AUGUST 2018 MS. GINA AND MS. SYDNEE

A new school begins with a class full of shining new stars. We are excited to begin a year of fun filled activities. As three-year-olds learn best at their own pace, we will encourage each child’s special talents and individuality. Our August theme will allow the children to discover the wonders of All About Me. Making new friends, getting acquainted with other classmates, and learning how to navigate without mom and dad will all be part of the adventure.

ARRIVAL – The children will line up outside the classroom on the colored tape and the teachers will open the door for class to begin. During the first few weeks, some children may have separation problems. We encourage all parents to bring their child to class promptly at 9:00, give them a kiss, hug, and then leave. If your child has a separation problem that continues beyond a normal time, we will certainly call you.

SIGNING YOUR CHILD IN AND OUT IS A STATE REQUIREMENT- There will be a cart outside the classroom door with the “sign in” book. This is where you will sign in/out your child each day. You will also fill in the space telling us when you are planning to pick up your child. Your full signature is needed, no initials, please.

MORNING CARE – Free morning care 8 to 9 am is available to siblings of elementary students. Other families interested in paid morning care should register in the office. The playground is closed to all students not in our morning care program before school. Therefore, it is necessary to stay with your child until the classroom door opens.

BACKPACKS – We would like each child to have a FULL size backpack so that our daily papers and projects find their way home. Please make sure that all backpacks are clearly marked with your child’s first and last name.

CLOTHING – Please bring a change of clothes (including socks) in a labeled Ziploc bag. We will keep the change of clothes in the classroom in case of accidents. Be sure to dress your child for active and messy play. For safety reasons, sneakers and socks are the appropriate footwear.

BIRTHDAYS – Birthday snacks and celebrations are encouraged. If your child would like to share a snack with the class on this special day, please let us know so that we don’t have two celebrations on the same day.

DISMISSAL – Class ends at 12:00. Please be prompt picking up your child and remember to sign out. When someone other than the parent or regular caregiver is picking up your child, please tell us and give the office a note of authorization. It is helpful to put a note on the sign in sheet. Be aware that ID will be required for this individual.

IMPORTANT ALLERGY ALERT – Please be aware that there’s a life-threatening melon allergy in our classroom. This pertains to ALL melon! Children cannot bring any melon into our classroom at all. If you have any questions about this, please ask us right away. And if your child has any allergies that we need to know about, please alert us immediately. It’s also a good idea to let the office know of any allergies as well.

LUNCH -- Lunch time for those children staying for Nooncats is at 12:00. All lunches are refrigerated. It would also be helpful if your child’s lunch box is a soft sided one since we do put them in the school’s refrigerator until lunch. Please put your child’s lunch box in the cart below the Sign In book. Please try to provide a healthy lunch for your child and remember not to send too much in their lunch box as they tend to talk and not eat. And, please make sure that all lunch boxes are clearly marked with your child’s first and last name.

EXTENDED DAY – Benchmark requires 24 hours notice for our extended day program (Nooncats) which runs from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. The office handles registration for this.

WATER BOTTLES – If your child chooses to bring one to school, please make sure it has their name on it as they are often misplaced. No plastic water bottles or Sippy cups as they leak and cause a mess.

SUPPLIES AND NEEDED ITEMS – There will be times during the year that we will need special items to help us with a project. We will send a note home or put a note on the lunch cart. If you would like to help us keep a supply of Clorox wipes and/or tissues on hand, feel free to bring a box in. It will greatly be appreciated.

NEWSLETTERS AND CALENDARS – Each month you will receive a newsletter and calendar, listing the activities we will be doing. Sometimes we will have to change our plans slightly, but for the most part we follow this schedule. We will also use the newsletter as a way to communicate important reminders, upcoming special events, and requests for household items that we can use in our classroom. Please take the time to read the newsletter and add any important information to your family calendar. Of course, if you need another copy feel free to ask and we will send one home. Additionally, our monthly newsletters will always be posted on the school website at www.benchmarkschool.net . Just go to the “Grades and Classrooms” tab, scroll down to the “Monday-Wednesday-Friday 3’s” tab. Also, remember to check your child’s backpack daily. We will usually be sending something home each day.

OPEN HOUSE AND CURRICULUM NIGHT – We will be having an Open House on Wednesday, August 29th  from 5:00-6:00pm: FOR PARENTS ONLY! Please join us for an informative meeting that will help you with additional questions you may have, learn more of how and what we do in our class and most importantly, sign up for some of our wonderful opportunities to help out in class.

Thank you for sharing your children with us. We are eager to nurture each child and their uniqueness. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to talk to us.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year!

Ms. Gina, Ms. Sydnee and MC Hamster (our class pet)