The ABCs of
Kindergarten
Updated April, 2019
A is for Arrival and Attendance
Arrival/Dismissal: Students may start arriving at 8:45am, and the tardy bell rings at 9:15. Students arriving after 9:15 should be signed in at the office by the adult dropping him/her off. Students are dismissed starting at 3:40 for bus riders, carpoolers, and After-School Care participants. Please see the office for more information including carpool numbers, bus routes, and After-School Care registration. Students leaving school early have to be checked out in the office NO LATER THAN 3:15pm. Please send a note if your child will be leaving so we may have his/her things packed and ready to go. Thanks!
Attendance: As Kindergarten is a time of hands-on learning, it is truly important that your child come to school ready to learn every day, on time. A note is required for each absence upon your child’s return to school. Per Wake County School policy, absences without a note are unexcused.
B is for Book bags, birthdays, breakfast and book orders
Book bags: Your child will need to bring a backpack to school everyday. No rolling backpacks please- they don’t fit in our cubbies!
Birthday treats: Birthdays are a special time, and are treated as such in our room! If your child’s special day falls on a weekend or track out we’ll pick a school day close by to celebrate on. We can only pass out birthday party invitations if the entire class is invited. Due to food allergies we ask that you do NOT send in birthday treats however, your child will be treated to a special dessert by Mrs. Atwood on his/her special day.
Breakfast: If your child plans on eating breakfast at school, please make sure he/she arrives early enough to go through the line and eat before the tardy bell rings at 9:15.
Book Orders: Periodically a Scholastic book order will be sent home for those wishing to order books through this discounted program. Ordering through Scholastic helps us purchase additional books for our classroom as well as offering books at a discount to you. Orders may be placed online through our classroom website, and we earn $3 in free books for each online order!
C is for Communication, Conferences and Clothes
Communication: I strongly believe that educating your child is a team effort! I strive to communicate with parents on a weekly basis, through the classroom website http://atwoodkindergarten.weebly.com, newsletters, emails, phone calls, notes home, and more. The best way to contact me is via email at [email protected]. I make every effort to return messages as soon as possible, but within 24 hours at the latest. If you ever have any questions or concerns, just let me know!
Conferences: Conferences will be scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Quarters (Fall and Spring.) If you wish to schedule a conference at an alternate time, please contact me with dates and times that you are available. I look forward to discussing your child’s amazing progress with you throughout the year!
Change of clothes – Each child should have a full change of clothes (including socks and underwear) at school in case of accidents. These clothes should be in a large zip-lock bag labeled with your child’s name.
D is for Discipline
Discipline: We consider our classroom to be a community of learners. Every effort is made to ensure that every child feels comfortable and confident in Kindergarten. We utilize the philosophies of the positive behavior approach to classroom discipline: we try to emphasize the things students are doing right, not what they’re doing wrong. You’ll hear things like, “Please use walking feet” instead of “Stop running!” You’ll see things like students being praised frequently for making good choices and following our clearly defined expectations. We’ve found this makes our students happier and ready to take risks in learning. If there ever comes a time where a student is still struggling to make good choices on his/her own, we will notify you and schedule a time to discuss how to meet your child’s needs in the classroom. A detailed explanation of our classroom discipline expectations will be given out at Meet the Teacher and are also available on our classroom website.
Dress Code: We will follow the WCPSS dress code. Please note that spaghetti strap tops and halter tops are not allowed. Flip flops are discouraged, and students in flip flops or sandals with no backs will not be allowed to climb on the play equipment for safety reasons. SNEAKERS ARE BEST EVERYDAY.
E is for Expectations
Expectations: All Kindergarten students in Wake County are held to the same academic expectations. If you have any questions regarding our curriculum goals, please feel free to look at the Common Core Standards curriculum via the online link in the side bar or schedule a time to meet with me.
F is for Friday Folders
Friday Folders: Our Friday Folders are filled with your child’s work and other important school information. Please check your child’s folder each Friday and empty and return the Friday Folder every Monday.
G is for Grading
Grading: Wake County uses a Standards-Based grading system. All students receive a grade of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in all core subjects. A 4 means the child exceeded our expectations, a 3 means they’ve met our expectations, a 2 means they need support to meet grade level expectations, and a 1 means they are not meeting expectations, even with support. These grade are used primarily for the report cards. Classwork will not receive specific grades.
H is for Homework
Homework: Your child’s homework in Kindergarten is to read to or with and adult for at least 15 minutes every night. We also ask families to practice sight words weekly.
I is for Independence & Illnesses
Independence - Our goal is to help your children become responsible for their choices, actions, belongings, and learning. As such, we will encourage and teach your children to unpack their own book bags, get out snacks, clean up materials, etc. You can assist us in this valuable endeavor by encouraging your child to walk to class independently after the first day of school. We will use the “Kiss and Go” phrase to limit meltdowns. Additionally, please encourage older siblings to go to his/her classroom in the morning. We begin our instruction once your child enters our classroom, and we want to begin on a positive note. Children often become more emotional when mom/dad is standing at the door. You may need to use small steps, such as walking to the end of the hall, then only walking in the door, then walking to the door, etc. Staff members are on the lookout for our little friends and will offer a friendly hand to help guide them to our room if they need it. Thank you for helping us teach this valuable life skill!
Illness – Children must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
J is for Jump
Jump, Wiggle, Dance: Movement activities are built into the Kindergarten day. Not only does this help get the wiggles out, but also helps us learn basic concepts like the days of the week, months of the year, skip counting and more.
L is for Lunch!
Lunch- Each child will have a lunch number. Please help your child learn his/her lunch number. When paying by check, please include your child’s lunch number in the memo portion of the check. Accounts may be set up on a bank draft plan, also. A separate account may be established for snacks/desserts to be eaten in the cafeteria at lunch. When your child is out of lunch money, the cafeteria staff will give them a note. You must send in money the next day. Sign up at meet the teacher! After the first track out, you are welcome to join us for lunch.
M is for Money & Medicine
Money: If you send money to school for any reason, please place it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name and its purpose. All money (and notes) should be sent in your child’s Daily folder to ensure we receive it. We don’t check backpacks!
Medication – If your child needs to be given medication at school, you must have a 1702 form signed by you and the doctor allowing the school to dispense medicine. The medicine must come to school in the prescription bottle. These medication forms are in the office. Children who have serious medical conditions (severe allergies, diabetes, etc.) must have a health care plan at school. The school health nurse will work with the family and physician to ensure appropriate plans are in place.
N is for Newsletters
Newsletters: Our class website will be updated regularly. On the website you'll find classroom news and information regarding what we're learning each month, which specials we have each day, a listing of important dates/events, and a multitude of other resources such as rainbow word lists, calendars, etc.
O is for Outside play
Outside play: Kindergartners have recess for 30 minutes per day, weather permitting. We make all attempts to go outside, so please dress your child accordingly. Sneakers are always best...and safest!
P is for PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
PTA: We have an amazing PTA! Please consider joining your family. They provide many useful and fun activities for the students and staff!
Q is for Quiet Time
Quiet Time: Our Kindergartners will enjoy a relaxing "Quiet Time" each afternoon for the first weeks of school. While this isn’t viewed as a nap time, our students are allowed to bring a “snuggle friend” (stuffed animal) and bath towel to rest on as they listen to soft music and recharge for the afternoon. Please do not send huge beach towels as these don’t fit well in our cubbies. Towels will be sent home every Friday for washing and should be returned on Mondays. After the first weeks, rest time will transition into extended developmental play center time (housekeeping/blocks/art, etc.).
R is for Report Cards
Report Cards: Report Cards are issued after each nine-week quarter in Kindergarten.
S is for Snack, Specials and Staggered Entry
Snack: We will have a short snack time each day. Please send healthy snacks (labeled “snack” and packed separate from lunch) to keep your child’s energy level up throughout the afternoon! Make sure your child is able to independently open all packages and has the required utensils.
Specials: Your child will attend a Specials class each day. Kindergartners enjoy Art, Music, PE, Cube (STEM lab) and Media (Library). Since we don't have the same special on the same day each week, the website will indicate the current specials schedule so you’ll know when to return library books and when to wear tennis shoes for PE.
Staggered Entry Program – The first week your child will only come to school one day. They are counted present every day that week. During staggered entry students are introduced to the classroom and are assessed so that teachers may plan instruction according to individual student needs.
T is for Tree Frogs and Transportation
Tree Frogs: We are the Turner Creek Tree Frogs!
Transportation changes: All transportation changes must be in writing. If you forget to send a note, you may email me. You can also call the school office for last minute transportation changes and the office will get this information to me immediately. We will not accept a student’s or sibling’s word in regards to transportation changes.
Unique: Every child has a unique background and needs. While we try our best to meet each child’s needs, please inform us if anything comes up at home that may impact your child’s performance at school (loss of a pet or family member, irregular sleeping habits, an impending move/divorce/etc.)
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers: WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!!! We love to have parents come in for literacy centers, field trips, and special events. I typically send out a sign-up genius for volunteers to sign up for literacy centers. Field trip chaperoning and other special events opportunities will be emailed as they arise. ALL VOLUNTEERS in and outside of the classroom must sign up in the Media Center to have a background check completed. This is a simple computer sign up that takes only a few minutes. You may stop by the library and they will set you up on a computer to complete this. I encourage everyone to do this at the beginning of school so that you will be ready for when special events and field trips come around.
All visitors to the school must show a driver's license in the office before coming to the classroom.
W is for Website
Website: Our classroom’s website is a valuable resource that includes information about our classroom, curriculum, photos, and more. It is updated frequently, so check back often and sign up to receive updates! http://atwoodkindergarten.weebly.com/
X is for eXcitement
eXcitement: Kindergarten is such an exciting time! I truly believe this is the best grade to not only teach, but also to be a student in as well. We have so much fun exploring and learning together! I cannot wait to see how much our students will grow and change this year.
Y is for You!
You: You were your child’s first teacher, showing them the ways of the world from the very beginning. You still play an important role in their education today! Your support, dedication, understanding, and flexibility will truly make this year one full of memories and accomplishments. Thanks for all you do and for allowing me to work with your child!
Z is for Get your Zzzzz's
Zzzzz: Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest every night. Make it a priority to have your child in bed by 7:30pm (Yep! 7:30) and asleep no later than 8:00pm. This will make your child happier - and you as a parent as well! Setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day will also help your child adjust to his/her new schedule.
Arrival/Dismissal: Students may start arriving at 8:45am, and the tardy bell rings at 9:15. Students arriving after 9:15 should be signed in at the office by the adult dropping him/her off. Students are dismissed starting at 3:40 for bus riders, carpoolers, and After-School Care participants. Please see the office for more information including carpool numbers, bus routes, and After-School Care registration. Students leaving school early have to be checked out in the office NO LATER THAN 3:15pm. Please send a note if your child will be leaving so we may have his/her things packed and ready to go. Thanks!
Attendance: As Kindergarten is a time of hands-on learning, it is truly important that your child come to school ready to learn every day, on time. A note is required for each absence upon your child’s return to school. Per Wake County School policy, absences without a note are unexcused.
B is for Book bags, birthdays, breakfast and book orders
Book bags: Your child will need to bring a backpack to school everyday. No rolling backpacks please- they don’t fit in our cubbies!
Birthday treats: Birthdays are a special time, and are treated as such in our room! If your child’s special day falls on a weekend or track out we’ll pick a school day close by to celebrate on. We can only pass out birthday party invitations if the entire class is invited. Due to food allergies we ask that you do NOT send in birthday treats however, your child will be treated to a special dessert by Mrs. Atwood on his/her special day.
Breakfast: If your child plans on eating breakfast at school, please make sure he/she arrives early enough to go through the line and eat before the tardy bell rings at 9:15.
Book Orders: Periodically a Scholastic book order will be sent home for those wishing to order books through this discounted program. Ordering through Scholastic helps us purchase additional books for our classroom as well as offering books at a discount to you. Orders may be placed online through our classroom website, and we earn $3 in free books for each online order!
C is for Communication, Conferences and Clothes
Communication: I strongly believe that educating your child is a team effort! I strive to communicate with parents on a weekly basis, through the classroom website http://atwoodkindergarten.weebly.com, newsletters, emails, phone calls, notes home, and more. The best way to contact me is via email at [email protected]. I make every effort to return messages as soon as possible, but within 24 hours at the latest. If you ever have any questions or concerns, just let me know!
Conferences: Conferences will be scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Quarters (Fall and Spring.) If you wish to schedule a conference at an alternate time, please contact me with dates and times that you are available. I look forward to discussing your child’s amazing progress with you throughout the year!
Change of clothes – Each child should have a full change of clothes (including socks and underwear) at school in case of accidents. These clothes should be in a large zip-lock bag labeled with your child’s name.
D is for Discipline
Discipline: We consider our classroom to be a community of learners. Every effort is made to ensure that every child feels comfortable and confident in Kindergarten. We utilize the philosophies of the positive behavior approach to classroom discipline: we try to emphasize the things students are doing right, not what they’re doing wrong. You’ll hear things like, “Please use walking feet” instead of “Stop running!” You’ll see things like students being praised frequently for making good choices and following our clearly defined expectations. We’ve found this makes our students happier and ready to take risks in learning. If there ever comes a time where a student is still struggling to make good choices on his/her own, we will notify you and schedule a time to discuss how to meet your child’s needs in the classroom. A detailed explanation of our classroom discipline expectations will be given out at Meet the Teacher and are also available on our classroom website.
Dress Code: We will follow the WCPSS dress code. Please note that spaghetti strap tops and halter tops are not allowed. Flip flops are discouraged, and students in flip flops or sandals with no backs will not be allowed to climb on the play equipment for safety reasons. SNEAKERS ARE BEST EVERYDAY.
E is for Expectations
Expectations: All Kindergarten students in Wake County are held to the same academic expectations. If you have any questions regarding our curriculum goals, please feel free to look at the Common Core Standards curriculum via the online link in the side bar or schedule a time to meet with me.
F is for Friday Folders
Friday Folders: Our Friday Folders are filled with your child’s work and other important school information. Please check your child’s folder each Friday and empty and return the Friday Folder every Monday.
G is for Grading
Grading: Wake County uses a Standards-Based grading system. All students receive a grade of 1, 2, 3, or 4 in all core subjects. A 4 means the child exceeded our expectations, a 3 means they’ve met our expectations, a 2 means they need support to meet grade level expectations, and a 1 means they are not meeting expectations, even with support. These grade are used primarily for the report cards. Classwork will not receive specific grades.
H is for Homework
Homework: Your child’s homework in Kindergarten is to read to or with and adult for at least 15 minutes every night. We also ask families to practice sight words weekly.
I is for Independence & Illnesses
Independence - Our goal is to help your children become responsible for their choices, actions, belongings, and learning. As such, we will encourage and teach your children to unpack their own book bags, get out snacks, clean up materials, etc. You can assist us in this valuable endeavor by encouraging your child to walk to class independently after the first day of school. We will use the “Kiss and Go” phrase to limit meltdowns. Additionally, please encourage older siblings to go to his/her classroom in the morning. We begin our instruction once your child enters our classroom, and we want to begin on a positive note. Children often become more emotional when mom/dad is standing at the door. You may need to use small steps, such as walking to the end of the hall, then only walking in the door, then walking to the door, etc. Staff members are on the lookout for our little friends and will offer a friendly hand to help guide them to our room if they need it. Thank you for helping us teach this valuable life skill!
Illness – Children must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
J is for Jump
Jump, Wiggle, Dance: Movement activities are built into the Kindergarten day. Not only does this help get the wiggles out, but also helps us learn basic concepts like the days of the week, months of the year, skip counting and more.
L is for Lunch!
Lunch- Each child will have a lunch number. Please help your child learn his/her lunch number. When paying by check, please include your child’s lunch number in the memo portion of the check. Accounts may be set up on a bank draft plan, also. A separate account may be established for snacks/desserts to be eaten in the cafeteria at lunch. When your child is out of lunch money, the cafeteria staff will give them a note. You must send in money the next day. Sign up at meet the teacher! After the first track out, you are welcome to join us for lunch.
M is for Money & Medicine
Money: If you send money to school for any reason, please place it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name and its purpose. All money (and notes) should be sent in your child’s Daily folder to ensure we receive it. We don’t check backpacks!
Medication – If your child needs to be given medication at school, you must have a 1702 form signed by you and the doctor allowing the school to dispense medicine. The medicine must come to school in the prescription bottle. These medication forms are in the office. Children who have serious medical conditions (severe allergies, diabetes, etc.) must have a health care plan at school. The school health nurse will work with the family and physician to ensure appropriate plans are in place.
N is for Newsletters
Newsletters: Our class website will be updated regularly. On the website you'll find classroom news and information regarding what we're learning each month, which specials we have each day, a listing of important dates/events, and a multitude of other resources such as rainbow word lists, calendars, etc.
O is for Outside play
Outside play: Kindergartners have recess for 30 minutes per day, weather permitting. We make all attempts to go outside, so please dress your child accordingly. Sneakers are always best...and safest!
P is for PTA (Parent-Teacher Association)
PTA: We have an amazing PTA! Please consider joining your family. They provide many useful and fun activities for the students and staff!
Q is for Quiet Time
Quiet Time: Our Kindergartners will enjoy a relaxing "Quiet Time" each afternoon for the first weeks of school. While this isn’t viewed as a nap time, our students are allowed to bring a “snuggle friend” (stuffed animal) and bath towel to rest on as they listen to soft music and recharge for the afternoon. Please do not send huge beach towels as these don’t fit well in our cubbies. Towels will be sent home every Friday for washing and should be returned on Mondays. After the first weeks, rest time will transition into extended developmental play center time (housekeeping/blocks/art, etc.).
R is for Report Cards
Report Cards: Report Cards are issued after each nine-week quarter in Kindergarten.
S is for Snack, Specials and Staggered Entry
Snack: We will have a short snack time each day. Please send healthy snacks (labeled “snack” and packed separate from lunch) to keep your child’s energy level up throughout the afternoon! Make sure your child is able to independently open all packages and has the required utensils.
Specials: Your child will attend a Specials class each day. Kindergartners enjoy Art, Music, PE, Cube (STEM lab) and Media (Library). Since we don't have the same special on the same day each week, the website will indicate the current specials schedule so you’ll know when to return library books and when to wear tennis shoes for PE.
Staggered Entry Program – The first week your child will only come to school one day. They are counted present every day that week. During staggered entry students are introduced to the classroom and are assessed so that teachers may plan instruction according to individual student needs.
T is for Tree Frogs and Transportation
Tree Frogs: We are the Turner Creek Tree Frogs!
Transportation changes: All transportation changes must be in writing. If you forget to send a note, you may email me. You can also call the school office for last minute transportation changes and the office will get this information to me immediately. We will not accept a student’s or sibling’s word in regards to transportation changes.
Unique: Every child has a unique background and needs. While we try our best to meet each child’s needs, please inform us if anything comes up at home that may impact your child’s performance at school (loss of a pet or family member, irregular sleeping habits, an impending move/divorce/etc.)
V is for Volunteers
Volunteers: WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!!! We love to have parents come in for literacy centers, field trips, and special events. I typically send out a sign-up genius for volunteers to sign up for literacy centers. Field trip chaperoning and other special events opportunities will be emailed as they arise. ALL VOLUNTEERS in and outside of the classroom must sign up in the Media Center to have a background check completed. This is a simple computer sign up that takes only a few minutes. You may stop by the library and they will set you up on a computer to complete this. I encourage everyone to do this at the beginning of school so that you will be ready for when special events and field trips come around.
All visitors to the school must show a driver's license in the office before coming to the classroom.
W is for Website
Website: Our classroom’s website is a valuable resource that includes information about our classroom, curriculum, photos, and more. It is updated frequently, so check back often and sign up to receive updates! http://atwoodkindergarten.weebly.com/
X is for eXcitement
eXcitement: Kindergarten is such an exciting time! I truly believe this is the best grade to not only teach, but also to be a student in as well. We have so much fun exploring and learning together! I cannot wait to see how much our students will grow and change this year.
Y is for You!
You: You were your child’s first teacher, showing them the ways of the world from the very beginning. You still play an important role in their education today! Your support, dedication, understanding, and flexibility will truly make this year one full of memories and accomplishments. Thanks for all you do and for allowing me to work with your child!
Z is for Get your Zzzzz's
Zzzzz: Please make sure your child gets plenty of rest every night. Make it a priority to have your child in bed by 7:30pm (Yep! 7:30) and asleep no later than 8:00pm. This will make your child happier - and you as a parent as well! Setting a regular bedtime and waking up at the same time every day will also help your child adjust to his/her new schedule.