptable unless they have cultural or scientific significance. This opportunity to choose, prepare, and the present in a friendly environment supports the development of speaking and listening skills in a more formal context. Later, the skills learned in effective speaking will be a solid foundation for organized writing skill development. Your child's name appears on the calendar on his/her sharing day. (If your child is away, we will be happy to include her/him on the day she/he returns to school).
BOOK ORDERS are due by November 8th. If your order is a secret for Christmas, please note this on your envelope. I will contact you to arrange a secret pick up when the books arrive.
DRESSING: Thank you for working diligently at home with your child to help them become an independent dresser. Our outside playtime is so rewarding to a child. The children who have "user-friendly" clothing get to take full advantage of this. We still have a few children who are frustrated by their outdoor footwear.
PLANNING AHEAD Our Kindergarten Christmas Carol Sing-along will be on Tuesday December 10th, 2012 at 2p.m. Parents and Grandparents are welcome to attend. We will meet you in the gym. The classes will present some Christmas favourites and then join their family in the audience for a song-along. We will conclude the afternoon with returning to our own classrooms to decorate a Gingerbread Cookie.
CHECK IT OUT Our monthly newsletters, poems and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca website under Classes.
PROGRESS REPORTS On November 8th, our SK students will be receiving a Progress Report. The JK studetns will receive one in February.
DECEMBER IN KINDERGARTEN 2013
WINTER CLOTHES: Already we have had a couple of mix ups with boots and mittens this year. PLEASE take the time to print your child’s name or initials on their belongings! Thank you to all parents who have been working with their children on dressing independently! They are so proud when they can really do this all by themselves! (It is a good idea to have spare mitts and socks tucked in the back-pack—especially on these mild “soggy” days.)
CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS: Thank you to all who have indicated an interest in helping out in our program in one way or another. Our daily individualized reading program is off to a great start! One adult is needed each day from 9:30 to 10:45a.m. to work with our Reading Club. Sign-up sheets are posted in our classroom for you to sign up. There are still a few dates available. Just a reminder that you must have completed your Criminal Record Check and be on the Approved Volunteer list.
SHARING: show your school spirit! Please bring in something that is the colour of your House Colour.
KINDERGARTEN CHRISTMAS CAROL SING-ALONG
Parents and Grandparents are welcome to join us for an afternoon of singing, Christmas crafts and refreshments on Tuesday December 10th. Please meet us in the gym at 2:00p.m. We look forward to spreading some holiday cheer to you and your family!
PLAYDOUGH PATROL for the month of December.
SPECIAL SNACK DAYS: Cheese/crackers -
Veggie Tray -
Fruit Tray –
Sweet Treat –
Paper Plates and Napkins -
Have a wonderful Christmas Family holiday!
CHECK IT OUT Our monthly newsletters, poems and sight words can be found on the wrb.scdsb.on.ca under Classes.
KINDERGARTEN IN JANURARY - 2014
THANK YOU to all parents who provided special snacks for our December celebrations. The fruit plates, veggies, cheese and crackers, and homemade treats were enjoyed by all!
A very special THANK YOU to all families who generously donated to our campaign for Christmas Cheer! The response was overwhelming and we know the gifts are greatly appreciated. We want to extend our personal THANKS for the gifts, cards and notes of encouragement - these are so appreciated!
SHARING TIME The topic this month is "ask me 3 questions". We are working on the difference between making a comment and asking a question. Your child may bring an object hidden in a container (bag, box, tin ...). The children will ask carefully formed questions about the object. When the object is identified, your child may tell more about it, or ask a question of his/her classmates relating to the object. This topic will help build better oral language and listening skills.
BOOK ORDERS are due by January Scholastic requires payment in the form of a cheque. Thank you!
PLAYDOUGH PATROL FOR JANUARY :
February in Kindergarten – 2014
Valentine’s Day: Our emphasis is on true friendship, caring and being kind. Through stories, songs and discussion we will talk about being a friend. How do friends act? How can you be a friend? (Sharing ideas and toys, listening thoughtfully, helping without being asked, co-operating and being considerate are all areas we will focus on). ***The children may bring their valentines in any day after February 6th to deliver to our individual “valentine bags”. You can find the names of our 27 students on the front of this calendar.
Sharing Days: The topic for this month is Family and Family Friends. (Mementos, photos, drawn pictures, crest, family trees, favourite pastimes, music, etc.) What is your heritage? What does your family do to have fun together?
Kindergarten Spirit Day: Try to wear red, white or pink on February 14th.
Valentine Party Reminder: Please drop off the snacks by 9:15a.m. We open the “snack buffet” in the morning and again in the afternoon. Thank you for your cooperation.
Play dough Patrol: Abby and Kaid.
Barrie Colts Night: February 21st, more information to follow.
MARCH IN KINDERGARTEN - 2013
THANK YOU to the parents who provided our Valentine snacks. We love you!
READING CLUB UPDATE: The children are very enthusiastic about their personal reading. THANK YOU to all our special READING COACHES!
AT HOME READING: Thanks to all parents (and others) who are listening to our beginning readers. Just a note: if your child reads his/her book to several listeners, please try to credit these on a single line in the reading record book. Thanks!
SHARING: This month each child is asked to show and talk about something that is hand made. He/She should be ready to tell who made it and to describe the materials used, the purpose for making it (use-gift?, decoration?, celebration?, to make music?, etc), and how the article was produced.
BOOK ORDERS: Book orders are due on March 7th.
Have a wonderful MARCH BREAK! Spring IS coming!
SPECIAL DAYS: P.J. Day - Friday March 1st
Easter Party - Thursday March 28th
APRIL IN KINDERGARTEN - 2013
THANK YOU to the many volunteers who continue to make our Reading Club so successful.
SPRING = MUD! Each child should have an extra set of clothes "stashed" in their cubby - just in case he/she gets wet or muddy. Our supply of plastic grocery bags has dwindled, so if you have a few extra we would appreciate having some to replenish the "Bag of Bags".
SHARING TIME: Our focus in April is "WHO AM I?" There is a sheet attached to the calendar for each child to complete. I would like all of these handed in by April 8th. If possible, (SK's for certain) the student should do the printing. Each day, beginning April 9th, I will select 1-2 "mystery person" sheets to read in the group. After the first 5 clues, please encourage your child to print something about themsleves that we don't already know so the "person" is not too obvious, but we learn something interesting or special about them! THANK YOU!
FAVOURITE TOY DAY (We ask that students not bring toys to school on a regular basis because of the risk of them being broken, lost or taken). However, we have planned for a day when your child may bring in their favourite to to play with. The day is Friday April 26th. *** REMINDER: The toy must be able to fit in the child's ba