Kindergarten Connection

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN

The first 2 weeks of school is over. As veteran teachers, we find the first 2 weeks to be the hardest. The students are adjusting from preschool to kindergarten. There's less playtime and no naps. There is a lot more writing, reading and math. Some students easily adjust while others find it more of a challenge. We also spent the first 2 weeks doing several mandatory placement tests on the iPads. Now that we have a good idea of where each student should begin academically, we will begin small group work. Students will work with their peers to achieve similar goals.

One big thing we will like to address right away is following directions. We have had plenty of discussion regarding:

• Keeping hands to ourselves.
• Following directions quickly.
• Being kind.
• Working hard.

Students understand the expectations. Those that meet those expectations will have a stamp on their hand at dismissal. Students who do not will receive messages in ClassDojo right away. It is our first priority to keep all children safe and in a classroom where all students can learn.

ELA We will discuss character and setting in a story. Characters are the people, animals or things in a story that has feelings. As you read to your child, ask them to identify the character. Setting is where/when the story takes place. Ask your child, where or when is the story happening?

PHONICS We use a program called HEGGERTY. This is a 10 minute daily activity that will help your child begin to read. We will focus on rhyme, isolating initial and final consonant sounds, blending, segmenting, adding, deleting and substituting compound words.

MATH Finishing Unit 1 Recognizing numbers 0-5

• Sept. 4th - Labor Day 👷‍♂️- NO SCHOOL
• Sept. 15th- Progress Reports emailed

ClassDojo: If you have not already done so, PLEASE download the ClassDojo app. We will be using ClassDojo for our mass communication tool in the classroom as well the school. This platform ensures parents receive information in one consistent place! Just click on the picture!

HOMEWORK PACKETS: Every Monday your child will come home with a homework packet for the week. This packet is due back the following Monday. You only need to return the signed top copy. This is for your convenience of completing when you are able throughout the week. This packet is for your child to practice skills we learn in class each week. The first packet will go home September 5. School supplies were left in your child's clear backpack to use for homework.

SNACKS: Students are allowed to bring in their own snack. Snack time is 2:30-2:40.

We will be using our iPads daily to access Freckle and other learning apps. The iPads are stored securely in our classroom and charged overnight.

VOLUNTEERS! In order to volunteer for future field trips and parties, all adults must have a background check on file each year. If you previously completed this for another child, you are still required to complete a new one for the 2023-24 school year. You can call the main office for an application.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neItURLvyIQ&t=4s

We use a lot of songs to engage in learning. This is a song to help us learn letter sounds.

TRANSPORTATION: Parents who walk their children home can continue to meet near the cafeteria door. Parents who drive, thank you for your patience. We will continue to utilize our pickup on the playground while Spire continues to work on the street. For bus riders, If you need to contact transportation:

• Transportation Call Center : (314)449-9162
  • Ext. 1: for routes 1000-1599
  • Ext. 2: for routes 2000-2599

CONTACT US: If you need to reach us, Danielle.Butler@slps.org or Jamie.Timmons@slps.org. You can also send a message through ClassDojo.