Hello, Griffin families!
We hope that your Kindergartner had a wonderful first week! We are excited to begin our second full week with our new scholars.
We're sure you have noticed the Kindergarten classrooms use a behavior clip chart to keep track of student behavior throughout the day. Student clips start at "ready to learn" each morning (remember ready to learn is still a great day!) and can move up demonstrating exceptional behavior above and beyond the expectations. Clips can drop and result in consequences when classroom rules are not followed. This K-2 school policy helps encourage young Great Heart scholars to be aware of how their choices affect their learning and the learning of those around them. Be sure to check where your child's clip 'landed' each day and initial the Behavior Calendar in your child's red folder each night to let us know you are aware of their daily behaviors. Thank you for your support in having a classroom full of eager young minds ready to stay focused and open to learning all day, every day! Friendly reminder: "Ready to Learn" is the goal each day!
Another thank you goes out to everyone that responded to our Help Wanted call for volunteers! The Kindergarten teachers will be compiling these responses and contacting you throughout the year as projects and needs arise. A huge "thank you" also to the volunteers that have already gotten the school year going by helping in the office with copies, cleaning the lunch tables, and helping the school be ready during the first week! We appreciate you!
Reminders:
- SNACK: Please make sure that your child's snack is one (we have a short amount of time and lunch is shortly after), small and healthy snack. We ask that the snack does not require utensils and that your child only drinks from their water bottle during this time (no juice). Our snack times are short and having your child's snack packed separately in the backpack (not in their lunch box or a bento box) helps the 'grab and go' process, as well as easy unpacking it into the cubby in the morning. Reminder that KB is a nut free classroom (Ms. Quick's class).
- WATER BOTTLES: Make sure to send your child with one reusable water bottle. It is hot outside, and we do allow them to take it outside during their recess time, as well as use it during snack time/ lunch. We have noticed that a few water bottles are not fitting inside the cubbies (10"x10"). Please check the size of your child's water bottle to make sure it will fit.
- LUNCH/ LUNCH BOXES: Please practice opening lunch boxes, containers, and bento boxes with your child. This will help them begin lunch right as they sit down, rather than waiting for assistance to open lunch items. Lunch boxes should only be sent if your child has a lunch from home.
- BACKPACKS: Please practice having your child put their lunch box and red folder in their backpack, as well as placing water bottles in the side pocket. They are already learning so fast!
- SWEATERS: It is very hot outside, but the classrooms often stay pretty cool. Please double check to make sure your child's name is in their sweater, as they are allowed to wear a school uniform sweater in the classroom. We are reminding the scholars that they are responsible for placing them in their backpacks when they are not using them.
- SHIRTS and BELTS: Please practice tucking in shirts with your child, as this is part of the uniform. You can even ask them to sing you the song for tucking in shirts! 😊 Belts are not required in kindergarten; however, if your child is wearing one, please practice making sure they can put it back on/buckle it quickly after the restroom.
- POEMS: Blue poetry folders will go home today- poems will be in the red folder each Monday, and you may keep them in their blue poetry folder (at home or the folder may live in their backpack).
- Morning Drop Off: Students that arrive between 7:15-7:30am will either purchase breakfast or head to morning recess. Those that arrive after 7:30am will go straight to the classroom. Please discuss this with your child each morning as they get out of the car. Be sure to arrive on time (no later than 7:50am) to build good habits!
- Curriculum Night: This is an opportunity for you to hear and see what your child is learning and what to expect from the school year. We highly encourage at least one parent to attend and read the additional information sent by GHNO. Please note this is an adult-only event, so arrange childcare for the evening.
This Week
Math Skills
- 100s Chart
- Numbers 0-5
- Numbers represented by Objects
- Counting Objects in Groups of 1 to 5
Spalding Skills
- Identify Letter Names
- Isolating Sounds in Words
Literature
- Identifying Characters
- Sequencing Events (Beginning, Middle, and End)
- Retelling
- Parts of a Book
Grammar
- Lowercase Letter Names
- Oral Sentence Construction (Complete Sentences)
Poetry
History
- Maps and Globes
- Compass Rose
Homework Reminders
- Be sure to read daily for 20 minutes; 100 minutes per week due on Mondays. Please record on the Reading Log page by filing out each box.
- Memorize poem by Friday!
- Sign the Agenda to help us track that homework is being completed.
Upcoming Events
- Aug. 22 ~ Early Release
- Aug. 26 ~ K-2 Curriculum Night (6:00 PM)
- Aug.29 ~ Early Release; Spirit Day; R&R Weekend
- Sept. 1 ~ No School, Labor Day Holiday
- Sept. 5 ~ FULL DAY Friday
- Sept. 12 ~ Early Release
- Sept. 19 ~ Early Release
- Sept. 26 ~ Early Release; Spirit Day
