First Few Days & Hip Hip Hoorays!
It's hard to completely capture in writing the energy, thrills, excitement, and extreme levels of cuteness in the first week of school through the lens of a principal of students with ages just three to six. There was a particular moment on the first day where I was helping get kids off of the bus and into the school where one little guy must have told me five times on the way to the building, "IT'S MY FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!" We celebrated this over and over as we walked in. He then told every adult he passed as he made his way to his teacher in our gymnasium. This is the gas in my tank! Am I so lucky to be around kids that are bounding with excitement and so ready for their new adventure? I AM! And I absolutely love every second.
The children have settled in so nicely. They are learning our routines around arrival and dismissal beautifully. I am super impressed with kindergarteners at lunch, who are navigating the hot lunch line with ease and so independently opening their lunches from home. Early childhood always starts with a few timid and sometimes overwhelmed little ones, but they are quickly feeling comfortable and looking more at home with every passing moment!
Backing up a little bit in the week, it was fabulous seeing so many of you at our Meet the Teacher event! I loved connecting with so many lovely families and look forward to our partnership throughout this year. Thank you to our FABULOUS PTO for the lovely coffee bar they provided teachers and staff to welcome them back into the new school year.
A few reminders...
- Kindergarten: I'm seeing some pretty big lunches and snacks. Know that your child will eat the treats in their lunches first and really savor them, slowing down getting to the good, healthy things you packed. A tiny treat, if any, is fine, like a mini oreo or a couple m&m's at lunch. Save bigger treats for home, please. Snacks are quick, small items, like a baggy of grapes or a banana or a single serve pre-packaged item from our District Approved Snack List. No more than one item should be provided. It gets confusing and takes too long when a lot of extra food is packed. Pack snacks and lunches separate and make sure your child knows what you're packing. If you want them to purchase a hot lunch, tell them. Sometimes they think their snacks are their lunch. Or, feel free to write, "SNACK" on their snack item.
- Everyone: Label EVERYTHING. Tracking down lunchboxes, water bottles, snacks, etc. is very difficult. At this age, students love to explore their backpack items and put them where they don't necessarily belong.
- Everyone: Never park in the front circle drive.
- Everyone: If you bring your child to school, please be on time. This creates a smoother transition for your child into his or her school day and helps keep our routines and procedures in order for morning check-in. Teachers need to do a lot to get kids checked in and having one child late significantly cuts into our learning time for all children. Please aim for our drop-off start of 8:35 AM or 11:50 AM for early childhood and 8:45 AM for kindergarten.
- Everyone: Please be sure your child brings or wears gym shoes and socks every day to school for gym class. Their shoes must be fully covered on top for safety reasons. Sandals, sports sandals, crocs, and boots are not appropriate for gym class. If your child does not have gym shoes, he/she will sit out of gym that day and a reminder note will be sent home.
Did you know?
As many parents are new to District 96 as they go through Willow Grove, I like to share information now and then just to get you in the know around standard procedures, operations, etc. of District 96.
- No dogs/animals are permitted on campus of any D96 schools. Even the cute little ones. Please never bring a pet on our school campus/grounds, even if you know they would never bite. Children and pets are both unpredictable, and it's our goal to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all!
Parent Volunteer Opportunity
Calling all parents who want to be gym helpers!! Beginning in September, you will be allowed to volunteer to help out in your child’s PE class once a month! Just e-mail Mrs. O’Gara at [email protected] and let her know you’re interested and what date you’d like to come. Your children have PE every day! She’ll confirm the date if it’s available and if not, she’ll give you other choices. Once you come, you can then sign up for your next date! You may also call her at (847)541-3660 ext. 5854.
Here is a list of who has gym and when:
Filippo: 9:15-9:35am
May: 9:35-9:55am
Derry: 10:00-10:20am
Buban: 10:20-10:40am
Rabin: 11:05-11:25am
Dyer: 12:35-12:55pm
Dolan: 12:55-1:15pm
Wittenberg: 1:15-1:35pm
Holzman: 1:35-1:55pm
Chappas: 1:55-2:15pm
Santucci: 2:15-2:35pm
Yandura AM: 8:55-9: 15 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Yandura PM: 12:15-12: 35 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Weihe AM: 8:55-9: 15 am on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Weihe PM: 12:15-12: 35 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Thank you for volunteering!!
Special Moments
Meet the Teacher
Capturing special moments.
Seeing friends we've missed!
I'm ready!
Entering on the first day
Kinder coming off the bus, ready for the day ahead!
Our little EC kids are a tad nervous at first, but not for long!
EC fun!
EC fun!
EC fun!
First, we pass under a tunnel of cheer to make our way to our kindergarten rooms!
We get to eat our lunch at school!
Lunch notes!
Our first day of lunch was a success!
Hungry for more pictures? Follow me on Twitter @JennySwanSmith
MAP ASSESSMENTS AUGUST 20–29
District 96 students in kindergarten through Grade 8 will be participating in MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments in the areas of math and reading/language arts during portions of their school days August 20–29.
The MAP assessment is given three times during the school year to equip our teachers with data they will use to identify their students' current understanding as well as opportunities for support and extension. Students do not need to study for their MAP tests; sufficient sleep and nutrition are, as always, the best preparation. This assessment serves as a benchmark–a point in time from which to measure academic growth through the academic year.
For more information about MAP assessments, please see the following resources:
PARENT’S GUIDE TO MAP GROWTH (Need a TRANSLATION?)
In September KCSD96 parents will receive info by email with directions for accessing their child’s MAP assessment results online.
If you have questions about MAP assessments, please contact your student’s principal.
PTO News
Dessert Day is coming soon for kindergarten. Sign up for your child to receive a special treat during lunch on your PTO Membership Toolkit.
The following is repeat information from last week's blog, but still current. You can skip this if you already reviewed last week's message
Curriculum Night, Wednesday, August 29
Please also make a note of our Curriculum Night for all parents/guardians (kindergarten, structured/low incidence, and blended programs) is on August 29th from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Children do not attend Curriculum Night. We talk about what your children will be learning and teachers review routines and classroom procedures, etc. It’s a nice evening to get to further know your child’s teacher and our school.