Dear Families,
The purpose for this guide is not to overwhelm you with yet another handbook, but to do just the opposite. In this packet, I hope that you will find a quick and easy guide to have important information, classroom details such as rules and activities, and a picture of what Preschool is and what you and your child should expect from this experience.
I am not going to bore you or take up more time then needed, but I do feel that you should know a little about me since I will be the one with your precious children each day. I name is Virtie Kirby and I love teaching children! I hold my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and this will be my forth year teaching at Paris Independent Schools. Prior to teaching, I provided education/support and training to childcare centers and community preschool programs. This allowed me the opportunity to visit preschool classrooms and support staff in providing a better learning and safer environment for children. My husband and I recently welcomed our first child to our world in January 2010 in which I have enjoyed every moment of the experience. I am not from Paris, but grew up in a small town about the size. I love the atmosphere of this town and feel that it offers many learning experiences for children of all ages.
Please know that I have an open door policy, which means anytime you want to visit you are welcome! Also, please feel free to call me for anything big or small, it really doesn’t matter the size when it comes to your child. Below are my office/classroom hours and contact information:
Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Phone: (859) 987-9127 Email:
[email protected]
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know you and your child. I look forward to starting this year. Again, feel free to call, email me or drop by anytime.
Hope to see you soon,
Mrs. Kirby
***Please note: Only people on an official schools release can pick up your child, they will need to show proof of identification. This is for your child’s safety!!!
Our Preschool Schedule
| Morning |
Schedule
|
Afternoon
|
| 7:30-7:50
|
Arrival
Center Time |
11:25-11:50 |
|
7:50-8:05 |
Morning/Afternoon Meeting
Greeting, Helpers, Calendar,
Weather, Concepts, Sing and Share=social/emotional awareness |
11:50-12:05 |
|
8:05-8:30 |
Breakfast/Lunch |
12:05-12:30 |
|
8:30-8:45 |
Daily Message
Story Time/Oral Language Cards |
12:30-12:45 |
|
8:45-9:25 |
Small Group
Math/Literacy/Phonological Awareness |
12:45-1:00 |
|
9:25-9:40 |
Centers |
1:00-1:35 |
|
9:40-9:55 |
Phonics
Letter time (visual phonics, high hat, HWT) |
1:35-1:50 |
|
9:55-10:25 |
Playground |
1:50-2:20 |
|
10:25-10:55 |
Lunch |
|
|
10:55-11:00 |
Dismissal/Review |
2:20-2:35 |
*Times are subject to change but you will be notified.
**Our schedule is very important, not only does it keep structure but helps your child to keep a routine throughout the day. This is a skill he/she will need for the rest of their life.
***Please note: Only people on an official schools release can pick up your child, they will need to show proof of identification. This is for your child’s safety!!!
Our Classroom Rules
- Listening Ears
- Watching Eyes
- Quiet Mouths
- Helping Hands
- Walking Feet
- Have FUN!!
Since we are a new community of learners, we must have rules to keep the peace and to also teach the children the importance of following them in which we all know are a part of everyday life. I am sharing them with you so you will know what is expected.
How We Learn:
Studies have shown for years that children learn through play, I want to make their environment as much fun as possible. Our class offers a brand new curriculum this year that your child will be sure to enjoy. Each week our class will have a learning theme that teaches about our world. Our first theme is Welcome To School, this relates to their experience in Preschool, learning the rules, schedule and getting familiar with their classroom. Other themes we will have throughout the year include My Family/My Community, My Five Senses, Different Seasons, Construction Zone and many more. To keep you in tune with our theme schedule, I will let you know through our monthly newsletter.
Our center time is a time for the children to play, explore and use their imagination to learn. Each child has opportunities every day to participate in these centers. I am sure you will hear about them at home and the great fun they offer.
Science * Dramatic Play * Art * Library
Math/Manipulatives * Block * Computers
Special Events
*These are just a few; I will let you know as others occur!
1. Celebrations- Throughout the year, we will have various parties to celebrate the years holidays and events such as Birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Harvest time. I will send home information well in advance to plan for the events.
2. Picture Days- I will let you know in advance.
3. Field Trips- Throughout the year, I may plan a trip to add to our themes and enhance your child’s learning. Of course, these are tentative and notice and details will be given far in advance.
4. Parent/Teacher Conference- I am required to meet with you twice a year to discuss your child’s progress and needs, but will be happy to meet with you more at your request.
5. Home Visits- I am also required to make at least two home visits throughout the year; this helps me meet your child in their environment.
*Since we are not housed in the elementary school, we will have separate special events in which you will be notified in advance!
Classroom Policies
Discipline
In our Preschool room, adults will always be expected to model positive behavior.
For disruptive problems, I will always talk to your child to hear the problem.
In our classroom, we will use the "Traffic Sign Approach".
Each child will have their clip on Go (Green) at the start of the day, if a behavior has occurred they will first be given a verbal encouragement.
If the behavior continues, their clip will move to Slow Down (Yellow) meaning that an adult will encourage them to slow down and think about their actions.
If the behavior still continues their clip will be moved to Rest Stop (Red) meaning that they will basically take a rest with one of the teachers. This is a chance for the child to calm down and think about what is going on, they will never stay there for longer then three to five minutes and if it doesn’t work they will not be forced. If a behavior becomes frequent you will be notified and a meeting will be scheduled to determine other strategies to support them.
Medications
Please let us know if there are prescribed medications that your child is taking and need during school hours. This will help us be more aware of any situation that may arise as well as have plans with our school nurse to be involved to make decisions of treatment.
Please let us know if there are prescribed medications that your child is taking and need during school hours. This will help us be more aware of any situation that may arise as well as have plans with our school nurse to be involved to make decisions of treatment.
Bringing items from home
Due to a child’s possessions being lost or broken, they will not be allowed to bring in toys or games from home unless it is a special occasion such as show and tell. I will let you know when this special occasion may be.
Drop Off and Pick Up
If you choose to transport your child to school we ask that you please try to arrive on time due to the importance of your child keeping a schedule. Entrance to our classroom can be accessed by either the front or back door although our parking is at our back entrance. To ensure your child’s safety the door will be locked at all times but there is a door bell for you to use. Each child must be escorted by you to our doorl to ensure their safety. Each person that picks up your child must be listed on our school pick up list, you are required to send a letter to let us know when this occurs.
If you choose to transport your child to school we ask that you please try to arrive on time due to the importance of your child keeping a schedule. Entrance to our classroom can be accessed by either the front or back door although our parking is at our back entrance. To ensure your child’s safety the door will be locked at all times but there is a door bell for you to use. Each child must be escorted by you to our doorl to ensure their safety. Each person that picks up your child must be listed on our school pick up list, you are required to send a letter to let us know when this occurs.
Dress Code
These are a few issues that are often asked about, but please refer to the Student Handbook for a more detailed list on these policies and others.
Communication
I know that all of you have very busy lives outside of preschool so in an effort to keep the lines of communication open we will use the "folder approach". You have been asked to buy one two pocket folder for your child that can fit into their backpack-please note-not a 3-ring binder. This is a simple and inexpensive way for the preschool staff and for you to send important information back and forth. The children will be asked to place the folder daily into their cubby upon arrival and we will check for notes and place back into their backpack upon dismissal. Be sure to check it for information each day!