hennigar


 * Dear Families,**

**Welcome to full day Kindergarten at New Franklin!**

**For those of you who do not know my teaching style, or me please let me explain** **…** **I am a calm, caring educator whose developmentally appropriate classroom provides a positive learning environment for all abilities in a respectful, FUN way. I work hard to provide creative, FUN, exciting activities and ways to teach. I believe all children can be successful when ACTIVELY engaged in academic and SOCIAL learning. I work hard to create a positive safe environment where each child has clear and consistent limits and routines Yes, I think discipline works** **best with clear expectations along with positive and logical consequences. My goal for your child’s 1st year of public education is to become readers, to have an understanding of numerals and mathematical thinking, to become more confident in their ideas and thinking, caring of others, happy and LOVE to come to school. It is vital to make their 1st year a positive experience. With your help I know we can make this happen!**

**This will be a FANTASTIC year using the Everyday Math Program, exploring reading with Building Blocks and writing with the Lucy Caulkins program. We’ll also have fun as we discover our world and get to know each other.**

**I believe each child is a wonderful gift just waiting to be opened. I can’t wait for school to begin and see your child’s special talents and gifts to the world.**

**I’m so “Hoppy” your child is in my class!**

**xo Lyn Hennigar**

**Pointers for a successful kindergarten year!**

*** If your child is taking the bus, it arrives at school around 8:00. Kindergarten, First and Second graders play on the front playground until the 8:15 bell. There are 2 teachers on duty, along with a teacher greeting the busses. The first week of school the kindergarten team will be out on the playground to help supervise!**

*** New Franklin offers breakfast beginning at 8:00 and ending at 8:15. The cafeteria workers will answer any questions during the bus run day.**

*** Please purchase your child a backpack to carry items to and from school. It’s extremely helpful to label your child’s belongings. I keep extra clothes in the room for the occasional “accident”, however we would prefer your child keep a set at school or in his/her backpack. We learn the “sign” for bathroom on the first day. Your child may use the bathroom ANYTIME, we are extremely fortunate to have one in the room.**

*** We will have snack each day at 10:20ish. Please pack your child a small snack and drink. If you do send breakfast or lunch money, please place it in an envelope with your child’s name and a note stating your request. It is also helpful to pay for your child’s lunch at the beginning of the week. During free choice (1:40) your child can choose to eat what’s left in their lunch box, if their tummy is growling!**

*** Leader of the day – a very popular job! We will rotate this position every day. If your child is absent, their name will be switched to the next day they are in school so they do not miss their turn!**

*** Friday Folders – Every Friday, your child’s week of school papers/projects and important school notices will come home in a folder/bag. Please return your F.F. the following Monday, along with any notes and lunch $$.**

*** Homework – Last year many parents requested homework. So, this year we will have an OPTIONAL homework folder (1 page a week) along with a leveled reader. If you and your child choose to do homework, please return the folder and book on Mondays.** **We will try to send them back home on Mondays. We will begin this in early October.**

*** Weekly Newsletter – Every Friday your child will be bringing home a newsletter briefly explaining our weekly activities, along with the following week activities.**

*** Birthdays – We will have a small birthday celebration for each child – songs, books, charts, cards and naturally, they are the leader! New Franklin has requested saving “Party Food” for our special party days – Halloween, December Holidays, and Valentines Day. Thanks for understanding.**

*** GIVE ME THE POWER – With all our rules and routines, occasionally a child needs a time out. Our room has a “Give ME The Power” chair. If your child needs to regain control over their body, they’ll be removed from the group and will sit in the chair until they’ve regained control over their body, usually 5 minutes. They’ll be asked to rejoin the group. You will be notified by note or a phone call if your child is a frequent visitor.**

*** Kindergarten Schedule**

**8:15 Bell rings, class lines up outside the kindergarten door on the front playground and walks in. As the year goes on everyone will have a job to do, after taking care of his/her things.** **Morning Meeting/Morning Message/Morning Paper/Calendar**

**9:30ish Specials – Monday Art, Tuesday Music, Wednesday Library, Thursday Special PE (will change to music and computer each trimester), Friday PE**

**10:20ish Snack**

**10:40 Show and Tell (Schedule)** **__Monday__ __Tuesday__ __Wednesday__ __Thursday__** **Peter Taliyah Bella Kaelan** **Hector Francis Aundrea Evie** **Morgan Owen Caden** **Anthony Aiden Jameson** **If your child is absent or forgets their show and tell they can do it on the following day.**

**11:00 Reading/Writing Workshop**

**12:15 Recess** **12:35 Lunch**

**1:00 Quiet Story Time**

**1:20 Math Workshop**

**1:40 Free Choice – Blocks, Housekeeping, Make it and Take it, Rice Table. . .** **Children also do any make up work they have not finished during the day.**

**2:15 Recess**

**2:40 Go Home** **Walkers will be dismissed at 2:40 from the front foyer. Children will only be released to persons designated by you with a written note to the office. Identification will also be required. Bussers will be walked out to their bus, as a whole class, by ME! Kindergartners line up at the beginning of every bus line. If you are picking your child up at the bus stop, it is very important to be there on time.**

*** Remember your sneakers for P.E.** Our Art teacher creates impressive, absolutely GORGEOUS messy art projects with your child. Wear your “oldie” but “goodie” clothes.

``` Many families ask if there are any supplies their child needs for school – It is important to dress your child appropriately for the weather as we do go out for recess every day. Please provide your child with a backpack, a change of clothes (accidents happen) and a snack (no glass containers or soda). I do shop the bargain “back to school” supply sales, so your child is all set with scissors, crayons, markers, pencils, glue, tool boxes….. However, if you would like to contribute…...tissues, Clorox wipes, any size baggies and cooking supplies (we cook every FUN Friday!) it would be GREATLY appreciated but certainly NOT expected! Cooking supplies – vanilla frosting, plastic spoons/knives, small or large paper plates, m&m’s, chocolate chips, skittles, graham crackers

Please know that I have your child’s best interest at heart. If we see any signs of concern we will immediately call you!!

I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with too much information. Mr. George Shea, our princiPAL, and myself will be able to answer any questions on bus run day. Feel free to talk with me anytime about your child, 436-0910 or e-mail: lhennigar@portsmouth.k12.nh.us Any questions or concerns about your child’s education are important!**