McGilvra Elementary School

Dear Kindergarten Families,

Welcome to Kindergarten!  We look forward to meeting you and working with your child this school year.  This letter is intended to introduce you to the kindergarten program your child will participate in.  It begins with our philosophy about how young children learn and how that philosophy correlates to the curriculum, classroom policies and procedures.  In addition, we have included some specific answers to questions parents often ask.

Philosophy of How Young Children Learn

An emphasis on the whole child and a holistic view of learning is important.

Your child will be involved in a program that is driven by an integrated and thematic approach.  This means that curricular areas will be interwoven and related to a common theme such as family or all about me.  There will be a balance of child-initiated learning and teacher-directed activities.  The focus will be on teaching children to make appropriate choices, on promoting responsibility, and on using reading and writing in meaningful ways.  Isolated skills will be addressed and necessary for individual children, small groups or the entire class.  In addition, the environment will be an active one where children have the opportunity to be engaged with others and to manipulate real objects.

The process of learning is as important as the product.

Just as your child made approximations when they were learning to walk and talk, they will also make approximations as they become confident readers and writers.  These approximations are seen as phonetic spelling or as the retelling of a story from pictures or from memory.  The sequential steps that each child will go through to become fluent and independent learners will be valued and supported.

Assessment and evaluation, as well as self-reflection are important in the learning process.

We will be assessing and evaluating your child over the course of the year.  We believe that a variety of measures examined carefully over a period of time can give an accurate and complete picture of a child’s progress, strength and needs.

Individual differences should be valued rather than promoting uniformity.

Children enter kindergarten at different places on the learning continuum, each with various ways of learning and with different strengths and needs.  As teachers, we feel that it is our role to value the differences of others while modeling a positive and cooperative learning environment for all.

A strong school to home connection is crucial for young children to succeed in school.

We believe that children benefit from a strong and positive relationship between the teacher and the family.  You can expect newsletters, homework, and other information weekly.  Phone calls, conferences and special curriculum nights are other ways in which we plan to keep in touch with you throughout the year.  In addition, we welcome your comments and questions.

Questions Most Often Asked…

How can I get in touch with my child’s teacher?

We can most easily be reached by telephone at 252-3176 (Ms. Voth) and 252-3187 (Mrs. McCullough).  If we are unavailable, you can leave a voice mail message and we will return your call as soon as we are able.  You are also welcome to send an email or write a note and send it with your child to school.  In addition, you may schedule a conference at any time during the school year.

My child seems anxious about starting kindergarten.  What can I do to support him/her?

Before school begins talk with your child about kindergarten.  Ask them positive and open-ended questions such as “How are you feeling about starting kindergarten?”.  Validate their feelings and discuss any concerns they may have.  It is very important to talk about the first day and how you will drop them off.  Explain that you will bring them to school and help them get settled.  Let them know that you are coming to the opening day ceremony (or not) and tell them that after the ceremony they will return to the classroom with their teacher and that you will see them after school.  Also, be sure your child knows what they are doing for lunch (home or school), that they will be able to go to the bathroom if they ask their teacher and how they will get home.  Many children are anxious about these things and just talking about them will calm your child.  If your child has difficulty separating from you on the first day, bring him or her into the classroom, make eye-contact with the teacher and we will take your child’s hand.  Give a quick hug and a kiss goodbye and leave.  Almost all children are fine and engaged in a few minutes once the parent leaves.   Remember that children often take their cues from adults, so happy and positive conversations and demeanor will go a long way in preparing your child for the great year ahead of them.

My child is already reading.  How can I be sure he/she won’t be bored?

In the environment we are planning, many academic choices are available and each child is naturally drawn to those that challenge his or her individual development.  The children will often be involved in open ended activities where each can work to his or her potential or on activities specifically designed for particular learning needs.  At other times, the children will work in a small group with other children who share a similar ability.  It is an environment where all students, regardless of their developmental level, flourish.

Can I visit my child’s classroom?

Yes!  After your child settles in during the first month of school, you are welcome to visit at any time.  We do ask that you call ahead and let us know so that we can plan for your special visit.

Additionally, in October, you will have an opportunity to sign up for volunteer activities in your child’s classroom.  We encourage every parent and/or other family member to volunteer in the classroom at some time during the school year.  Parents and other family members who volunteer in the classroom come to know the kindergarten program well.

This year promises to be one filled with the wonder and excitement of kindergarten!  We look forward to sharing it with you.

Sincerely,

Jen McCullough and Dena Voth