Dear Parents,

 

September is a “settling in month”.  For many children, kindergarten is their first experience coping with so many people at one time.  It takes time to adjust to everything!!  I want every child to feel comfortable with me, and with his/her surroundings.  I’m looking forward to another great year in kindergarten at Cummings School.  Here are a few pieces of information to help your school year go smoothly.

 

SCHOOL HOURS:  Students can enter the classroom at 8:30.  Morning kindergarten class starts at 8:45 and ends at 11:15.  Afternoon class starts at 12:30 and ends at 3:00.  The classroom is not open until 12:20.  Please do not arrive any earlier.

 

ATTENDANCE AND TARDIES:  Regular attendance and being on time are important in kindergarten just as in all grades.  They will be recorded and included on the report cards.

 

SNACKS:  We have a snack calendar that goes home each month.  Each child is assigned a day that month to bring snacks for the whole class.   Snacks cannot be homemade.  Things like pretzels, string cheese, raisins, fruit snacks, and goldfish crackers are awesome.

 

BIRTHDAYS:  Your child’s birthday will be recognized in our class on or near his/her birthday date, unless you indicate otherwise.  We will make him/her a simple birthday crown and sing Happy Birthday.  It will be up to you whether or not you want to provide a “special birthday” snack for the class.  Please remember that we are not allowed to serve homemade food.  Summer birthdays will also be recognized later in the year.

  

SHOW AND TELL:  Each child will be assigned a day of the week for Show and Tell.  The students do not need to prepare a “speech”, but please help your child think of few things to say about the object.  Show and Tell is actually a method of teaching speaking skills in our class.  It is an opportunity for each child to speak about something that he/she knows about and has an interest in.  Any type of weapon is prohibited at school, even small toy weapons.

 

DISCIPLINE:  Every kindergarten child is at a different social maturity level.  Therefore, Mrs. Bliss and I try to deal individually with behavior issues.  Our classroom rule is basically to be kind and respectful to others so that everyone can learn.  When a student does make an inappropriate choice about behavior, he/she may be asked to sit away from the group for a short while, or may miss part of his/her recess.  If there are continuous disruptions I will contact parents by phone or send a note of concern.  The final step is a “referral” that is sent to Mrs. Sundseth, the principal, and she will meet with the student to discuss the problem.  Sometimes the school counselor is involved in helping the student make better choices.  I do not expect discipline to be a “problem” in our classroom.  The children will thrive in our positive atmosphere.

 

VOLUNTEERS:  There are three different volunteer opportunities in our classroom.  All volunteers, including chaperones for field trips, must have a Criminal Background Form completed before working in any Salem-Keizer Schools.  You can get a form in the office.  You must also complete the volunteer training in September.  Volunteer time is usually 45 minutes.  Volunteers in my classroom will begin in October.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  My email address is bethers_jennifer@salkeiz.k12.or.us or by phone at 399-3141.

 

 

Thank you for all your support,

 

Jennifer Bethers