Volume 1 Issue 4

Page 1

Page 2

May 2008

May 30, 2008

Dear Families,

It has been a very busy week learning all about the ocean and the animals that live in or near the sea. We came up with a very long list of words that are related to the ocean and look to see how many we read about each day.

We have also been busy in science and math doing experiments to see what sinks and float, how much salt is in the ocean, playing games to reinforce our knowledge of ones, tens, and hundreds and learning about the hour hand on the clock. I encourage you to practice this at home looking at the times you do things like get up in the morning, eat, take a bath, go to bed, etc. We continue to write everyday in our journals or little books. We love author’s chair!

On Monday it is field day with a rain date of June 4^th.  It starts at 8:45 and goes until lunchtime. Volunteers can report in the multipurpose room for your assignment from Mr. Ucci. Please have your child wear comfortable clothes, sneakers, and bring a water bottle. Snack will be provided during the morning. PLEASE APPLY SUNSCREEN TO YOUR CHILD BEFORE SCHOOL. THANK YOU!

Please send in your child’s permission slip for our field trip next Friday to the Children’s Museum in Providence if you have not done so already. Each child will need a bag lunch with no peanut butter or peanut products as we will sit together with all the kindergarten students some of whom have allergies. I am all set for chaperones for this trip. Also, we will not be going to the gift shop so please do not send in any money. Please make arrangements, if possible, to attend our kindergarten graduation on June 19^th. It will begin at 9:30am and then we will be going to Fort Wetherill for a potluck picnic. Our class is responsible for entrees. I would like to ask each family to contribute for approximately 15 people. If you are unable to attend the graduation or picnic let me know.

***Please send back the small math booklet as well as any other reading booklets that you may have at home next week. Library books will be due next Thursday and this will be the final week for any checkouts. Thank you!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me and we can set up a meeting if needed before or after school.

Thank you.  Fondly, Beverly Green

Information about Kindergarten…

•  My name is Beverly Green. During the year I can usually be reached from 7:45-8:15am and after school until 3:30 or 4:00

•  The school number is 423-7020

•  The school day runs from 8:15-2:40. Our classroom assistant and I will meet the children at the early childhood portion of the playground each morning. If it is raining we will meet in the cafeteria

•  Orientation day is September 5 th from 9:30-10:30. While your child spends some time with me in the classroom, parents are invited to speak with the school nurse, fill out some forms, and meet our principal, Kathy Almanzor

•  The classroom is usually hot. Please dress your child in layers with an appropriate t-shirt on the bottom to make him/her more comfortable. This is true even in the winter

•  Your child will need a full -size backpack that your child can zip and unzip by themselves, practice with your child before school begins

•  Please put your child's name on all clothing and items (coats, boots, backpacks, lunchboxes, etc.)

•  A small blanket and a small pillow will be needed for rest time (beach towels work the best!). You will also need a washable bag that can be hung up to hold the rest items. Please make sure your child can independently put his or her things into the bag

•  Please bring in an extra change of clothes in case of spills or bathroom accidents

•  Please have your child wear buckle or tie shoes. Sandals or flip flops are dangerous on the playground equipment and cause problems during our very busy days

•  Your child will need two healthy snacks and drinks each day. Please put the snacks in a separate container from your child's lunch with a label to help both your child and me to distinguish among them. Please make sure your child can manage opening and closing the lunchbox by themselves, some boxes can be tricky

•  I have a web page (K-2) on the school web site (jamestownri.com/school) that I update every month

•  I look forward to meeting each and every one of you in September!

Classroom Rules and Discipline

Throughout the school year I will be using the following terms:

Be Kind - This is the emotional aspect of being nice and respectful to others. For example: saying kind words, being helpful, etc.

Be Gentle – This is about the physical motions for others sake. For example: gentle hands, gentle voices.

Be Safe – This is the physical safety of themselves as well as others. For example: walking feet, staying with the group, etc.

Rules:

•  Eyes and ears on the speaker.

•  Participate in all activities (even clean up).

•  Raise your hand if you have something to say when in a large group.

•  In lessons and activities, keep a quiet and still body, hands and feet to yourself.

•  Use low, inside voices.

•  Use walking feet at all times.

•  Be silent in the hallways unless you need to speak with a teacher.

•  Remember to always Be Kind, Be Gentle, and Be Safe.

For the safety and consideration of all students, it is expected that your child will follow the classroom rules. Please review these rules with your children at home. Kindergarten children often make mistakes. That is okay; mistakes are often how young children learn. Everything in our kindergarten class is a learning experience; however, there will be consequences for not following the rules.

•  The first two times a child makes a mistake, he/she will be spoken to (never yelled at) about what they did wrong and what they could have done differently.

•  The third time with the same mistake will result in a time out as well as explanations of what they did wrong and what could have been done differently. These timeouts will last no longer than 5 minutes.

•  The fourth time the same rule is not followed I will write or phone home the parents.

•  If the problem persists, the school behavior specialist will become involved and assist with the issue.

This may seem like a lot for kindergarten, but I want all the children to feel safe, comfortable, and have a positive experience in the classroom. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these rules and discipline techniques please contact me at your convenience.

Thank you.