Northern Heights

Kindergarten

Bellingham School District

Class Information | Activity Ideas | Internet Resources | Contact Teacher

Welcome to Kindergarten!

We are Hollie Roberts and Kyla Stefani and we love kindergarten. Our school is the newest elementary in the Bellingham School District. (Opening September 2002) It is Northern Heights Elementary. Our kindergartners meet on Monday/ Wednesday and every other Friday or Tuesday/ Thursday and every other Friday.

General Class Information

Schedule (general – often adjusted)

8:45 1^st bell. Students may enter building

8:55-9:15 Morning Routine

9:15-11:30 Literacy Block (Includes a recess)

11:30-12:00 Lunch/ Recess

12:00-1:15 Math Centers

1:15-1:30 Afternoon Break

1:30-2:30 Free Choice/ Science

Folders

The folders go home daily and need to be returned daily. The students receive a sticker each day they remember to turn in their folder. The students are responsible for turning in their folder. The purpose of the folder is to foster communication. It is expected that parents will look in the folder each day for any notes, flyers, etc. that might be going home. In the same manner it serves as a holder for any communications from the home to the school or teacher. The folders will be checked daily for notes, checks for lunches, or documents that need to be returned.

Volunteers

Volunteers are welcome in our kindergarten classrooms. A volunteer packet is in the office and needs to be completed prior to volunteering. Optional: To work with children in work areas outside of the classroom fingerprinting is required.

Transportation

For your child’s safety and your peace of mind PLEASE send a note to school if your child’s after-school transportation arrangements differ from the usual routine. (Even a change in bus stop)

The walkers and parent pick up children will meet their parents in front of the school. Parents do not get out of their cars, but will pull up to the front of the building where the children are waiting.

Toys

Toys are not allowed during the school day. We occasionally have a special occasion where toys are allowed. You will be informed of this in advance.

Toys from home often interfere with learning and can bring disappointment when lost or broken.

Defining a toy is at the teacher’s discretion. For example, if a child is playing with jewelry then it will be considered a toy and the child will be asked to put it in their backpack.

Personal Belongings

Students are responsible for remembering to take home their own papers, clothing, backpacks, etc. Please mark clothing, packs and lunch boxes with your child’s name in permanent ink. It is helpful to write the name on the outside of the lunch box to avoid it being taken by another student with the same design.

Library

Visiting the library is a favorite activity of the children. The children will need to bring their books in every library day even if they intend on renewing the book. If books are forgotten they may be returned at any time. It is not necessary to wait until the next library day. If time allows they will also be allowed to check out a new book when their book is returned.

Gym

For gym children should wear rubber sole shoes and comfortable clothes that are easy to move in. Sometimes we slither like snakes across the gym floor, or jump our sillies out. We do so much physical activity every school day that it is actually best to follow these guidelines each day.

School Lunches

Lunch ticket sales take place in the lunchroom every morning from 8:45-9:00. It is very helpful to buy lunches in bulk. You may send in a check or cash for as many lunches as you want. Please put the lunch money in an envelope with your child and their teachers name on the outside. The cook will send a note home with your child when she/he is out of money. Please take note of the date on the notice since it is not always the case that they get home the day they were printed.

Star of the Week

Sometime this year your child will be the “Star of the Week.” You will receive more information. and a notice to let you know when it is your child’s turn at least a week

Beforehand. Here is a quick note to let you know what is coming.

*On the first day of your week your child should bring in a small collection of pictures

on a poster board that is provided. The pictures should have captions to explain the

pictures importance.

*You will have the option of sending in a special treat.

*Your child will get to be the line leader.

Recess

Recess is very, very rarely cancelled. Recess is also only 15 minutes long. Children do not have time to change clothes for recess. Please dress according to the weather and bring needed outerwear. Children will be encouraged to store gloves in their pockets and hats in their backpacks (you may want to practice this at home).

Clothing

In addition to gym and recess there are other clothing considerations to keep in mind. Nearly every day opportunities are provided for the children to paint, use playdough and markers. Even the most careful child will get these on their clothes. I keep a stain stick on hand and paint smocks are provided. We caution parents not to send their children to school in clothes that may not get dirty.

Birthdays

We will have a monthly celebration for birthdays (don’t worry summer kids, we’ll have a special time for you also). An information and sign-up sheet for supplies and treats will come home for students on their special month. To avoid hurt feelings, please do not send birthday invitations to school.

Book Orders

Book orders are an excellent and low cost way to encourage reading and increase your home library. They have the added benefit of adding to the classroom library. When you purchase books bonus points are given to the teacher. Bonus points allow us to get books for the classroom. The order forms are sent about once a month. Please look for these and support our classroom library. Please make checks out to book companies. Thanks!

Expectations for Behaviors

Our expectations are based on mutual respect for the rights of all people in our classroom.

Is it safe?

Is it my best work?

Is it courteous? (Can everyone learn?)

If not, I should make a better choice!

We continually discuss and refer to behavior as it relates to these guidelines. Behavior consistent with these principles is encouraged. When a child opts to behave in a manner that is inconsistent with these guidelines she/he may be asked how his/her behavior varies from what is expected. Our goal is to teach responsible behavior through natural consequences rather than using a punitive approach. We understand that to do so means we treat each child fairly and individually. We invite and encourage your input regarding your child and wish to work as a team to build the best possible learning environment for you child as well as his/her

Classmates.

Activity Ideas

Internet Resources

· KidsClick! Use this site to find good information.

· Google A great search engine

· Introduction to Tall Tales A page of information about the history of tall tales

Contact Teacher

· Kyla Stefani kstefani@bham.wednet.edu

· Hollie Roberts hroberts@bham.wednet.edu