1. Welcome to Pre-Kindergarten

2. The Goals of Pre-K To provide a rich, child- centered, literacy-focused learning environment. To ensure that all children in Mecklenburg County enter kindergarten ready to learn. To offer experiences that ensure children's learning of the academic, personal and interpersonal skills essential to school success.

3. History of Pre-K Programs The program offers the following: Academic Curriculum Certified Teachers Parent involvement and commitment Currently Pre-K is offered in a variety of settings: Bright Beginnings: 54 Elementary Schools (180 Classrooms) North Carolina Pre-K: Child care centers (54 Classrooms)

4. The First Days of School The Pre-Kindergarten Program begins on August 25-27 with home visits. Pre-K children begin school on a staggered schedule on Setember 2 nd, 3 rd, or 4 th. The first full day of Pre-K is September 5, 2014.

5. Our Curriculum Opening the World of Learning, O.W.L., is our curriculum. The day consists of numerous activities designed with purposeful play. Activities include centers, small group instruction, large group instruction. We will have special celebrations throughout the year that relate to the books your child is reading in class but we do not put special emphasis on celebrating holidays.

6. Attendance School Hours Regular attendance is necessary to get the greatest benefit from this learning opportunity. Following an excused absence, parents or guardians should send in a written note stating the reason for the absence.

7. Important Information Title I – our program is funded partially with Title I funds. Title I supports children with educational needs. Change of Personal Information- Please notify your child’s teacher immediately if your address or phone number changes. Withdrawal from CMS – Please notify your child’s teacher should you decide to withdraw your child from Pre-k.

8. Pre-Kindergarten Behavior Plan The Pre-Kindergarten Program is based on the belief that children learn self- discipline and behaviors that will result in cooperation, sharing, following directions, listening and showing respect for themselves and others. In Pre-K classrooms, this is accomplished by providing activities that encourage the development of these skills, and by modeling these skills for the children. Keeping children actively engaged in learning, combined with consistent rules and consequences for behavior helps to prevent discipline problems.

9. Transportation Students who come to school by car must be walked to the classroom. Parents must make contact with the teacher or assistant. Children will only be released to the parent(s) or other persons authorized by the parent. A designated adult must wait for the child at the bus stop. If no one is there to receive the child, the driver will finish the bus route and then take the child back to the school to wait for their parents. The assistant principal can assist you with further bus transportation questions should you have any concerns.

10. Parent Involvement Requirements 1.Home visits 2.Home Reading - 100 books 3.Parent Visits – at least 4 per year 4.Parent & Teacher Conference 5.All student information kept up-to-date 6.Physicals & Immunizations 7.Daily check of child’s book bag

11. What About Food? Free breakfast provided to all students. Children can bring lunch from home or purchase lunch from school. Daily snack is served. Please discuss food allergies with your child’s teacher.

12. Student Health Emergency Procedures and First Aid Medications—medical authorization from signed by physician Illness or Sickness—symptom free for 24 hrs without medication

13. Other Important Information After School/Wrap Around Care Holidays and Birthdays Family Service Program

14. Clothing Parents are asked to send a complete change of clothes to school, i.e., bottom, top, socks, and underclothes. During the year, please provide a different outfit to reflect the changing season. Please note that if your school has a school uniform policy, your pre-k child must follow the dress code.

15. Questions, Concerns?

16. Thank you for coming! We know that your child is going to have a great year. We look forward to working with you to help your child gain both academic and social skills that will be vital to their future.