KINDERGARTEN PHILOSOPHY
The kindergarten program provides structure, variety and flexibility. It is designed to build self-confidence and foster social development in a loving and supportive environment. Play, fantasy, creativity and formal lessons are woven into the child's day. Early math and reading readiness programs prepare the child for future academic work. Formal lessons in prereading and math are presented to the whole group, with an understanding that each child will absorb as much as he/she can and that each child learns differently. Children's literature plays an important role in the prereading program.
The daily instructional program consists of the following curriculum: religion, phonics, language arts, math and science/social studies. Enrichment classes include spanish, music and computers. Other activities include visits to the library, snack/outdoor play, learning centers, story time, art and cooking. The children also participate in the Perceptual Motor Development Program which is a part of the overall physical education program offered to the kindergarten children.
There is a constant awareness of the importance of the child's self-esteem. Praise and appreciation are shown for the child's efforts. As stated in the St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School philosophy, the children are taught to appreciate uniqueness and individuality of their peers and to treat others with respect. Our goal is to prepare children to be Christian witnesses, by putting their faith into action and fostering good examples to others.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Weekly Folders
Folders will be sent home on Friday containing weekly work, as well as a weekly newsletter. Please look over the work with your child, sign the folder and return it on Monday.

Absences
Please send a note back to school with your child after being absent. If you know in advance that your chld will be absent, please send a note prior to the absence.

Pick-up
Each child will remain with a teacher until he/she is picked up by a guardian. Please notify me if you would like a sibling to pick up your child. Also, please notify me of any change in the after school routine, i.e. play dates or Kid's Club. Tahnk you!

Homework
A homework calendar will be sent home at the beginning of each month. For each week I ask that parent and student, together, choose at least three activities and complete these activities together. At the end of the month complete that Response Journal on the back, sign and send it back to school. Students will also be given Math and Handwriting practice worksheets at the end of each week that should be completed and returned the following week. And always READ, READ, READ!!

Toys
Please do not allow your child to bring any toys to school. They often end up lost or broken.

Birthdays
Birthdays are very important days! Naturally a song will be sung in honor of this special day. Instead of a "sugery" treat how about treating the class to a birthday book or game of the special person's choice? This way we can eliminate a lot of sugar while enhancing our class. The student also gets to leave a legacy. The birthday gift may be wrapped as a gift for the birthday student to open.

Book Club
Use our "Star Reader" reading log to record any reading done by the student at home. Record all reading whether the student read by themselves or was read to, using one line per day. When the log has been completed and is brought back to school, the student will be awarded with a book mark and an achievement certificate the first time. The student will also add a sticker to his or her star the first time and for each time a log is returned.

Special Person
A "Special Child of God" will be chosen for each week. A letter and questionaire will go home on Friday with our special person for the following week. Anything brought to school for this week will be taken care of and sent home on Friday.

Behavior
In kindergarten there is an emphasis on making good choices. Making poor choices and not following the rules will result in "picking a card". When a student picks three cards a pink slip will be sent home. A pink slip will be sent home automatically for any "physical" misbehavior such as hitting, kicking, pinching etc.
GOOD CHARACTER RULES
Raise your hands
Share
Do your best
Listen
Be respectful
Work quietly
Clean up