1. Welcome to Kindergarten Curriculum Night Mrs. Barbara Ozminkowski

2. Mrs. Ozminkowski Here I am with my brothers – pretty sure I’m about kindergarten age here.

3. My Family

4. Rootbeer and Penelope

5. FAPEs ~ Fine Arts and PE Schedule in your packet indicating where we go on what days Your child needs to have gym shoes for PE on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Library day (Media Center) is Tuesday “Block” is an extra recess for the kids, a common planning time for all kindergarten teachers. Computer Lab on Friday

6. Mary Helen Guest Website http://www.wlcsd.org/Maryhelenguest.cfm

7. Family Access Attendance: A convenient calendar allows parents to review absences at a glance. Grades: This is where you will find your child’s report card four times a year. Demographic Information: Data the school has on record will be available as well as an email link to the school office in case updates need to be reported. Breakfast/Lunch Account: Money can be put in your child’s account for breakfast and lunch.

8. VOLUNTEERS Many volunteer opportunities! Motor Parents Word Rings Chaperones Art Room Making copies Preparing TLC art projects Providing special supplies Etc.

9. Volunteer Training Our fabulous PTA is offering a volunteer training session Tuesday, September 18 th from 3 – 4 pm Meet in the school office If 3:00 doesn’t work, please get your name and contact information to me. I will give it to Erica Kochevar who will contact you to arrange for a convenient training time.

10. LUNCH Helpful to number each piece of food We get them started With time, the children will learn to eat more and visit less We will go to lunch dressed to go outside Thanks for using the back of the folder to indicate lunch/milk purchases each day Concerns?

11. Why is reading with your child important? Reading aloud… stimulates your child's imagination develops your child's interest in reading and in books improves your child's listening skills builds vocabulary helps your child to understand stories and 'book language' creates a bond between you and your child provides your child with a positive role model

12. Most importantly Research shows time and time again: Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school. http://www.nea.org/

13. Mrs. O’s Library Children will be able to check out a book from my classroom library every single day Return the book when you are done with it These are NOT designed to be books that your child can read by themselves. Snuggle up and ENJOY!

14. Reading with Your Child Set aside a time to read aloud to your child each evening! Find a cozy place and snuggle up and make it special and fun…a time you look forward to! Discuss theme of story, practice predicting, talk about letters, words, rhymes, etc. Get your child involved! Have them join in on repeating phrases. Let your child turn the pages. Get “into” the story! Change your voice for each character. Enjoy the story and the time together!

15. Looking for Mystery Readers This is a great opportunity for parents, older siblings, grandparents, relatives, or other special people to surprise your child by being a “Mystery Reader” this year in our classroom. Students LOVE having their family, friends, and relatives visit our classroom to share in our learning by reading a favorite story aloud to our class. Mystery Readers will visit us on Fridays at 2:00 pm each week. Let me know if you or someone in your family is interested!

16. FIELD TRIPS We are working on a late November trip to the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center off Sleeth Road in the Proud Lake Recreation Area. Parent volunteers are absolutely needed! Typically, we ask parents to drive and meet us there to save on the cost of bussing. Watch for more information!

17. DRESS FOR THE WEATHER Recess Wear Guidelines/Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Temperature degrees are based on wind-chill/”feels like” temperatures. Coats/Jackets 50 degrees+ Child/Parent discretion 40-49 degreesRecommended 39 degrees and belowRequired Hats/Gloves/Mittens 45 degrees+ Child/Parent discretion 35-44 degreesRecommended 32 degrees and belowRequired/Letter Home Boots and Snow Pants Required when off of the blacktop if there is slush or snow/Letter Home

18. Homework Routine – find what works for you and your child Math – number writing and counting Literacy – reading, word rings Social Studies and Curriculum Activities  Birthday Book (timeline)  Family Rules  Family Traditions

19. Conflict Resolution I model problem-solving strategies CONSTANTLY. We practice, practice, practice! We read many books that show conflict. We brainstorm solutions and discuss the character’s actions. We focus on solving problems without hurting another person’s feelings. If your child comes home and says they have had a problem at school…

20. MEMORY BOOKS As a gift to you for sharing your wonderful children with me, I will be taking pictures of all the exciting learning throughout the year. The pictures will be made into a memory book with the help of a wonderful volunteer and given to you sometime in June 2013! Monetary donations to help cover the cost of printing the pictures, paper, stickers, etc. are always welcome!

21. Important Dates PTA Ice Cream Social – Friday, September 21 No School – Monday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 26 PTA Fun Fair – Friday, October 5 Halloween Party – Wednesday, October 31 No School – Tuesday, November 6 Conferences – Thursday, November 14 Nursery Rhyme Tea – Friday, February 8, 9 - 10 am.

22. Thanks for coming! Sign up for a conference across from the cafetorium.