The ABC’s of Knox Elementary

The ABC’s of Knox Elementary

By:The Kindergarten Team

is for…Assessment

Throughout the year, all Kindergarten teachers assess their students’ progress in a variety of ways. We use checklists, rubrics, pre-tests, post tests, observation, computerized programs, and many more. We start off the year with simple

concepts like colors and shapes that we know many students are already familiar with. We take the first month of school to practice routines like centers or literacy stations so that they can become independent learners. It also gives us time to

assess each student. This way the children are taught at their own level and their needs are met.

Attendance Your child’s progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great

extent by daily participation. Your child's regular and prompt attendance at school is crucial to his/her success. Most kindergarten learning activities are group oriented and involve hands-on experiences. Therefore, it is next to impossible to make up

work at home. Please view school as a priority, and see to it that your child attends everyday except in cases of illness or emergency.

is for...Back Pack

Always check your child's back pack every day!  Please take out any

papers that should stay home.

Birthdays Birthdays are special occasions for young children. If your child

wishes, he/she may bring treats for the class. Your teacher will let you know if there are any special dietary needs.

Breakfast Breakfast is served each day. The cost is $1.25. If your child will

be eating breakfast he/she needs to be in the cafeteria by 7:40.

is for...Calendar Math

This is a particularly important part of the daily schedule, for it offers many opportunities to teach, reinforce, and extend the student's math skills, as well as familiarize them with basic

knowledge of actual calendar information such as the days of the week, months of the year, seasons, etc.

ComputersWe are fortunate enough to have five computers in each of our

classrooms. We also have two computer labs that we visit weekly. We

use a variety of age-appropriate programs that reinforce math, language arts, writing, science, and social studies.

is forDifferentiation

Because all children are unique and special, they may be at many different instructional levels. Since it is our responsibility

to take each child from where he or she is to a higher level, students may be learning concepts differently from his/her

peers. With this type of teaching in the classroom, you can be sure that your child's individual needs will be met.

is for...Early Check-Outs

2:00 pm is the cut off for early check-out. Please do not check -out students unless it is necessary. If you know in advance, please send in a note so that your child’s things

will be packed and it will not disrupt instruction.

is for...

Field TripsWe plan several field trips during the year that are both fun

and educational for the children. We often need parent volunteers on the trips so please consider chaperoning. Notes about field trips will be sent home a couple weeks prior to the

trip.

Food In Kindergarten, we do special activities in the classroom to

enrich the curriculum.  From time to time we may ask

you to send in a special item needed for a project. 

is for... GKIDS

GKIDS is the state kindergarten program used to assess children on an individualized basis in the areas of reading, math, and fine / gross

motor skills, and social skills. Assessments will be conducted throughout the year. GKIDS will be used as our report card and sent

home each nine weeks.

is for...Hands-on Learning

We feel that the best way to help children learn is to make learning fun! Important concepts can be learned by doing

meaningful hands-on activities. There are times when seatwork is required and necessary, but for the most part, our classrooms

are an active learning environment.

HomeworkWe do assign homework in Kindergarten. The homework will act

as reinforcement on a skill that we have been working on

in class.

is for…ID Number

Each child is assigned a number that accesses their lunch account, their media center account, and their computer

login. It is imperative for your child to learn this number.

Ice CreamYour child is able to purchase ice cream on Fridays. The cost

is .75. Please send exact change in a labeled envelope that is separate from his/her lunch money. This will not begin on the

first Friday due to ice cream deliveries, but we will let you know when it starts.

Independence Kindergartners are "big”.  They are learning to become

independent, responsible learners.  We encourage them to complete their homework assignments and make sure they

have everything ready for the next day.

is for...Journals

One strategy that will be used to help convey the vital concept that “print conveys meaning” is the frequent use of journal writing. In these journals, the students combine their drawing and emergent writing skills. As the children are exposed to a variety of phonics and reading concepts, journal entries will move from drawing to

“inventive” spelling and more conventional writing.

 

is for...Keep Up

The best way to "Keep Up" with what's going on is to check your child’s folder and behavior chart daily.

Please remember to initial the behavior chart each day!

Keys to SuccessGood communication between home and school, a

positive attitude, and good attendance are the keys to a successful school year.

is for...Literacy Centers

During Literacy Centers, children practice reading and writing skills while the teacher works with small groups. The center activities are

designed to strengthen letter/sound recognition, listening skills, word/sentence building, rhyme, reading comprehension, and letter

formation.

Lunch MoneyTo eliminate the necessity of having your child carry lunch money every

day, you may pre-pay for school lunches. You can electronically add lunch money to your child’s account on www.mealpayplus.com. Lunch is $2.10 for students and $4.00 for adult visitors. Food brought in from

fast food restaurants is not permitted in our cafeteria.

is for…Math

The Kindergarten mathematics curriculum provides students with experiences that help them practice concepts like number

recognition, counting, patterns, graphs, sorting, time, money, addition, and subtraction.

Media CenterThe children will be taught a library lesson once every three weeks. They will have the opportunity to select and check out a book that

will be returned the following week.

MedicationIf your child needs to take medication it must be administered by the nurse. Please send the medication in a bottle with the prescription

and a school medication form with it. The nurse must have directions on the amount and time the medication is given.

Medication can not be transported on the bus.

is for...Name

Please put your child's name on ALL jackets, backpacks, and lunch boxes.

NewsletterWe will send home a newsletter every Monday.

Please check the newsletter for classroom events, special projects, and school happenings.

 

is for...

Office     Knox has a policy that ALL GUESTS (including

familiar faces) are required to check in at the school office to receive a Visitor’s Pass. Knox welcomes and

encourages family involvement. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient to

frequent visitors, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.

 

is for...Parent-Teacher Conferences

We schedule two conferences per year: one in the fall and one in the spring. Unannounced conferences take

away precious teaching time and can interrupt our daily routine.

PTAAnother way to become involved in your child’s

education is to join the Knox Elementary PTA. Your support of

school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school.

 

is for...Questions

Please feel free to contact us if you have a question or concern. Because we are with your children all day, email

is our most effective way to communicate.

is for…Recess

We have recess daily. Our goal is to give your child time to unwind and be active. Please help your child dress appropriately for this time. We have many play structures that your child can

climb. Also, as the weather cools off your child will need a jacket.

is for...School Day

 Students need to be in our classrooms between 7:20-7:45 each morning. At 7:45, they are considered tardy and will need to be checked in at our front office.

Dismissal is at 2:15 each afternoon.

ScienceThe focus of the Kindergarten science curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world we live in. Through scientific inquiry, concepts will be presented in the life and earth sciences. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based,

hands-on approach.

SnackWe will have a short snack break each day. Please be sure to send in a healthy

snack every day.

Social StudiesThe Kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they

relate to others in their families, cultures, classroom, and community.

 SpecialsStudents attend “Specials” each day. Our specials rotation includes PE, music, and

art. Your child must wear tennis shoes on PE days.

is for…

TransportationIf your child’s transportation is going to change, it is important that you write a note. Please place the note in your child’s

daily communication folder to ensure that the teacher is aware of the change. Changes to transportation cannot be sent over

email.

is for...Unexcused Absence

Any absence without a written explanation will be recorded as unexcused. Please send a note or doctor’s

excuse when your child returns to school.

Unimaginable Your child's growth this year will amaze you.  They are

moving from the concrete world of the early learner to the abstract world of the elementary learner.  Their questions

are changing from the "What is that?" to the  "Why is that?"  Enjoy them

and spend a little time each day talking with your child as they learn and grow.

is for...

VolunteersYou as parents play a very important role in your child's

educational development. Because of this, you are always welcome to volunteer your time to help out in our

classroom or somewhere else at school. If you would like to volunteer we have many things that you can do!

is for...Web Sites

Knox Elementary has its own web page. On this page you will find links to each teacher’s web site, the school calendar, and other important information. Our address is

http://www.cherokee.k12.ga.us/Schools/knox-es/default.aspx

WritingOur writing program builds on what each child already knows.

Your child will be encouraged and praised for all attempts and accomplishments in writing. Providing a risk-free environment is

paramount to your child’s progress in writing.

is for...

Extra ClothesPlease send an extra set of clothing (pants, shirt,

underwear, socks) labeled with your child's name inside a zip-lock bag in case of an accident. These will remain in their backpacks. Remember that accidents can include spilled milk or mud puddles on the playground. When

accidents happen, we’ll be ready. If you have any extra clothes at home, please feel free to donate them to the

clinic.

is for...

YOU! You are your child’s first teacher. We feel that parents and teachers need to work together to

provide your child with the best educational experience ever.

is for...

Zzzzzzz’sMake sure that your child gets plenty of rest. A consistent bedtime is important. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each

day.

Zoom! Sit back and watch your child's skills take off! You will be amazed

at the skills your child will develop this year.