1. The ABC's of Kindergarten
Welcome to
Mrs. Ryan’s Class!
Attendance

2. What is New in Kindergarten?
Kindergarten has changed dramatically over the past several years. It is no longer the kindergarten that you or I remember. The expectations and curriculum standards for a child in kindergarten are very high now. The curriculum assumes that upon entering kindergarten, most children already know their colors & shapes, can write their name correctly, use scissors correctly, count to 100, recognize all or most of the letters of the alphabet and their sounds! For many children, it seems as if they enter kindergarten already behind! But don't worry! With your help, we are here to make sure that your child's educational experience will be not only successful, but fun and exciting also.

3. ttendance is very important
ttendance is very important! If your child misses school, please remember to call the office to let us know he/she will be absent.  Most of our Kindergarten experiences are group oriented and involve interaction with classmates and hands-on materials. Therefore, it is next to impossible to make up work at home!
is for backpacks & book orders. Please send your child with his/her backpack each day and check them after school each day!
Book Club orders will be coming home each month. We receive free books for our classroom library with bonus points that we earn from each book order.

4. is for communication and conferences
is for communication and conferences. Throughout the year I will communicate with you through notes, , telephone calls, newsletters, progress reports, and parent teacher conferences. I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time. There is no need to wait until parent conference day if you have a concern about your child's progress. Feel free to send me an , call me at school, or send a note to school in your child’s folder.
is for our Discipline Procedures. In this packet you will find a copy of our classroom discipline policy. Please read over this so you will be familiar with our management system!

5. Fire drills are required at least once a month.
is a reminder that in an emergency, it is important that we have current contact telephone numbers. Please inform us if address, home, work, or cell phone numbers change throughout the school year.
is for field trips and fire drills! We usually take at least one field trip this year. Information for that trip will be sent home closer to time for the trip!
Fire drills are required at least once a month.
is for gym shoes! Children should wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes to school every day. They play on the playground, dig in the sand and ride our bikes.

6. Be NVOLVED in your child's learning!
is for homework! I post simple homework assignments on my Haiku website. I encourage you to work with your child a few minutes each night to review & reinforce the skills we are working on in school. Please turn in the homework in your child’s folder.
Be NVOLVED in your child's learning!
is for joining our PTA! Throughout the school year there will be a variety of special classroom activities, celebrations, and PTA meetings. We also have a Fall Fair and several fundraisers to help support our school. I encourage you to attend all functions and become involved!

7. is for keeping up with folders
is for keeping up with folders! Folders are our primary means of communications. The folder will be our way of making sure things get to and from school. Anything you need me to see, including money, should be in the folder.
is for library books! We will be visiting our library each week. When you have read the book with your child please be sure to turn it in so they can check out a book the next week.

8. is for money! On many occasions it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school. Always send it in a sealed envelope with the following information on it: name, amount, purpose, and teacher’s name.
is for Nurse! We have a health office at our school! If your student requires medication to be taken at school please make sure that you fill out the necessary forms in the office. Our health office aide handles all medication. Also, if there are any allergies that we need to be aware of please let us know.
is for office check-ins and check-outs! Please make sure to go to our office when you need to check-in or check-out your student.

9. is for PARTY! School policy permits two classroom parties each year—our Holiday party in December and our End-of-the-Year Party. The room moms will usually organize these events and coordinate volunteers and donations. All are welcome to participate in the festivities!
Birthdays are also special occasions for young children. Although we are not permitted to have a "party" for each individual child, I will recognize your child’s birthday with a birthday crown, a stamp on their hand and a trip to the treasure chest.
is for questions! Please let me know if you have any questions! I am here to make this the best experience possible!

10. is for recess! We will be going outside everyday unless it is raining or extremely cold. If your child is too sick to play outside, they are too sick to attend school. Please make sure your child is properly dressed for the weather!
is for snacks! I ask that each child bring in a healthy snack every day. This should be a snack that is quickly eaten, such as a box of crackers, cookies, fruit roll-ups, granola or cereal bars, Goldfish crackers, applesauce or pudding cups, etc
is for tying shoes! Unfortunately, this is very necessary skill that is no longer taught in school. Please work on this with your child at home. Once they become proficient at tying shoes, they will become one of my "Tying Teachers" and assist in teaching other students with learning to tie shoes.

11. Each child is UNIQUE and special
Each child is UNIQUE and special. They enter my classroom with different skills, personalities, experiences, backgrounds and learning styles. It is my aspiration to foster their individual strengths and help each child develop to his/her fullest potential; academically and socially. My goal is to teach them to fall in love with learning!
is for volunteers and visitors! We love having volunteers in our school! Please fill out the volunteer form in this packet and let me know if you are able to come help us! All volunteers and visitors must check in at the office to receive a volunteer’s pass.
is for wearing practical clothes! We try our best to keep clothing clean throughout the day but sometimes it is impossible! Please send your child to school with that in mind!

12. is for having eXtra clothes
is for having eXtra clothes! Please keep a change of clothes in your students backpack in case of an accident!
is for YOU! Always remember you are a teacher too! There is no one who is more influential in your child’s life than you!
is for ZzZzZz...please make sure that your child gets plenty of rest each night. Setting and keeping a bedtime helps children to be alert and ready to learn each day!