Dawson Elementary Kindergarten 2007-2008

Important Information

Dear families,

Welcome to the magical world of Kindergarten.  This year will bring many changes in your child’s life.  He/she will take a great step toward a growing independence.  At times he/she will appear to need you just as much as in the past, and at other times he/she will not need any help at all.  This is also a year when your Kindergartner will grow a great deal socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.  It is a very exciting time in your child’s life, enjoy!  We hope to help make your child’s adjustment to school as smooth as possible.  Please feel free to contact us via a note, phone call, or email with any questions or concerns you may have.  We will get back to you as soon as we can.  Don’t feel that any question is too small or trivial.  The sooner we can put your child’s mind at ease the better off we will all feel.

This year your child will be exposed to a variety of different activities and learning situations.  We hope to stimulate and challenge your child’s mind to encourage a lifelong love of learning.  Above all, we want your child to be happy and safe while at Dawson School this year.  We look forward to working with your child and you and to a great school year. 

The following information explains some of the highlights of our Kindergarten program:

Literacy:

Literacy is a crucial piece of the kindergarten program.  We use quality literature that pertains to current themes (apples, family & friends).  The literature in the classroom targets the five main components of literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Writing is an integral part of literacy.  Letter formation is taught using Handwriting Without Tears and The Letter People Program.  Most children have already begun the first step of writing; drawing.  Children then write beginning sounds, ending sounds, and medial sounds. 

Math:

We use the Everyday Math series where concepts are presented in a hands-on approach with manipulatives.

Science and Social Studies:

Science and Social Studies are incorporated into theme-based activities throughout the year.

Snacks:

On “Drop-In-Day” and for the remainder of the school year please be sure that your child brings a snack and a drink to school in a labeled bag or lunch box.  Due to some severe peanut allergies of several kindergarten students we are instituting a new “peanut-free” policy.  Please do not send any snack containing peanuts, peanut butter, or peanut oil in with your child this year.  More information will follow once school begins.

Labeling:

Please label all clothing that hangs on hooks and backpacks, as well as any communication that is sent via the message tube.

Message Tubes:

Please check your child’s message tube everyday and return it to school.  Please be sure to put any notes in the tube with your child’s name on it.

We look forward to working with you and your child this year!

Sincerely,

The Kindergarten Team

Wendy Zinkus , Kindergarten Teacher 

Katelyn Daige,  Kindergarten Teacher

Mary Kennedy, Instructional Assistant

Nancy Bousquet, Instructional Assistant