Welcome to Pre-K Parent Orientation 2015-2016

School Readiness Department Huntsville City Schools is dedicated to ensure that pre-kindergarten students have access to a high-quality learning experience to prepare them for school success. HCS pre- kindergarten program is aligned to meet/exceed the ten Quality Indicators Benchmark as defined by the by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER). Families, communities and schools play critical roles in helping young children get ready for school. Ultimately, the success of policies and programs to improve school readiness must be measured by improved child outcomes in each of the five domains of early childhood. “School Readiness” is a condition whereby children enter school with: An enthusiasm for learning An ability to function in a social setting Age-appropriate communication and problem solving skills Optimal health

Jennifer Maddox, Teacher Vicki Whitehead, IA

Steps to Complete Registration for Pre-K 1. Copies on file of the documents listed below: Age verification document 2 Proofs of residence Immunization Card (Blue card) Adult Picture ID Custody information (if applicable) 2. Complete and return Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3. Attendance of Mandatory Orientation meeting – Be Sure to sign in! 4. Complete Infosnap on a computer 5. Read and Sign Parent Partnership Agreement Parents should have completed 1 , 2, and 3. Steps 4 and 5 must be completed this week.

Parent Partnership Agreement Walk parents through these points and ask them to sign their copy and be sure to give them a copy to keep (it does not have to be signed)

Reasons for Cease of Service Failure to follow Attendance Policy Excessive Tardies – late to school and late to pick up children Chronically Disruptive Behavior Causing harm to himself/herself or others

Staggered Start Staggered start allows the students an opportunity to get adjusted to the classroom and school in a smaller setting. It allows our teachers and staff to get to know your children in a smaller setting so that we can better meet his or her needs. Staggered Start will be observed August 4 and August 5. Your child will come to school for the entire day on his or her staggered start date. Entire class will not begin attending until August 6. You will receive a letter stating which day your child will be participating in Staggered Start. This is new so emphasize that the children will not all be there on August 4 and 5. Letters will go out this summer explaining this process again and identifying the date for the child to attend. Kidskills this may not apply, if not your start day is August 4

Huntsville City Schools offers a full day (6 Huntsville City Schools offers a full day (6.5 hours) Pre-K program at no cost to families. Classes will not begin before 7:45 a.m. Pre-K students are required to be signed in and out by an adult over 18 that is on INOW as an authorized to pick up on my child. Daily attendance is required to be a part of this program. If your child is absent you will need to send a written excuse with your child. **Start times will vary but should not be before 7:45 and the day may only equal 6.5 hours. ***Schools may decide where and how to do arrival and dismissal.

Curriculum Opening the World of Learning (OWL) is our comprehensive researched based Pre-K curriculum that focuses on teaching young children in a way in which they learn best, through play. Our curriculum correlates with the Alabama Pre-K Standards. A large portion of the day is set up in hands-on learning centers that foster independence and social emotion growth. Do not be alarmed if you do not get a lot of “papers” sent home since most learning activities are hands on and enhanced with technology. Parents will receive a Family Connection newsletter and home literacy activities each week.

Social Emotional Development Social emotional development refers to a child’s capacity for self-confidence, trust, and empathy as well as the capacity to develop competencies in language usage and cognitive curiosity. Strong social-emotional development is a predictor of later academic, social, and emotional success. Teachers will use supportive strategies to help children learn to name their feelings, gain self control, and reduce challenging behavior. Using these methods children are being taught how to self regulate, therefore, you will not see visual behavior charts in the classroom. Your teacher will notify you of your child’s successes and challenges in the area of social emotional development.

Child’s Progress You will be kept informed of your child’s progress as they move through the developmental stages of four and five year olds. Progress will be observed on a continuous basis and shared with parents at parent / teacher conferences three times a year. The tools used for this are still being determined for the next school year and may change from the past.

Pre-K PST Explain that this is the process that the school readiness team will use to address children experiencing difficulty in the developmental stages.

Health Policy If your child has any allergies or health needs please be sure to note this on the Infosnap health information and also inform the teacher today. If your child becomes ill at school you will be informed to pick him/her up. You will also be notified of an accident or injury. If your child has a fever please keep them at home for 24 hours after the last episode without anti fever medication. If your child has diarrhea or vomiting they must stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.

The preschool classes will take several field trips during the school year. These will be announced at a later date and time. We will be asking for parents to help chaperone students during our trips. Parents may earn volunteer hours when chaperoning field trips.

The partnership between home and school is highly encouraged The partnership between home and school is highly encouraged! Our Pre-K program will provide you will numerous opportunities during the school year to volunteer for activities, field trips, and child/family events. Pre-K Parents are required to volunteer 18 hours during the school year. Please sign in when you volunteer. ** Please do not share videos or pictures of students other than your own and post on social media. We must respect the privacy of the students and their families.

Beginning of School Meet the Teacher – July 30 at 5:30 Children and parents both should attend. Important class specific information will be shared. First Day of School for all Pre-K students is on Thursday, Aug. 6 Staggered Start will be on Aug. 4 and 5 Supply List provided today. Give parents a copy of the school supply list. Meet the teacher is a time for you to give them your class specific information and to have a quick informal meeting with the students.

A healthy afternoon snack will be provided by the cafeteria. Birthdays may be celebrated during afternoon snack. You may bring a special snack for the class at that time. Please check with your teacher regarding the type of snacks that are preferred.

Supplies Needed: Cloth mat with a cover attached- Please no plastic mats. Cloth mats are available at School Craft and schools may have mats available for purchase. Complete change of clothes (including pants, shirt, socks, and underwear) A backpack large enough for a binder to fit in 2 boxes of Kleenex bottle of hand sanitizer container of Lysol wipes You may add a school specific “wish list” to this.

WEBSITE During the summer, please frequently check the website below for announcements, useful links, and activities to help your child have a smooth transition into Pre-K. School Readiness Department Phone Number: 256-428-6886 Website: www.huntsvillecityschools.org Click on Department and then scroll down to School Readiness and click on it.

Wish List: *Playdough *Crayola markers *Dry erase markers *4 X 7 Photo paper *Baby wipes *9 ¾ X 7 ½ Composition notebook *Construction paper ^Stickers