Welcome to Nativity School!
It’s time to begin the wonderful world of Kindergarten! This packet will be valuable to you throughout the school year. If you have any questions regarding this packet or anything else about the Kindergarten program, please don’t hesitate to ask

THE ALPHABET
Each week during the school year we study a different letter. During the week, the children will have an opportunity to learn the letter, its sound and how to write the letter. We will be doing many alphabet activities through out the year as we work on our reading skills. Check the newsletter for the next letter to be studied.

STAR OF THE WEEK
Every Kindergarten student will have the opportunity to be the "Star of the Week". When it is your child’s turn to be star, please send in a poster with labeled pictures and a few special items of your child’s choosing. Your child will have time to share these with the class. You’ll receive a note about your star date and the Friday newsletter will announce the next Star each week as well.

SURPRISE BOX
Surprise box is a favorite Kindergarten activity. Each week, your child will have the opportunity to guess what is in the Surprise Box. Each child will have a turn to win what is in the box. When your child brings home the Surprise box, please make sure to return it within the week with some small, inexpensive surprise along with 3 written hints.

POEM OF THE MONTH
Each month your child will have the opportunity to memorize a different poem. When they have memorized the poem an d can recite it aloud, they will earn a ribbon on the poetry board displayed in the classroom.

SNACK
Every day, we have a morning snack. A snack calendar will be sent home for each month. Please check the calendar for your child’s name. You will need to send in a nutritious snack for the class that day. This year Kindergarten will be a NO CUPCAKE ZONE. A cookie (with no icing) or a special treat on birthdays is fine. If your child’s snack requires more than just a napkin, please send in plates, forks, spoons or whatever is necessary. We ask that each snack be individually bagged to make passing out easier for the children.

Kindergartners also enjoy taking an extra snack to Mr. Herring and Mrs. Ciarniello. Please send in a few extra snacks so they can travel with their treat! The children have milk with their snack every day. The fee of $45.00 is for snack milk and can be sent into your child’s teacher on the first week of school. This fee covers the cost of milk for the entire school year.

RECESS
Recess takes place daily from 11:45 – 12:15. Parents and other family members are always welcome to come spend recess with us. Please check in with Mrs. Ciarniello if you come to visit.

SPECIAL CLASS SCHEDULE
The children go to Art, Music, Gym, Computer, and Library every week. Please check the classroom webpage for your child’s special class schedule. Please note: on gym days Kindergarten students may come out of uniform. This saves the child time changing and loosing clothes. (Gym shoes area MUST!)

CLASSROOM VOLUNTEERS AND GUEST READERS
We love it when parents come to help in the classroom! We can always use an extra pair of hands and the kids love when their parents come! Please indicate if you are interested in volunteering on the form found at the end of this packet. A calendar will be sent indicating when you’ve been scheduled to volunteer.

LUNCH TIME
The lunch period is approximately 20 minutes long, beginning at 12:45. It is important to pack a nutritious lunch that your child likes to eat. We will send home whatever is not eaten so that adjustments can be made accordingly. Your child should be able to open whatever they bring in for lunch. Your child may bring a drink from home or purchase a drink from school for 25 cents. Snacks can also be purchased from the “Snack Shack”.
Lunch can also be purchased. Cash is accepted but lunch tickets are much easier for Kindergarten students to handle. Lunch tickets can be purchased by the week or for several weeks at a time. A calendar of daily menus will be sent home each month.
Kindergarten parents may join their child for lunch on Fridays. If you are planning to meet your child, please come to the cafeteria by 12:45. We hope to see you then!

We are so glad that you have chosen the Kindergarten Program at Nativity! We are really looking forward to working with you and your child this year. Please don’t hesitate to share your questions or concerns with us throughout the year.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary Gene Kling and Miss Bonnie Valerius

WELCOME NATIVITY’S CLASS OF 2017
My name is Mary Gene Kling and this is my 14th year teaching Kindergarten at Nativity. Prior to this I have taught Pre-school, Second Grade and Kindergarten. I have also worked as a Special Ed tutor and substitute teacher.

I live in the neighborhood and feel fortunate to be a part of a wonderful community of people who work, pray and play at Nativity. I’m looking forward to getting to know this year’s Kindergarten students and parents as we begin another great year at Nativity.

SPECIALS SCHEDULE
---Monday 9:00 Art
---Tuesday 9:45 MUSIC
---Wednesday 9:00 GYM (Students may come out of uniform on Gym days in Kindergarten. Gym shoes are a must.)
---Thursday 9:45 Music       2:05 Chinese Culture
---Friday 9:00 Gym

MASS
Kindergarten students will participate in all school Liturgies and Prayer Services.

CLASSROOM AIDE
Mrs. Mary Beth Donelan and Mrs. Peggy Lamb will be working with us this year. Their able hands and hearts will help make life in Kindergarten go smoothly.

PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
I’m a firm believer in not letting little problems become big problems. You can count on me letting you know as soon as there is some behavioral or academic problem that needs your attention. I hope that you’ll feel that you may do the same with me.
---Weekly Newsletter
---Conferences
---Written Note
---Email: mgkling8am@hotmail.com
---Home Phone Number: 731-7246

HOMEWORK
Students will have homework to do every Friday. This work will usually be a reinforcement of Writing or Math work done in class. Please help your child understand the homework assignment and complete it correctly. The goal of homework in kindergarten is to build good work habits and feel successful as well as reinforcing academic skills. Completed homework should be returned to school in the home folder on Monday.

BEHAVIOR PLAN
Kindergarten students want to do the right thing and that desire sets the tone for our school behavior. Students do their best learning and playing in an organized, safe and nurturing environment. Our classroom rules will support this environment. Usually when students understand the reason for the rules they’re happy to follow them. When inappropriate behavior occurs we’ll discuss the rule and the reason for it. If the inappropriate behavior continues, the student will be asked to go to a quiet spot for “time out”. When they understand the rule and are ready to return to the group they are welcome to do so. You will be informed of any school behavior issues that would require more than a short time out. (Talking with Mr. Herring, writing a letter of apology, missing part of recess)

The Kindergarten year is one of true partnership. Nativity will provide many opportunities for your child to grow both academically and socially, but it only really works with a solid teacher parent and sometimes Grandparent partnership. Thanks for putting your trust in the Staff at Nativity and for all you do to make the Kindergarten Program a success.