The following is answers to commonly asked questions.
How can I find out how my child is doing? There are three scheduled parent/teacher conferences that provide you with an opportunity to learn how your child is doing both academically and socially. During conferences we will look at examples of your child’s work and discuss their progress in core subject areas, and you will have time to ask questions that are specific to them. In between conferences, I will respond to your questions or concerns either via email or in person if you feel a meeting is necessary. In order to ensure that I have enough time to thoughtfully answer your questions and to adequately address your concerns, I won’t be able to do so when your child is being dropped off or is being picked up.
How is behavior managed in the classroom? Following the Responsive Classroom model for behavior correction, students and I arrived at a set ofclassroom rules that we agreed to abide by. These are posted in our classroom. If students are being disruptive or uncooperative, they are asked to sit outside of the group at the peace rose table. This table is located at the rear of the meeting rug so they remain in close proximity to instruction. The first time they are asked to leave, they are allowed to rejoin the group as soon as they feel they have their control back. If they are asked to leave a second time, they must wait to be invited back by me. I will check in with students who are asked to sit at the peace rose table after the lesson is over to reinforce desired behaviors and review agreed upon rules.
How do I pick up my student early? If you have to sign your student out early, please do so in the main office. Staff will then call the classroom and your student will be escorted to you. Likewise, if you arrive late, please stop at the office prior to sending or escorting your child to the classroom. This is a school wide policy designed to ensure that student attendance is accurately recorded.
Can I volunteer in the classroom? Through out the year there will be opportunities to volunteer for a variety of classroom events and field trips. Your classroom parents will coordinate these efforts. I appreciate and understand the desire to spend time in your child’s classroom. Initially, regularly scheduled Open House's provide you with an opportunity to come see how we start our day. Once students get to know each other, get to know me and are comfortable with our classroom routines there will be opportunities to visit outside of this time.
When will my child have lunch? Kindergarten eats lunch from 11:15 to 11:45 and are supervised by one of their teachers. If your student is having hot lunch, they will pick up their tray before joining their friends. How are birthdays celebrated? Birthdays will be celebrated at the end of the day with a small ceremony that emphasizes yearly milestones. Parents are encouraged to participate by sharing what their child was doing when they turned one, two, three, etc. up to the present day, and by reading their child’s favorite story to the class. Parents may also choose to provide a small treat for your child to share with his friends.