Handbook-Pre K

Pre-K St. Monica School
Handbook 2010-2011

Our goal at St. Monica School Pre-K is to provide a learning environment that is safe, nurturing, faith-filled and challenging for your child while creating experiences that are developmentally appropriate. We strive to prepare children to become independent thinkers and life long learners.

The ABC's of Pre-K
A
Arrival-Pre-K students may arrive at school as early as 8:30 AM and report directly to the Pre-K classroom. We will have our opening circle time starting at 8:45.
Attendance-When a student is absent because of illness or emergency, the parents are asked to telephone the main office giving a reason for the absence. In the case of the child leaving school early, parents should give a written note to the St. Monica School office and/or Pre-K teacher stating the reason for and the time of the dismissal.
B
Backpacks- Each student needs a book bag to carry to and from school. The bag needs to be sized appropriately for your child’s size. PLEASE NO ROLLER BAGS!
Birthdays- We would like to celebrate each child’s birthday either on or near the actual birth date. If you would like to bring special treats that day, we encourage you to do so. Please make arrangements with the Pre-K teacher.
C
Clothing-The pre-K children should wear play clothes suitable for playing and painting as well as the St. Monica Sweatshirt. Please be sure to label all clothing, lunchboxes and backpacks with your child’s name. Please send some type of outerwear as we play outside everyday except when it is raining.
Communication-We believe that good communication between school and home is necessary for a positive educational experience. Newsletters and information on upcoming activities will be distributed to each family on a weekly basis. We will contact you by written notes, phone, or email. You are welcome to contact the teacher at any time via e-mail sshogren@stmonicasea.org or calling the school at (206)232-5432.
D
Discipline-The purpose of discipline is to teach by example and to guide the students so that they may learn individual responsibility for a community based on mutual respect and shared values. Positive reinforcement is the form of discipline that is used in our classroom. The students are praised for desired behaviors and they are encouraged to admit a negative action or behavior and make amends.
Dismissal- Pre-kindergarten session will end at 11:30. Those students going directly home will exit the building at approximately 11:35. When arriving for pick-up, please follow instructions from faculty/staff on duty. Those students staying for lunch bunch will exit the building at approximately 12:35 and those Pre-K students staying for enrichment will exit the building at approximately 2:05.
E
Emergency-Parents are asked to make sure that the school always has their most current emergency contact information. Changes to the address, phone number, or emergency contacts should be directed to the school office administrative assistant.
Enrichment-These will be learning experiences that will help your child grow in many areas including: spiritual, physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creative.
F
Field Trips-Field trips are important components of the students' learning experiences. These trips are an integral part of the curriculum. A universal Field Trip Permission form will be completed by the parents at the beginning of the school year and will be in effect for all field trips. Parents will be notified of the details of each trip by a note sent home with the child or through school publications. If you do not want your child to participate in a particular trip, please let us know. Field trips are privileged outings. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet behavioral requirements.
Driver Requirements:
1. Drivers must fill out and have, on file, a driver information sheer prior to trip.
G
Gear-If your child can not tie his or her own shoes they must wear shoes that slip on or close with Velcro.
H
Health-When a student becomes sick or is injured during the school day, an adult will take the student to the school office. The parent or contact person will be notified.
Home learning- Students will be given a simple activity weekly. We hope that parents will organize a time and opportunity for the activity to be done, but ask that you allow your child to be as independent as possible unless it is a family project.
I
Immunizations-State law requires us to have an updated immunization card for you child. Please send a copy of any new immunizations that your child has received during the year.
J
Journals- We will be exploring what a journal is and begin very briefly the journaling process. This is a great way to see the progress your child will make as they develop an understanding that each letter looks unique; words are made with letters; people draw pictures to represent things in the world around them; and that written words/pictures tell stories and convey meaning.
K
Kindness-Please remind your child to be kind to all classmates as well as all the various people they will come in contact with at school.
L
Lunch Bunch- An additional opportunity to play and socialize while enjoying a healthy (nut free) lunch brought from home, supervised by teaching staff. This will take place in the Pre-K classroom
T, W,TH 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
M
Math- Within a developmentally appropriate environment, the Pre-Kindergarten children will be given a variety of opportunities to practice emerging skills and to expand their developing understandings. Within the context of exploration, discovery, and play, the students will develop mathematical skills such as numeration, counting, operations, sorting, patterns, geometry, measurement, graphing, and time frames.
Medications-The Washington Board of Health and the Archdiocese of Seattle requires that medication (over the counter or prescription) given during school hours have an “Authorization to Administer medication” form on file in the school office. The form includes the condition requiring medication, the drug to be administered, and the physician’s signature. All medications must be kept in the office in a secure location in the original container.
N
Notices and Artwork- Your child will be assigned a cubby that you should check at the end of every week for completed projects.
O
Outdoor Play- Please have your child wear shoes appropriate for running and active movement or provide them with a change of shoes. We will enjoy the outdoors as long as weather permits.
P
Parties- On special occasions a simple classroom party may be arranged through consultation with the teacher and room parent. We will be having several parties throughout the year to celebrate different occasions. You will receive information prior to classroom parties via the room mom and classroom teacher.
Written or oral invitations regarding private parties outside of school must not be given out at school unless everyone in the classroom is invited.
Progress-Evaluation of student progress is communicated through bi-weekly feedback at the website www.Preschoolfirst.com. Conferences can be arranged upon parental or school request.
Q
Quiet Time/Rest-Be sure your child is getting plenty of rest and sleep at home so they can function to the best of their abilities.
R
Reading- Through various activities we will be exploring all the letters, their sounds, and how they fit together to make words. These activities will enhance their educational skills as they enter the world of learning.
Restrooms- There is a restroom in our classroom. Your child may use the restroom as he or she needs to. We will also be taking several bathroom breaks throughout the day. In the case of an accident, please pack an extra change of clothes in your child's backpack.
Room Parents- Room parent responsibilities include: helping to organize classroom parties; setting up volunteers for field trips, school activities, or to assist in the class.
S
School Hours- St. Monica School Pre-K school hours are from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Snack-Our brains need fuel to operate. During mid-morning the students are given a healthy snack provided by the school. They may also bring a snack from home.
T
Technology-The students interact with technology and use technological learning tools on a daily basis. The Pre-K students become familiar with technology in the classroom through use of the SMART board, Listening Center, music CDs, and educational videos/DVDs.
Transportation-Please communicate your child's transportation to and from school with the homeroom teacher and school office. A change in transportation plans must be in the form of a written note and the school must be notified in advance. If a parent needs to make a change during the school day, please call the School Office.
U
Uniforms-Pre-K students do not wear the required school uniform, but are encouraged to wear suitable clothing that is neat, clean, and worn appropriately. We also ask that your child wear a St. Monica School sweatshirt
V
Visitors/volunteers-We would love to have you visit us! If you have time to help out or an interesting activity to share there will be many opportunities throughout the year to do so! Parents, family members, and invited guests must check in with the school office and obtain a visitor's badge. This badge must be clearly displayed while on campus.
W
Weather-Parents will be notified via the automated calling service for weather related school delays and closings. Please indicate two phone numbers on the emergency contact form: one to be used in the event of a morning delay or closing and one in the event of an unexpected early dismissal.
You are asked to check these other resources for delay and closing information:
--School Website
--School Phone
Websites-Be sure to visit our classroom website often!
Writing-The students are provided with ample opportunities to write and are exposed to a variety of written text throughout the day. They will have the opportunity to write in a variety of different ways.
X
eXpectations-Our community is committed to the education of children. It is a community based on mutual respect and consideration of others. The following expectations are principles that govern our behavior:
--Show respect and be kind to others
--Do your best and be safe
Y
You: You are great and we appreciate you!! You can help your child have a successful year by doing some of the following:

Read with your child and talk about the story after your read. It encourages a love of reading. It sends the message that reading is important and FUN!
Be interested in your child’s day. Ask questions like, "What did you learn today?", "What did you do during center time today?", or “What center did you choose?”
Be sure to allow time for enough sleep at night (about 10-12 hours) and a healthy breakfast in the morning. Studies show that children who received a good night's sleep perform better and learn more than children who do not get enough sleep.
Speak positively about school. The way your child perceives your feelings about school and his or her teachers will have a direct effect on their feelings regarding school and their motivation to learn.
It is very important to work with your child on home learning activities and learning at home. Not only does it give additional practice to ensure the learning of concepts, but it also sends the message that you care.

Z
Zooming: We will zoom through a great school year together!