Kindergarten News

I hope this finds you soaking up some summer fun with your soon-to-be kindergartner! School will be starting before we know it. Below you will find important back-to-school information. I sent out a "welcome" newsletter in April. You can click here if you did not receive it before or if you'd like to read it again.

Stay informed about all things GREENWOOD by downloading the Greenwood app! Also, bookmark our school web site and follow us on social media. The class Facebook group is also a great way to connect with parents of other children in the class. If you are not a part of the group and would like to be added, search for "Greenwood Class of 2037" or email Courtney Albritton at cbjinks@gmail.com.

If you have questions or concerns about anything, do not hesitate to email me. I do not check my email as frequently over the summer and I will be out of town some, so it may take me a little longer to reply. I look forward to seeing you soon!

The link to the supply list can be found below! You will bring your supplies to Meet the Teacher in August and you and your child will sort them/ put them away. Please note that the only thing you need to label is the supply box... please do NOT put your child's name on the other items.

Below you will also find the link for my Amazon Wish List for our classroom. Please do not feel obligated to purchase anything from the wish list! I know this time of year is expensive for families already.

Parent Meeting

Wednesday, August 14th 6:00 p.m.

The meeting will start in the event center (new gym) with a welcome message from Dr. Snodgrass and the Greenwood Parent Association. Then you will proceed to the kindergarten classroom for a grade-level meeting. We will go over important information about classroom and school procedures, what to expect on the first day, etc. You will also receive our class handbook and have an opportunity to ask questions. You will receive a lot of information at this meeting, so attendance is important. Please note that all grade level meetings will occur at the same time, so if you have more than one child, you may need to "divide and conquer." This is for parents only, so please make childcare arrangements for your children.

Meet the Teacher/ Supply Drop-Off

Thursday, August 15th 8:00-9:30 a.m. (Come & Go)

Come see our classroom and sort/drop off your school supplies! Please bring your child with you! Even if your child attended camp, being in the classroom can help relieve anxiety about the first day. I also have some special surprises for your child and I'll take pictures, etc.

First Day of School

Monday, August 19th

School starts at 8:10. We will go over procedures for dropping off at the parent meeting. Kindergarten parents are invited to the cafeteria for a breakfast after you drop your child off... more details to come!

This is an informal opportunity for kindergartners to get acquainted with their classmates, for parents to meet each other, and for me to spend a little time with children and their families outside of school! Feel free to bring the whole family! I will have popsicles for everyone, but you're welcome to bring your own refreshments as well.

Please note: Parents are responsible for supervising their own children.

Sequiota Park (3500 S. Lone Pine)

Monday, August 12th

6:00-7:00 p.m. (Come & Go)

Starting kindergarten is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging initially. Your child will be in a new environment with new people, the class is larger, the days are longer, and children are expected to be more independent than they have been in the past. At the parent meeting in May, we went over information about what to expect and some ways to help prepare your child. If you were unable to attend the meeting or just want to review the information, click here to view the slide presentation!

In my experience, the better prepared children are socially and emotionally, the better the start of kindergarten will be for them! Skip the flashcards and workbooks and work with your child on the following:

• How to open containers (i.e., the items you'll put in their lunchbox)
• How to put on a jacket so that the sleeves don't get pulled through, and how to fix their jacket if they do get pulled through
• How to zip/button/snap their pants
• How to go to the bathroom with the stall door closed
• How to pump soap and properly wash their hands
• How to turn on and off the sink and dry their hands with paper towels
• How to blow their nose
• How to wait & take turns
• How to share & compromise
• How to "lose" when playing a game
• How to listen and follow two-step directions ("First, put on your shoes. Then, go brush your teeth.")
• Make them ask a question! Don't allow them to say, "I'm thirsty" and then hand them a glass of water. This makes you the problem-solver, and it's important for your child to think of a way to solve their own problems. Teach them to ask for what they need... "Can I have a glass of water please?" Or better yet, encourage them to solve the problem on their own. So if they say, "I'm thirsty," respond by saying, "How could you solve that problem?" or "What could you do?"
• Make them wait for something they want/need. Do not give them what they want exactly when they want it. If they ask for something, say, "I'm fixing dinner right now. I'll get you some water in a few minutes."

Click here for some more tips for a smooth transition! The best thing you can do is provide your child with lots of love, consistency, and encouragement. Give it time. Assure your child that once we get through the "hard part" at the beginning, the real fun of learning can begin!