Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to some FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What should my child be able to do to come to Kindergarten?
Incoming students vary greatly in their abilities when they enter kindergarten. There are, however, some things that all students should be able to do. - Be able to be away from parents for the full day (a few tears common at the beginning) - Gaining independence - able to put on own coat, handle backpack, take care of all personal bathroom needs... - Have social skills to be able to interact with other students - communicate, share, be nice - Be able to write and recognize own first name - Can sit safely in chair
What do most kids know when they start kindergarten?The following is a list of what is typically seen. These things are not required, and they are all taught during kindergarten. Don't panic if your child cannot do any or all of these things! - Able to recognize basic shapes and colors - Can follow 2 step directions - Recognize numbers 1-5 - Recognize and know the names of at least the letters in their name (many children recognize many letters and know a few sounds)
What is the best way to communicate with Mrs. Colsey?At the beginning of the school year, I will attain e-mail addresses for parents. If this is a way that you like to communicate then please feel free to send me an e-mail with any questions or concerns. I usually check my e-mail most evenings. Writing a note and putting inside your child's folder will be the most efficient way of communicating. I will read and respond to your note that day. You may also ask me very brief questions in the mornings if you drop off your child, but I am usually very focused on greeting the children in the mornings. You may call the school office 462- 0266 and I will try to return your call that day, or you may schedule a conference time if you would like. There will be conferences with every parent in November.What should my child wear for gym?A gym uniform, purchased from the school office, or any other navy blue gym clothes - t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, shorts (on warm days). Sneakers are a must - VELCRO or Slip on ones are Mrs. Colsey's favorite. Can you guess why? Please remember to label all clothing. Remember also that our classroom can be chilly when the weather is hot out - so send a sweatshirt or sweater just in case.What if my child has a bathroom accident at school?We do have some extra clothing on hand, although the fit and color may not be the greatest. We will have them clean themselves up, put on something dry if we have it, and will have them put everything else in a plastic bag to bring home for washing. Please wash the school's clothes too and return them when you can. If it is a big mess, or your child isn't feeling well, we will notify you ASAP. If your child is prone to accidents, please let me know. You may want to keep an extra change of clothes in a pocket of their backpack.Where should I drop off and pick up my child?In the mornings, you may park in the parking lot in the front of the school and walk your child to the classroom (although they need to unpack all of their own things themselves - don't worry we will help!). If you prefer and your child allows, you may just drop them at the front door of the school and they can walk in by themselves. At pick up time - you will drive your car around to the back of the school builing (at the fork at the top of the hill - stay straight instead of turning toward the front of the school). Keep your car in the line of other parents and drive around to the back door of the Narthex. Teachers will escort your child to your car. It is very helpful for your child to be able to buckle themselves into their own carseats. If you need to assist them, please pull your car up to the "BUCKLE ZONE" which will have signs the first couple weeks of school.What if my child takes the bus?If your child takes the bus, they will follow the big kids into school and a teacher will direct them to their classroom. The big kids are always very kind and helpful to the Kindergartners! If your child is taking the bus home, Mrs. Robles will be escorting them to the gym at the end of each day and will make sure that they each sit in the appropriate bus line. If your child does not have an older sibling, then we will usually match them up with a responsible "big kid" who will watch over them on the bus. The busses are available to ride home on the first 3 half days of school - but they are not your child's usual bus number or driver - Just FYIWhat if my child needs to go to the "School's Out" program after school?Mrs. Robles will escort them to the gym and the School's Out staff who will check each child in each day.What about rest time?We do have a rest time – especially at the beginning of the year – usually about 20 -30 minutes right after lunch and recess. It is a quiet time – soft music…sometimes I read chapter books. Some kids may fall asleep – but not usually. They may bring a small blanket to keep in the classroom for rest time. I will send the blankets home periodically to be washed. Recieving blanket size or even a yard of fun looking fleece fabric works well.