1. Welcome to Pre-K Back to School Night Contact information: nsmith@hillsdaleschools.com Meadowbrook School 201-664-8088 Communication notebook

2. About Me I am certified in both special education and general education This is my 28th year teaching and my 19th year in Hillsdale. I began the integrated program 16 years ago and it became a model for other districts. I am married with 2 children, a step-daughter, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, and a new granddaughter.

3. The Preschool program is a language based program. The entire preschools staff works on developing communication and language skills, social skills and cognitive skills. Creative Curriculum - learning is based on the child’s developmental level The Program

4. Class Information The A.M. meets from 9:00-11:30 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 9:00-11:15 on Tuesday. The P.M. meets from 12:45-3:05 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday; and 1:00-3:05 on Tuesday. Staff - Classroom assistant A.M. - Kathleen Eberson (Mrs. E), Suzanne Kleman (Mrs. K), and Alyssa Plescia (Miss Alyssa) P.M. - Ksenija Beverin (Mrs. B) and Jessica Jones (Miss Jones) speech therapist - Clare Jennings, Evy Libien, and Andrea Lincoln OT - Rosemary Delgato PT - Kellie Baldwin

5. Important Class Times Tuesdays - A.M. class dismisses at 11:15 P.M. class begins until 1:00 Half days - A.M. class is 9:00-10:30 P.M. class is 11:00-12:30 Delayed openings - A.M. class is 10:30-12:30 P.M. class is1:00-3:05

6. Class Routines CIRCLE TIME: Our day begins with Circle Time which consists of attendance, calendar, music and movement, weather, Pledge of Allegiance and singing and signing God Bless America.

7. Centers - Creative Curriculum Three to four centers will be “open” for the children to access during the day that cover a wide range of skills: math, pre-reading, listening, fine motor, gross motor, arts & crafts, social play, listening and puzzles.

8. Specials Monday A.M. - Music P.M. - Music Tuesday A.M. - P.E. P.M. - Media Wednesday A.M. - Media Thursday A.M. - Art P.M. - Art Friday P.M. - P.E.

9. Star of the Week Will begin in October. Your child will have the opportunity to share the following with the class: *information about them self *show and tell *favorite book *favorite game *special interest centers

10. Bucket Fillers We have been talking about being a good friend. Every time we “catch” a child doing something special, their picture will be placed in the star. At the end of each week, pictures will be placed in a bucket and one child will be chosen to take home a certificate and coloring pages. The children will have multiple opportunities to earn bucket filling certificates as well as a book of their choice.

11. Class Parents and Parties Our class parents A.M. (please feel free to complete a volunteer sheet) P.M. Mrs. Santin and Mrs. Zimmerman Parties - 3-4 parties throughout the year which will be organized by the class parents

12. Sickness and Absentees Please contact the nurse directly for absences. Children must be "fever free" for 24 hours before returning to school. Please contact the bus company directly if your child will be absent

13. Notes for the Teacher If someone other than you is picking up your child at dismissal (must have written note or phone call to office). If your child is not going home on the bus as scheduled. In addition, the bus company needs to be notified.

14. Newsletter The newsletter can be accessed on the my website. Keeps you “in the know” to help you generate conversation with your child. E-Alerts (If you register for E- Alerts, please click on my name to receive notifications).

15. Giving Tree The Giving Tree, which is at the bottom of the weekly newsletter, is a list of supplies which the preschool classes use during the year. The items in bold we are in more need of than others, however any donation is greatly appreciated.

16. Home Projects Home projects for you and your child to do together will be sent home throughout the year. For example, the crayon during the summer, October will be decorating a pumpkin, November will be decorating a turkey feather, etc. (Instructions will be attached)

17. Conferences November 2 - 4, 2015 Sign-up sheet E-Mails Sign-up sheet - send out class reminders or notifications

18. Pre-School Parent Paper Available on the website. Different activities listed you can do at home with your child. Readiness activities, OT activities and Speech activities.

19. Homework Will begin in October Worksheets from Pre-School workbooks. I started this when some of the children would want to do homework like their siblings. This is voluntary Practice writing their name on the back

20. Additional Information Pizza days Bagel days Book Fair Holiday Boutique Plant Sale MFFA Notices