Back to School

This week your child will complete one of the most important milestones in his/her life - the first day of school!  We understand that you and your child may have met this day with excitement or apprehension (or a little of both) and we hope that this page will help you know what to expect this year and answer any questions you may have.  We are looking forward to having your child in Kindergarten at Berrien Primary School!
 

Parent/Teacher Relationships

A good parent/teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success.  Throughout the year your child's teacher will communicate through notes, telephone calls, weekly newsletters, report cards, and conferences.  Our staff encourages you to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.  We also invite you to attend special classroom activities and celebrations that will occur throughout the year.  We understand that busy schedules may not allow you to attend all of the events, so you could also help out by sending needed supplies and treats.  Your support of school activities makes your child feel important.  We can't wait to see you in our school!
 

School Attendance

 

Good attendance is crucial to your child's success in school!  Please view school as a priority and see to it that your child attends everyday (except in cases of illness or emergency).  We encourage you to send your child to school regularly and on time.  Most kindergarten learning activities involve interactions with classmates.  It is next to impossible to make up work at home.  Set good attendance habits early!
 

Transportation

If you plan to make a change in your child's  transportation to or from school, you must send a written note.  Do not rely on your child to tell his/her teacher, as they could get confused or relay incorrect information.  Your child will be sent home by his/her usual method of transportation without a note.  
 

Recess

Children will have a scheduled recess time daily unless it is raining or extremely cold.  Make sure that your child is dressed appropriately with clothes and shoes that are suitable for running and playing.  We have several pieces of play equipment on our playground that children climb, so cowboy boots and dress shoes are probably not safe (or comfortable) for this equipment. 
 

Money

It will be necessary for your child to bring money to school  throughout the year.  You can help make our classroom run smoothly and prevent a possible error by taking time to do the following. 

Always send money to school in a sealed envelope with the following information clearly written:
1.  Your child's first and last name,
2.  the amount of money,
3.  the purpose for the money (snack, lunch, book orders, field trips, etc.), and
4.  your Kindergarten teacher's name.
 

Medication

Your child must have an information/medical card on record in the nurse's office should he/she need to take medication during the school day.  All medication should be sent in the original, labeled container. accompanied by a note giving directions to the teacher or nurse.  Medication will not be given without a note.
 

Book Orders

Your family will have the opportunity to order quality children's book at affordable prices.  Your kindergarten teacher will send a book order  home once a month.  If you wish to order, simple fill out the form and send the money or check (made out to book company) to school in an envelope.  Book orders usually arrive about 5-10 days after ordering.  Your child's kindergarten teacher will also receive bonus points which are used toward books for classroom use.  This is a win-win situation, but remember you are never under any obligation to order.
 

Helpful Hints

Here are some helpful hints to get this year off to a  great start!
1.  School begins at 8:20.  Children should arrive between 7:45 and 8:15.  Children eating breakfast at school must arrive before 8:00.
2.  Please allow your child to walk to his/her classroom alone. 
3.  Kindergarten students must wear a bus tag for the first 2 weeks of school. 
4.  Label all supplies (book bag, coats, sweaters, etc.) with your child's name.
5.  Allow time for your child to adjust to school routines.  The first few weeks are very tiring.
6.  Please leave toys and distracting jewelry at home.
7.  Encourage your child to talk about his/her day.  Take time to look at your child's work.
8.  Please sign and return your child's Communication Folder each week. 
9.  Send materials, forms, homework & homework folders back promptly.