White Twp. Consolidated School

2. Philosophy

At WTCS our Kindergarten program has been designed to help children reach their full potential. This is done in an environment that is challenging, secure and nurturing. This entrance to “real” school will be a positive experience for them. As children enter Kindergarten their eagerness to learn about the world is abundant. They are full of curiosity and have a tremendous drive to learn. Learning is fun and exciting but requires hard work and determination. We want each of them to feel and appreciate their success!

Children have unique strengths and preferred learning styles. Young children will learn through active, purposeful interactions with a wide variety of learning materials and activities. This will help in the development of the whole child. On a daily basis we will work together to develop your children emotionally, socially, artistically, physically and academically. They will be provided with enough challenge and support to develop positive attitudes about learning.

Important papers will arrive home from school almost on a daily basis.  Please look in your child’s folder every day. When children see that grown-ups at home are interested in what happens at school, they begin to understand the importance of school. It will encourage them to work harder to be successful. Families are a very important part of our community. We value the foundations families build for children’s learning to occur at home and at school.

3. Snack:

You may buy school snack or you may pack a snack. If you choose to buy school snack, send $1.00 in a labeled envelope on Wednesdays. This will supply your child with snack for 5 days. If you choose to pack please pack 1 healthy snack and a drink. PLEASE DO NOT SEND IN FOODS THAT CONTAIN PEANUT PRODUCTS. We have children in our school with severe peanut allergies.

4.  Homework: Most of the homework will be from the language workbook which you will keep at home. Tear out the assigned pages, staple them and return them to Kg. by Friday of that week.

The pages that are assigned for the week will always be listed on the weekly newsletter and can also be found on our website www.whitetwpsd.org. Click on faculty/staff then click on my name. Please make a special time to help your child complete these pages. Read the directions at the bottom of the page and explain the task. Please remember that this will be quality time spent together. You will also begin to see your child’s strengths and weaknesses and what is happening at school. If you find that your child becomes frustrated, close the book and return to it later. Your child will also be bringing home small paper books to read. Sit together in a comfortable spot and help him/her read it to you. This is an exciting process! Enjoy listening to your child read!

5. Scholastic Book Orders:

Throughout the year your child will be bringing home Scholastic book orders. Carefully look over the offerings together, complete the form and send it back with a check payable to Scholastic Book Clubs. The order arrives at school within a week or two. Books build memories and every child deserves to own some books. This is an inexpensive way to do that.  You can also get a free library card and visit your local library.

6. Communication:

Communication is key! One form of communication between us will be the weekly newsletter which is sent home every Monday. As I mentioned above, the newsletter and monthly calendar can also be accessed through our school’s website www.whitetwpsd.org. Click on faculty/staff, then my name. If you ever have any questions/concerns please feel free to contact me in the following ways:

·         A note in your child’s folder.

·         Phone: 475-4773 ex. to voicemail 327

·         Email: folkner@whitetwpsd.org

·         Parent Conference: Fall and Spring or by special request

·         “Get Togethers” in Fall and Spring

7. Shortened Sessions:

When the school has shortened sessions, Kindergarten will have combined sessions. That means that both classes will attend during the morning session (9:00 – 11:50).

8. Snow Delays:

When bad weather causes the school to have a delayed opening, both Kindergarten classes will attend during the afternoon session (12:25-3:15).

The Kindergarten bus that usually brings your child to school will pick up your child. Listen to radio for delayed school openings, watch it on TV, visit our website or sign up for our automated phone system.

9. Clothes for School:

Your child should be dressed comfortably. We want our kindergarteners to be able to have freedom! In order for bathroom time to be independent and private, children need to know how to work zippers, buttons and/or belts. Our dress code policy also discourages children from wearing flimsy flip flops to school. With all of the walking up and down stairs and our many movement times, we want them to be safe. We don’t want the children to be worrying about their clothes and shoes while in school.

10.  Supplies:

Your child will need to bring the following items to school each day:

·         A backpack

·         One pocket folder

Also send in one of Mom’s or Dad’s old t-shirts for your child to use as a paint shirt during messy art projects. Please put your child’s name on the front with a marker. This shirt will stay at school all year.

11.  Closing:

            Thank you for sending your child to White Township Kindergarten! We are thankful for this      opportunity to work with your child and I look forward to getting to know each child individually. This will be an unforgettable experience!  J