Kindergarten Handbook
Mrs. Goodwin

Drop off Procedure
Kids will need to sit with our class in a line by the flagpole.  A teacher will be assigned to monitor them from 7:40am until 8:00am.  Parents should allow children to come to the room on their own and begin morning procedures. This will help each child develop independence and responsibility.  (On the first day of school, parents may stay and walk down to the classroom with the teacher and the class.)

After School Dismissal
I will escort the students to the bus area and then around to the front by the overhang near the picnic tables.  For the safety of your child, I ask that students are not pulled out of line to leave with parents or siblings, or picked up at the classroom.  (If you need to pick your child up early, you will need to stop by the office first.)  Your child will remain with me or one of the other kindergarten teachers, until you, a designated caregiver or older sibling comes to meet us.  Thank you for following this procedure.  Your child’s safety is my #1 concern after school.

Discipline
Kindergarten is a unique year.  Not only will the kids learn academic subjects, they will also learn what types of behavior are appropriate at school.  My role as a teacher will be to train as well as reinforce positive behavior.  I do have high expectations for my students, but I will help them along the way.

Our basic rules are:
 1. We listen to each other.
 2. Hands and feet are for helping, not hurting.
 3. We talk nicely to each other.
 4. We care about each other’s feelings.
 5. We are responsible for what we say and do.
Consequences for inappropriate behavior might include, but are not limited to, “Mrs. Goodwin’s grumpy face”, think time, redirected to a different activity, loss of school bucks, time-out in another room, or a note/phone call to parents.  I do not expect parents to fix their child’s behavior at school; however, I do need your support when consequences occur.

Children will rate their behavior each day using our coloring graph.  I will agree or disagree with their choice.  Please review the chart daily.

 

Daily Folder—HORSE (Happy, Organized,Responsible Students Everyday)
Each day a folder will come home with your child.  It is my way of communicating with you.  It needs to be returned each day.

Homework
In addition to monthly goals and popcorn words, there will be a homework folder sent home on Friday.  I will keep track of the number of incomplete homework assignments for our Transitions Document. The homework should not take very long to complete.  I am more concerned with students developing a discipline for homework than the length of time spent on the assignment.  The homework is due on Friday.  Please do not send notes, lunch money, etc. in the homework folder.  Put it in the HORSE’s saddlebag.

School Bucks
Each child can earn two school bucks each day.  One buck will be awarded for bringing the HORSE to school, and the other one will be given for remembering to mark lunch/milk choices. Kids can earn bonus bucks, but they can also lose bucks for inappropriate choices.  They will save their bucks and spend them at the school store.

Names
We do a lot with our names, and these are some of the first words we learn to read.  Therefore, whatever name your child is going to be referred to is the name I expect to see written on papers.  This is also the name I will post in the room.  Example:  If a student’s name is Michael and that is what we call him, he will be expected to write Michael, not Mike.  Also, we do not use nicknames in Kindergarten such as Bubba or Sissy.  :)

Quiet Time
Each day we will have a period of “quiet”. Kids may rest, take naps, look at books, or work in coloring books sent from home.  Each child will need a bath towel and are expected to lay or sit on the towel and remain quiet.

Handwriting
We use a program called “Handwriting without tears.” The most important tip for parents is to have the children begin letters the top of the line (lower case letters have some exceptions). Also, work on proper grip of the pencil.

Gym shoes
Each child needs a pair of shoes for P.E.  The children will be expected to put the shoes on by themselves, including tying them.  It’s a good idea to send an extra pair of socks (labeled please) for days when kids aren’t wearing any. 

Birthdays
If you choose to celebrate your child’s birthday at school, I need to know in advance so I can be sure to plan accordingly.  Parents can drop off the treat and we will have it with our milk in the afternoon.  Cupcakes are a difficult treat for the kids to eat without making a big mess.  For my sanity, please send something simple.   Some alternative ideas are brownies, cookies, snack crackers, Twinkies, Rice Crispy Treats or Fruit snacks. 

Contact information
Send a note in the HORSE’s saddle bag.
Call the office.
Email me at sgoodwin@usd396.net
Talk to me after school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I am your partner in educating your child and am willing to work alongside of you to make Kindergarten a fun and rewarding experience for your child.

Mrs. Shawna Goodwin