WELCOME TO DEL MAR PINES KINDERGARTEN!

We are so excited to be sharing this adventure with you and your children. Included in this packet are some important additions to our curriculum as we start this journey together. There will also be a kindergarten webpage for calendars, weekly newsletters and classroom pictures to keep you informed throughout the year.

Please rest assured; we will be here to assist your children as they adjust to their new schedule. Our day will be filled with learning, friendship and activities to build the foundation they will need to help them succeed. Tears are very common in the beginning of the year, and the Kindergarten team is here to make sure that each child can overcome any anxieties they may have about starting school. We are usually able to calm them down, and get them involved very shortly after you leave. A quick kiss goodbye makes for an easier transition and helps your child to feel that you are confident leaving them in a safe place.

This is going to be a great year, and if there is any information you need or would like to share, please just let Mrs. Connolly or Mrs. Murphy know. We are all looking forward to a great year together!

ARRIVAL TIME

Children may arrive at school between 8:00 and 8:30. Please remember that our day is filled with activities to help your children grow and learn so having them at school by 8:30 will ensure they are not missing important instructional time! They are responsible for putting backpacks against the wall in front of the kindergarten classroom and playing outside on the playground until the bell rings at 8:30. Children should not be in the classroom before 8:30. During arrival time the soccer field is for the 2nd-6th graders only. The Kindergarteners will have an opportunity to play on the field at recess, lunch and during scheduled P.E. activities. When the bell rings at 8:30, the children will gather their belongings, and line up outside the kindergarten room where the teachers will be greeting them. Thank you in advance for your efforts in a timely arrival.

SNACKS

Please have your child bring a small healthy snack to school each morning to eat during recess. Our scheduled time is 10:25 – 10:45. Please pack your child’s snack, in a small separate bag from their lunch that will fit in their backpack. It is also important that you put your child’s name on the outside of the snack bag . This will help to keep their snacks organized and alleviate any confusion allowing plenty of time to eat and play. Remember, snack is only 20 minutes long so a small yogurt, piece of fruit, bagel, granola bar, crackers, deli meats or cheese slices are just right.

FRIDAY FOLDERS

Every Friday, your child’s work for the entire week will be sent home in a Friday Folder. Please be sure to check the folder for important notes each week as well. So be sure to check through everything carefully. It is so important for you to go over all of your child’s work with them. This will give you the opportunity to see their progress, but most importantly, they will be so proud to show off their hard work. Please make sure to send the folder back to school with your child on Monday.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays are such a monumental event for your children and we will make it a very special day! We will be celebrating birthdays on one special day each month. *If your child has a summer birthday just let us know and we will celebrate it the month of their half -birthday. Most importantly if you are planning a party outside of school for your child’s birthday, please only hand the invitations out at school if you are inviting the whole class, or inviting only all the girls, or all the boys. This way none of the children feel left out if they have not received a special invitation.

SUPER KID

Every kindergarten child will have the opportunity to be the Super kid for a week. This will give them the opportunity to share all of the unique qualities that make them so special with their friends.. Some suggestions for decorating are using pictures, drawings, and that helps them show off who they are. Mom and Dad, if you could help them gather the items they will need for their poster that would be great. This is a perfect time to get the family involved in a fun project that helps you highlight all the things that make your child unique and special!

KINDERGARTEN AND SIXTH GRADE BUDDIES

Each Kindergartener will have a 6th grade buddy for the year. They participate in special events together, parties and spend quality time working on projects. It is wonderful mentoring opportunity for the 6th graders, and it truly helps the Kindergarteners feel more confident in their new school!

CONTACTING THE TEACHERS

You have a number of options if you would like to talk to the teachers regarding your child.

Office Hours: M W TH F from 8:15 - 8:30 or by appointment. Email: sconnolly@delmarpines.com lmurphy@delmarpines.com Notes can be sent in with your child, or in their Friday folder. Phone Call

REMINDERS Please notify the office if you are picking up your child early or there is a

change in your child’s dismissal. Be sure to use our kindergarten website which will have up coming events and

classroom pictures weekly. I will email you when I have updated the website which will include the link: https://sites.google.com/a/delmarpines.com/kindergarten/

Sandy Connolly Laura Murphy