Welcome to Kindergarten!

1. Welcome to Kindergarten! Challenger Elementary 2013-2014 Mrs. Fadden Room 211

2. All About Me • My background • ND, MN, California, Okinawa, Germany, Atlanta, Virginia • Married, two children Michelle 31 and Michael 28. • My experience • I’ve been teaching for over 28 years. • I have taught students K-5 , Masters in reading instruction. • This is my 16th year teaching at Challenger. • Travel, skiing, the ocean, theater and reading are some of my favorite things.

3. “Oh These Lovely Forms” Housekeeping side of the folder Parent Information (both sides) Volunteer Information Class directory Confidentiality Office forms due Friday. My forms due Monday.

4. Quick announcements PTA Coffee Wednesday after drop the kids. How is your child getting home? Expectations-bathroom independence zip/button coats tie shoes

5. Office phone 425- 837-7550 E mail faddenj@issaquah. wednet.edu Classroom phone (425) 837-7566 Communication If there is an emergency, please contact the office and they will get a hold of me. I will not answer the phone or check email during classroom time.

6. Tomorrow is the BIG day!!!

7. Kindergarten Emotions Attitudes are caught not taught!!!

8. Bell Schedule Drop off and pick up students outside under the covered area at the end of the kindergarten hallway.

9. Drop Off • Children line up outside by the doors at the end of the Kindergarten hallway by number 1. • I will pick the class up at 8:25 and lead them into the classroom • Please say your good-byes outside. • If your child arrives after 8:30, please sign them in at the office. Please avoid tardies – they are hard on everyone.

10. Tardiness • School starts at 8:25 a.m. • If you aren’t in the classroom by the time the second bell rings, please check in at the school office before coming to class. • Tardiness is disruptive to the student, the teacher, and the classroom. Please be on time. It is their job and they need to learn the lesson of promptness.

11. What should I do if my child cries?

12. Pick-Up • We will dismiss at the end of the kindergarten hallway at 2:55 p.m. • Please meet us near the doors at the end of the kindergarten hallway under the covered area—do not come into the hallways. • Please make every effort to be on time. • If you are late, your child will wait in the office. • You MUST send a note if there will be someone else picking up your child. • To pick up a student early, you must first check them out in the office. The office will call the classroom.

13. DRESS FOR WORK • Kindergarten work can be messy. Send your child in appropriate clothes. They get dirty when they are “doing their job”.

14. Appropriate Clothing • Dress for the weather! • Wear comfortable clothing and be aware that your children will come home dirty. • All children should wear non-skid, closed toe shoes on PE days. Girls should wear pants, shorts, or tights under skirts and dresses. • No flip flops, backless shoes, skinny • strapped tank tops. Shorts to fingers. • No hats in class.

15. Lunch/Snack • Please send in plastic utensils if necessary. • Try to use reusable containers. Plan a lunch so the child can be self sufficient with their lunch/snack. • Help your child learn his lunch number. • If you wish for your child to have a snack, please send one in daily. No juice boxes. Water is available at the fountain. • Healthy snacks for snack time.

16. Sharing Schedule • Each child will have a day assigned to them. It will stay the same all year • If you forget your day, don’t worry. Send it in the next day and we’ll try to fit them in. • We will have themes to follow. • Help your child select something that follows the theme. • Put the sharing in a bag and bring 3 clues to give the class. Please write the clues down so I can help them “remember”.

17. Special Week (VIP) • Week has been assigned • Complete the poster All About Me • Bring/send on Monday of their week • Be creative • TAKE HOME THE POSTER TODAY!

18. Book Orders • These are for your convenience and there is no obligation to purchase. • All purchases help our class earn free books. • Books are not charged tax or shipping. They usually arrive within in 2 weeks.

19. Birthdays • Birthday treats are welcome but not required. They must be healthy choices such as fruit kebobs, apple slices, gogurts. We are not allowed to pass out donuts, cupcakes, etc. • Summer birthdays can be celebrated during their VIP week. • Please do not pass out party invitations in class as this can cause hurt feelings to those children not invited. • Please be mindful of the district’s nutrition policy.

20. Bring to School • 2 Pocket Folder: Preferably plastic/vinyl Put your child’s name on the front. CHECK DAILY! This is our form of communication. • Backpack: Make sure it is size appropriate and label on the inside. NO WHEELS please. • Coats, sweaters, jackets: Please LABEL them all.

21. We all grow and learn at different rates. Don’t worry your child will grow and learn too. Individualism

22. Curriculum Overview • We will go into depth at Curriculum Night, Thursday, September 19th from 6:00-6:45. • Social skills are a major focus • Phonics/comprehension based reading program • START A BOOK BOX • Everyday Math curriculum • Social Studies, Health, and Science

23. Specialist Schedule

24. Library Day • We have library 1 time a week. • Starting in mid-October students will be allowed to check out one book every week. • Students may return their book anytime during the week and they must return it in order to check out a new book. • Establish a “special home” for books from school and make a habit of returning them to that place. • Students will be bringing home books from the classroom also.

25. Parent Volunteers • Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly • Special activities, projects • Class coordinator (Room Mom) • Party Coordinator • Art Docent • Science Docent • Eager Reader • Field-trip chaperone Please make childcare arrangements for younger siblings. If you are unable to make assigned time, please try to find a replacement, or let me know ASAP.

26. 2013-2014 DATES* • September 2 Labor Day • September 13 Student Photos • September19 Curriculum Night • October 4 PTA Walk-A-Thon • October 31 Halloween Party • November 7 Hearing and Vision Screening • November 11 Veteran’s Day Holiday • November 28-29 Thanksgiving Break • Dec. 4&5 Elementary conferences (no school for students) • Dec. 21-Jan.5 First Winter Break • Jan. 20 M.L.KingDay (no school for students or staff • Jan. -March Eager Reader • Jan. 24 Festival of Cultures • February 14 Valentine’s Day Party • February 15-23 Mid-Winter Break • February 28 Dr. Seuss Spectacular • March 28 Science Fair • April 5-April 13 Spring Break • May 23-26 Memorial Day Holiday • June 4-6 Book Fair • June 18 Last day • *Some dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

27. Is your child is sick please keep them home.

28. Field Trips • No Siblings allowed. • If you chaperone, come prepared to guide and supervise the children at all times. (Please do not use this time for socializing with other parents) • More information will come home later about field trips.

29. We’ll Have a Great Year! Thank you for coming today.