Welcome to Kindergarten! Back to School Night 2013 Ms Petronio, Ms Levine

Our School Connerly Road School houses students from Pre-K to 4th Grade Our Principal is Dr. Silva-Burnett There are 4 Kindergarten classrooms (3 in this wing) 6 day cycle schedule Please wear sneakers on P.E. days- A and F! Our mascot is a Kangaroo- “Joey” Joey Rules- Be respectful, Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Kind.

School Procedures Children may be dropped off at the Kindergarten Hallway door WHEN THE BELL RINGS (8:50) If your child’s dismissal will be changed for the day, you must send a note in his/her yellow folder or call the main office We may not change a child’s dismissal plan based on the child’s word Pick-up at the end of the day will be from the GYM If you come in to volunteer, you must sign in and out with the Security Officer by the Main Office

Our Classroom Classroom Rules Behavior System Homework Policy Created together as a group Address Joey Rules: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe, Be Kind Behavior System Clip Chart: 7 steps Opportunities to move clip up or down throughout the day Consequences outlined in steps (Warning, Teacher’s Choice, Parent Contact) Calendar in Take Home Folder. Must be initialed if yellow, orange, or red Homework Policy Will begin in October Weekly packets that address math and literacy skills to be returned each Monday

Housekeeping… Student ID numbers need to be memorized Snack Quick (15 minutes) and easy for you child to open Extra Clothing Labeled in a ziplock bag, seasonally appropriate Family Pictures Ear Buds and Pencil Boxes Birthday Policy Send in snack (healthy please!) or come in to read a story to the class during snacktime

Communication All communication about dismissal plan needs to be sent IN WRITING in child’s yellow folder (no email please) All other communication can be via email (npetronio@franklinboe.org, mlevine@franklinboe.org) Classroom Twitter Account for weekly updates about classroom activities and curriculum Teacher webpage: a great resource http://www.franklinboe.org//Domain/1909

Curriculum We use a workshop model for Reading, Writing, and Math What is a workshop model? Mini-lesson Guided Practice Independent Practice Link to learning

Reading/Language Arts/Writing Daily read-aloud of a variety of fiction and non-fiction selections (listening). Teacher-guided activates that promote phonemic awareness and encourage word play. Instruction and guided practice (in context) in sound/ symbol relationships (phonics) with an emphasis on patterns in spelling and pronunciation. Instruction and guided practice (in context) of language mechanics and grammar with an emphasis on patterns in structure and usage. Modeling/ demonstration of reading processes through teacher think alouds. Balance of whole group instruction emphasizing strategies with small group instruction. Weekly opportunities for response to literature through group discussion (real responses) and journal entries (written responses). Daily opportunities for independent reading. Instruction and guided & independent practice of process writing. Shared reading will include a variety of morning messages, poems, songs, nursery rhymes, big books written in large print for constant fluency and comprehension. Reading Workshop Writing Workshop

Mathematics Go Math supports the Standards for Mathematical Practice through several specific features. Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. Representing, relating, and operating on whole numbers initially with sets of objects. Describing shapes and space. Communicate mathematically through written, oral, symbolic, and visual forms of expressions. Connect mathematics to other learning by understanding the interrelationships of mathematical ideas and roles. Develop number sense and an ability to use geometric properties to solve Develop understanding of patterns and their relationships to real-world. Demonstrate high levels of mathematical thought through expression which extend beyond traditional computation, algebra, and geometry.

Social Studies Develop an understanding that kindergarten is a place to learn about school activities, rules, and ways to work alone and together. Develop geographical skills through exploration of the environment. Develop an understanding that families, homes and activities are alike and different through the use of rules; family wants and needs can be fulfilled. Develop an understating that seasons and weather effect geographical environments. Develop an understanding that the United States is part of or earth. Develop an understanding of environmental awareness. Develop and understanding an appreciation for holidays, important events and multicultural celebrations.

Science Push and Pull The 5 senses Living things Planet Earth Develop problem solving & decision making skills

Health Provide a basic introduction to health related topics. All about me Growing and learning Caring for my teeth Staying fit and healthy Food and health Staying well Medicines help – drug hurts: Keeping safe Healthy communities.

Self-Image Understand, appreciate, and respect themselves Recognize their strengths and imitations when setting personal goals Understand the benefits of strong work ethics Gain insight into their own value structure and how their values affect one’s life and relationship with others.

Assessments District assessments given in literacy, math, science, and social studies Math and science assessments are given quarterly Social studies assessments given at beginning and end of year Literacy Writing: On-Demand writing assessments given at beginning and ends of writing units to monitor progress Reading: Letter and Sound ID, High Frequency Word ID, and Concept of Print assessments given quarterly Running Records given as needed

Parent Packet Curriculum Guide Fundations Letter order and Lines Reference Sheet Writing Paper TC Reading Benchmarks Guided Reading book levels Writing development examples (NO spelling for your child!) Twitter Guidelines

Kindergarten is an ADJUSTMENT!

Thank You! You are a critical part of your child’s learning in Kindergarten. Their success depends on your willingness to work with them each night. Being here is the first step! We appreciate you!