DCS+Kindergarten+Essentials


 * All health, immunization records and birth certificate must be on file before a child can officially hold a place in a class. Please have paperwork to the office ASAP.**


 * First Day Information**
 * On each of our staggered first days, your child's teachers will meet them in front of the school. We will meet each bus as it arrives and keep the children together until all have arrived. If you are arriving by car or your child is in the afternoon session, we will be waiting in front of the school.
 * A folder will go home with lots of paperwork for you to review.
 * Emergency cards - return immediately after filling out both sides. Notify us when any of that information changes.
 * Reduced meals and insurance forms. Please return if applicable.
 * Your child will need something to carry school work and memos to and from school for the year. A backpack (no backpacks with wheels please) or a canvas bag would be fine. Be sure to label it with your child's name.


 * Arrival and Dismissal**
 * Please send a note to school stating the transportation arrangements (both to and from school) you have for your child.
 * Notify us in writing of any changes.
 * Call the school to inform us of last minute dismissal or pick up changes. If it is just before dismissal time, don't leave voice mail - talk to someone in the office so they can get the message to us.
 * General Information**
 * All kindergarten classrooms are child centered. We strive for a balance between: active and quiet work, one-on-one, small group and whole group instruction, child planned and teacher guided activities.
 * We go outside often in the fall - 2 days a week in winter. We will let you know which two days before the winter season begins.
 * We do occasionally go on field trips in kindergarten. We let parents know ASAP when a trip is being planned and scheduled. Chaperones are welcomed and encouraged. We will cancel trip if we feel we don't have enough chaperones to ensure the children's safety. Past events include trips to apple orchards, Pawtuckaway State Park, Sandy Point Nature Center, New England Aquarium and the Boston Children�s Museum.
 * Each Kindergarten classroom has its own bathroom. Children are encouraged to use the bathroom whenever they need to at first. If we notice that a child may be using the bathroom to avoid a large group meeting or a non-preferred task we will work with that child to remind him/her to use the bathroom before the meeting or activity
 * Snack**
 * We do take time to have a snack break in kindergarten everyday. Your child may bring a drink from home or purchase milk or juice from the school hot lunch program for 35 cents. We use a community snack system which involves parents taking turns sending in snack for the entire class
 * Each month you will receive a new snack calendar in your child's Friday Folder. You will be responsible for one or two snack days days each month depending on how many children are in the class
 * Please involve your child in selecting and even preparing this snack. These snacks should be healthy and simple and the portions should be small. Children often help themselves to the snack so it should be easy to self serve
 * Healthy favorites in the past include veggies with a simple dip such as ranch, cut up pieces of fruit, yogurt, cheese and crackers homemade quick breads, cereal bars, animal crackers, trail mix, and pretzels. Please remember to include bowls/spoons/forks if necessary
 * We will keep some crackers on hand to serve if you forget to send in snack on your day. We�ll ask you to please replace that item so that it could be used the next time someone forgets a snack day
 * We will ask for specific donations of napkins, or paper towels each month.
 * We try to match your child�s snack day with their birthday if possible. You may send in a special snack on that day (cupcakes, brownies etc.) We will work with parents in the spring to include all children with summer birthdays.
 * Sharing**
 * We do not have specific show and tell time. Instead we give children lots of opportunities to share information about something special such as a photo or something they have made or found in nature.
 * Please encourage your children to leave their toys at home where they are safe.


 * Attendance and Health Issues**
 * Regular attendance in very important. Please try to have your child at school each day. Shopping trips, going out for lunch, and other similar activities are not appropriate reasons to miss school.
 * Coming to school on time is also extremely important. Late arrivals interrupt the flow of the classroom activities and may mean that your child will miss an activity.
 * We do keep track of absences and days that children are tardy.
 * Please help your child develop good habits of attendance by making it a family priority.
 * Absences will occur due to health issues.
 * Children may not attend school with a fever.
 * You will be notified if your child becomes ill at school. Please be sure we have current telephone numbers.
 * We have nowhere to let children rest if they come to school not feeling well. When in doubt, please keep your child home.
 * Whenever there is an absence, please notify us in writing with the reason your child stayed home. Be sure to inform us if your child had strep throat, chicken pox or other infectious illnesses.
 * Medicines can only be administered from bottles with prescription labels and with parent permission given to the nurse - Mrs. Matteson.
 * Computer Use**
 * All classrooms have Internet access and we do use websites and email in our classes.
 * Parents filled out a form at registration to indicate whether we have your permission to share children�s work, class pictures on the school or class website.
 * We don't put names on anything we publish to the web.
 * If you wish to give permission or change your information, please request a form.
 * We do use safe practices with Internet use in the classroom and instruct children with age appropriate information.
 * Volunteers**
 * We welcome volunteers in kindergarten classrooms after the first two or three weeks of school. We like to have time in early September to get to know your children and to begin to develop a sense of community and trust. There are many ways to help - at home (making games, cutting material for projects) or in the classroom. Volunteers can help out on a regular basis or once in a while. Talk with your child's teacher about setting up a time/s to help out.
 * Communication**
 * We are fortunate in that we get to see many of you each day. Pick-up and drop-off time is not the time for a detailed conference but is a way to quickly "touch base" each day.
 * You will receive periodic newsletters from your child's teacher. This will contain valuable information as to what is going on in the classroom.
 * The school newsletter (The Bridge) goes home with the youngest family member each Friday.
 * Conferences are offered in the fall, spring and whenever you or the teacher feels it is necessary.
 * Progress Reports give a detailed account of your child as a learner. These reports are sent home in January and June.
 * Homework**
 * Please take 10 minutes or so each day to read with your child.
 * Help your child establish a good working home/school routine. Help them remember to return their library books on time, show you their Friday folder, bring appropriate outdoor clothing etc.
 * Early Release Days**
 * On Early Release days the morning session will run from 8:00 - 10:00. The afternoon session will run from 10:30 - 12:30. Afternoon students will need to bring a lunch with them on those days.
 * School Cancellation**
 * Families are notified of school closings by an automated telephone call.
 * Delayed opening - No morning classes; regular afternoon session
 * Snow days - no classes for anyone
 * Announcements made on Channel 9 WMUR