1. Open House Jefferson Elementary August 26, 2014
2. Welcome Parents! Welcome to Mrs. Paynes Kindergarten class!
Open house agenda: Scavenger Hunt/Introduction Class information
Homework Field trips and parties Behavior, rules and policies
Parent involvement Paperwork and handouts Q&A
3. About Me I have been working with children for 13 years but
this is my first year in a Kindergarten classroom. Studied Early
Childhood Education at Tennessee Tech Moved to TN from NY State in
1995. Married with three kids and a dog. Live in Oak Ridge Im
excited about the school year and looking forward to working with
you to help your child have a successful first year of school.
4. Class Information Daily schedule included in packet. Lunch
is at 11:20. Special area classes: Mon.-PE, Tues.-Art,
Wed.-Library, Thurs.-Music, Fri.Technology First bell rings at
8:15. Class starts at 8:30. School ends at 3:15. Please be on time
and avoid unnecessary absences.
5. Homework Homework will be a monthly packet of short practice
assignments to do Mon.-Thurs. Read at least 20 minutes a day and
log the time and book in the reading log. Children earn classroom
bucks for reading and completing homework packets. When the class
earns enough cash, they will earn prizes. These will include ice
cream, pizza party, pajama day, or extra free play.
6. Field Trips and Parties Field Trips this year will be to the
UT Arboretum in Oak Ridge in the fall, Knoxville Museum of Art, and
a performance of the Knoxville Childrens Theater. We will have some
celebrations throughout the year including Halloween, Thanksgiving,
Winter holidays, Valentines Day, and an end of the Year party.
Birthdays are one way to make your child feel special. I have
special treats for each child but feel free to bring in a special
lunch or snack.
7. Class Rules I will guide students to create a safe and fun
learning environment in which all are respected and supported.
Class rules include: Be respectful of yourself, others, and
materials. Be responsible for yourself, your belongings, and your
work. Be punctual and present. Be organized and purposeful. Be a
self-starter and an avid learner and thinker. Be prepared to
develop important skills and concepts. Be safe and have fun!
8. School Policies Jefferson Elementary strives to provide a
safe environment. Any student who acts in a violent way including
bullying will be removed from the classroom and their parents
called to the school for an immediate conference. Instruction and
practice are important to mastering skills and knowledge. Please
avoid unnecessary tardiness, absences, and early check-outs. Please
provide a signed note and dr. note when possible if your child
misses any part of the school day. More than 5 unexcused absences
will prompt a conference. Check-in and out in the main office. An
ID is needed for classroom visits or check-out of students. Other
information: School cancellations for bad weather and other reasons
will be announced on local news and radio and by automatic message
system. Emergency procedures are in the student handbook and posted
in hallways and each room. Procedures are practiced on a regular
basis. Fill out the transportation form letting us know how your
child will depart and who is authorized to pick up your child. Pick
up instructions are in the student handbook and the packet. There
is before and after school care available on the premises.
Information and application form are in your packet. There are many
opportunities to volunteer inside and outside the classroom. I will
send around a sign up sheet during the Q & A portion of
tonight.
9. Get Involved! The Title I Parent Involvement Plan is
available to view in the front office, library, and parent lounge.
Please contact Ms. Jones if you would like a copy for yourself.
There is a form in your packet to let us know in what ways you are
available to volunteer and a survey on activities you would prefer
to take part in this school year. The PTA is looking for new active
members and volunteers. The meetings alternate between Tues
mornings and Thurs evenings. They meet once per month. Please
contact Virginia Smith for more information. Volunteer sign-up
sheet. Parties and field trips are better the more parents are
present and involved so please mark those dates on your
calendar.
10. Handouts Take some time tonight to read over the
information in your packets. Please return paperwork by Friday.
Forms to hand in include: Transportation form. Contact information
with best time to contact you included. Family questionnaire and
participation interest form.
11. In-class Activities Scavenger Hunt Questions Sign in and
enter your guess for the estimation jar Winner estimation jar will
win a book for your child Feel free to look through your childs
desk and leave a special note for them
12. Questions? Ask me questions now or fill out an exit slip so
I can set up a time to talk privately with you or email you an
answer. Please fill out the family questionnaire as thoroughly and
honestly as possible. Describe any areas in which you would like to
see your child improve. Describe your child's personality,
interests, and talents as well as any talent you may have that
could be useful in the classroom. These help me get to know you and
your children and help me with planning and setting individual
goals and objectives.