1. Welcome to Kindergarten at Beck Elementary Samuel Beck Elementary School Tuesday, August 28, 2012

2. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Practice Routines: –Beginning the school year is a perfect time to start routines. –Getting ready for each school day the night before: parent signing the daily folder, make lunch together, pick out your next school day clothes, bath, story, bedtime. –Arrive each day at 7:20am. The tardy bell rings at 7:45am.

3. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Practice Routines: –As much as possible, try to keep your child’s transportation to and from school. –Should there be a change in transportation, please send a signed note in your child’s folder or email the change to beckelem@nisdtx.org. We must have your request in writing before 2:00 p.m. –Review with your child when you will see them next (at 3pm, after day care, at grandma’s house etc…). –Daily routines help reduce anxiety

4. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Starting School is Exciting: –Be supportive -Encourage making new friends -Strive for independence Saying Goodbye: –Make your goodbye’s cheerful and brief. -Avoid coming back to the classroom after you have already said goodbye. –Some children respond well to a planned ritual (example: 2 hugs and a thumbs up). –“Quick goodbye’s leave dry eyes!”

5. Adjusting to the First Days of Kindergarten Responding to Distress/Tears: –Avoid creating more distress or fear by scolding. –Remain positive that you will see them at the end of the school day. –Remind them how they will make new friends, play at recess, and especially how proud you are that they are in kindergarten now. –Avoid letting them see you sad , children of all ages can sense when adults are scared, worried, or upset. –Make it a positive farewell.

6. Home Ideas for Adjusting to School Powerful Conversations -“You’re so lucky you get to go to a big kid school like Beck Elementary.” - “Who have you met?” -“What did you like best about school today?” -“What was the favorite thing you learned today?”

7. Academics and Curriculum Foster independence in various areas: –Practice writing their name, knowing full name, address, phone number, teacher’s name. –Try to find age- appropriate responsibilities for your child to do each day such as tying shoes; snap, button, zip clothing. –According to the National Education Association, “giving young children tiny tasks will reduce your stress level (parents) and actually help your child to become a better student.”

8. Academics and Curriculum Plan to attend the kindergarten curriculum night; date and time to be announced soon. Review and practice daily skills as directed by the teacher. The following is the Samuel Beck Elementary Bulldogs’ Plan for Success. Please discuss these with your child. –We will treat you with respect, so you will know how to treat others. –If you have or create a problem, we will ask you to solve it. –If you have trouble solving the problem, or choose not to, we will do something. –What we do, will depend on each person, and the unique situation.

9. Academics and Curriculum The Gift of a Good Book: –Try to read with your child every day. –Books help children build vocabulary, learn concepts of print, develop listening skills, and enjoy reading. –After you read a book, talk about the characters, your child’s favorite part of the story, new words they learned, and words they already know.

10. Ways to Get Involved with your Kindergartener Find out the best way to stay in communication with your child’s teacher (emails, notes in folder, etc…). Join the PTA-become a member and make a difference. Volunteer around the school (library, book fair, special events, Watch D.O.G.S.).

11. We Are Here for You and Your Child We Are Here for You and Your Child Please contact any of the following staff members if there is anything we can do to make your child’s day at school even better Classroom Teacher (should be contacted first for any questions or concerns about your child, as they know your child best) Deborah McCune-Principal John Booles-Assistant Principal Patricia Porter-Counselor Susan Stuebe-Office Manager Jennifer Allen-Receptionist Lori Walsh-Nurse We count it a privilege to serve you and your child. Welcome to Samuel Beck Elementary!

12. Last Minute Reminders The building opens at 7:20 a.m. Cafeteria serves breakfast at 7:20 a.m. Students can go to their class at 7:20 a.m. Learning begins and the tardy bell rings at 7:45 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:45 p.m. Check teacher websites regularly for updates and information. 2012-2013 Background Checks must be completed before any adult is allowed to volunteer in the classroom/school, field trips, Watch D.O.G.S. etc. Transportation changes must be received in writing (parent note or email) before 2:00 p.m. Drop off and pick up on time reduces stress on your child.