Parent/Teacher Relationship 

I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success.  Throughout the school year I will communicate with you through notes, telephone calls, and nine-week report cards.  I encourage you to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time.  You can call me at school (369-8460) or send me a note or e-mail at jill.knight1@hardin.kyschools.us.

Parent Participation 

Throughout the school year there will be a variety of special classroom activities and celebrations.  I encourage you to attend these functions when possible and to support them by sending needed supplies or treats.  Your support of school activities makes your child feel important.

 School Attendance 

Your child’s regular attendance at school is crucial to his/her success.  I can’t emphasize this point enough!!!  Most kindergarten learning activities are group oriented and involve interaction with classmates.  Therefore, it is next to impossible to make up work at home.  Please view school as a priority, and see to it that your child attends everyday possible.

 Changes is Transportation 

If you plan to pick up a child that normally rides the bus or you wish for your child to ride a different bus than usual, you must send a written note.  Do not rely on your child to tell me this information, because children often become confused and relay messages incorrectly. If no written note is received, your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation.

 Outdoor Activity 

The children will be going to outside activities everyday unless it is raining or extremely cold.  Please keep this in mind when helping your child select clothing for the day.  Also  we are required to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity everyday.  I encourage you to please have your child wear tennis shoes as much as possible so that they will be able to participate safely.

 Money 

On occasion it will be necessary for your child to bring money to school.  Always send money in a sealed envelope with the following information written on it:

           *Your child’s first and last name.

          *The amount of money.

          *The purpose of the money (book order, lunch, etc.)

          *My name.

With many children to keep track of and several reasons to collect money, this helps me out tremendously and reduces the likelihood of errors.  Also, if the envelope is left on the bus or dropped in the hallway, this information will help the money to be returned to my classroom.

 Book Orders 

Your child will be bringing home a form to order books about once a month. If you wish to order, simply fill out the form and send the correct amount of money or a check made out to the book company in an envelope.  These orders are provided as a convenient way for parents to buy quality books for their child at a low price.  As an added bonus, for every dollar that is spent on books, I earn bonus points, which are used to purchase books, games, computer games, videos and puppets for classroom use.   

Birthdays 

Birthdays are special occasions for young children.  If your child wishes, he/she may bring treats( see wellness policy) for the class on his/her birthday.  Please send a note a day or two in advance, so I can give you an exact number of children in the class and set aside some class time for the celebration. 

Discipline 

Proper discipline is essential for a productive learning environment.  The students will have a discipline system, which requires them to pull bees for inappropriate behavior.  The following will be the consequences a child will have if they are not able to follow school rules.

          Green=         GREAT!

          Yellow=        Warning!

          Orange=       Loss of Privilege! Time Out(10 minutes)

          RED=           Contact Parent and/orPrincipal 

The child will start his or her day on a green bee.  If at any time the child receives a warning, he or she will pull a bee.  The yellow bee will now be displayed.  This system allows the children to visually see a consequence coming.  Your child will have an agenda that will be stamped daily.  If your child has had a “green” or “yellow” day you will see a stamp of thumbs up on his/her agenda.  If by chance, your child had an “orange” or “red” day, I will stamp a “Oops” in red and there will be a note attached to the  agenda.  This note will  state the inappropriate behavior so that you may speak to your child about the specific problem.  Remember the agenda must be returned to school everyday.  This is one of our tools of communication.

   I also give star stickers for good behavior, good work, helping others, etc. These will be placed on each child’s jar of stars.  When your child has collected 20 stars on his/her jar then they will able to receive a prize out of Cubby’s Treasure Chest.(Any donations to this chest would be greatly appreciated)   

Homework 

PLEASE CHECK YOUR CHILD’S BOOKBAG EACH DAY FOR NOTES!  An agenda will be sent home in the book bag each day.  This agenda will contain a monthly calendar.  This calendar will notify you of any upcoming events, or scheduling of special class.  On Mondays the back pocket of the agenda will contain your child’s homework.  The homework will be due back on Friday.  Kindergarten is an important step for your child; please encourage him/her to do their best.  Good work habits are set at an early age. 

Parties/Special Events/PTO 

Parents are needed to help with our class parties and field trips.  I will ask that you try to be as actively involved with your child’s education as you can be.  Creekside has a wonderful PTO (Parent Teacher Organization), which supports its students, parents, and teachers.  You can become a PTO member by filling out a form that will be sent home the first of school. 

The End 

In closing, I would just like to say that I am looking forward to a great year working with your child!  I would also like to suggest that you save this letter for future reference.  Thank you in advance for your concern and support throughout the year!!! 

Ms. Knight