2. Welcome! We are very happy to have you as new and returning families. Our Head Start, GA. Pre-K, and Special Needs programs will help your child learn important skills needed for a successful kindergarten transition. Mrs. Donna Adams Principal

3. LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF A PRINCIPAL A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PRINCIPAL IS ABLE TO….. 1Make decisions based on the students’ needs first 2Highly visible to parents and students as the school’s representative 3Approachable by staff and parents 4Communicate in a timely manner with all stakeholders 5Be an active listener to staff, parents and students 6Problem solve in all situations 7Rally staff and parents to convey school pride 8Foster good relationships with staff and community 9Be a role model through character and integrity 10Be accountable and dependable ….

4. GA. PRE-K/PARTNERSHIP/ HEAD START/SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT CALENDAR August 3First Day of School for Ga. PreK/Sped. Students September 7Labor Day Holiday - Center closed September 21– 25Fall Break - Center closed November 3 November 23-27 No Preschool Class Thanksgiving Holidays - Center closed December 19- January 4Christmas Holidays - Center closed January 5First Student Day after Christmas Break January 18Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - Center closed February 15– 19Winter Break-Center Closed April 4-8Spring Break-Center Closed May 19 May 26 Last Day of School for Head Start Students Last Day of School for Ga. PreK/Sped Students

5. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PLANS See Center Handout

6. Center Drop-off Times Head Start/Ga. Pre-K : 7:30-7:45 AM Half Day Special Needs Students : 7:30-7:45 PM Half Day Special Needs Students : 10:30-10:45 Center Pick-up Times Full Day/PM Half Day Special Needs Students : 1:30-1:45 *Last check out time is 1:15 Head Start/Ga. PreK Students : 1:45-2:00 *Last check out time is 1:30.

7. School is a good experience to help your child become more self confident and independent.

8. Daily Absences Please call or e-mail us when your child is going to be absent. We are required to contact you when your child is absent for 3 or more consecutive days. Excessive absences could result in removal of your child from the Ga. Pre-K or Head Start program.

9. TARDIES On time arrival is a school readiness skill. If you have extenuating circumstances, please see administration to discuss.

10. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION S All medications must be brought to the center by a parent or guardian in their original container with prescription label. Parents are required to sign a medication approval form before the nurse can administer medication.

11. ILLNESS To insure the health of all children, if your child has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea, you MUST keep him/her home for 24 hours. Your child should be symptom free before returning to school.

12. Helpful Information 1.Please mark your child’s name on all personal items. 2.Children MUST have two current emergency phone numbers on file. 3.Information provided on Inclement Weather Emergency Form will be used when school is dismissed early. On these occasions, see CCSD website for latest updates 4.Parents should follow the Cherokee County Preschool Calendar. 5.Children should wear comfortable, washable clothes that are suitable for outside play.

13. 7. Breakfast and lunch are provided 8. Parents may provide an alternate food for a child who is diagnosed with a food allergy. 9. All allergies MUST be documented by a physician’s note. 10. A child who gets sick or runs a fever will need to be picked up immediately by the parent or guardian. 11.Children are NOT allowed to bring toys to school unless the teacher requests the items in a note, newsletter, etc. 12.All children must participate in outdoor activities. HELPFUL INFORMATION CONT.

14. 15. Parents should keep staff informed of any changes of phone numbers, address, place of work, or baby sitters. 13.Students should have a change of clothes in their bag each day in case of accidents. Change of clothing should be seasonally appropriate. 14. Students will not be released to anyone other than those listed by the parents on file.

15. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Teachers recognize each child’s birthday We prefer that you celebrate the birthday outside of the school day Please contact your child’s teacher if you want to provide a birthday “snack” or “treat”

16. Parent Handbook will provide valuable information regarding center procedures. Teacher Newsletters- newsletters will be e-mailed or provided in paper format, if requested, to parents the first Thursday of the month and will focus on information regarding your child’s upcoming activities. Center Newsletter-newsletters will be e-mailed, or provided in paper format if requested, to parents every 2 months and will focus on information regarding upcoming center activities. Web Site (www.cherokee.k12.ga.us)-The Preschool website will have information regarding the Preschool Centers and will be updated on a consistent basis.www.cherokee.k12.ga.us)-The Parent Communication

17. 7:30 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. 7:30-7:45 …………..Student Arrival 10:30-10:45........Mid Day Special Needs Student Arrival 7:30– 11:30 …Breakfast/ Classroom Activities 11:30– 2:00 ….Lunch/ Classroom Activities 1:30 – 1:45 ……Special Needs Student Dismissal 1:45-2:00 …….Head Start/Ga. Pre-K Dismissal Children are considered “TARDY” after 7:45 A.M.

18. Preschool Curriculum My World and Me Animals / Animals’ Homes Birds Nutrition Transportation Community Helpers Seasons Senses Children’s Literature Taking Care of Our World

22. TEACHER CONFERENCES Teacher Conferences are expected by the program and are very important to your child’s educational success. Parents are expected to work with their child’s teacher to participate in conferences throughout the year.

23. VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Bulb Planting Lending Library Needs Community Partnerships Parent Information Sharing (Coffee with the Principal, etc.) Spirit Nights Festivals Special Projects (building/grounds beautification, Male Involvement emphasis Jan.-March, etc.) *Please check newsletters for upcoming event dates.