ARRIVAL - The bell rings at 8:35 to begin coming to class. The tardy bell rings at 8:50.

ATTENDANCE - A successful school experience is the responsibility of the child, the parent, and the school. Your child's progress, both academically and socially, is influenced to a great extent by daily participation. Regular attendance is a key.

ABSENCES - When your child is sick, please call into the office 918-272-5162 to report their absence. If your child must leave early for a doctor's appointment, sign them out at the office and the secretary will call down to the room and I will send the child to the office.

Bb -- Begin with a good breakfast.

BOOK ORDERS - Your child will have opportunity to order books monthly from Scholastic Book Club. This is a optional activity. When ordering, please send order form and a check for the amount. Make check out to "Scholastic Book Club". Books arrive in less than 10 school days. The children get so excited about the arrival of the book box. The book order form will be sent attached to the monthly calendar.

BIRTHDAYS- Birthdays are Wonderful. On your child's birthday, we sing a song, hear of birthday plans, and give out a birthday surprise. The child has a birthday sticker to wear all day. According to school policy, party invitations can only be passed out when everyone in the class is invited. If your child's birthday is in the summer, we will celebrate a 1/2 birthday. Everyone will feel special on their special day.

BOOK - IT - Our class will participate in the Pizza Hut Book It program to earn free personal pan pizzas for the months of October through March. To earn a pizza coupon, your child needs to read 6 books OR MORE with a parent (or sibling). I will send home monthly slips for parents to fill out, sign, and return. I will reward the monthly readers by having a reader luncheon in our room at the end of the month. The date of each luncheon is on the monthly form. Have Fun Reading! !

BRAIN BREAK - (REST TIME) We will take some time after lunch and recess to rest, relax, and recharge our batteries for a successful afternoon of learning. Your child will use their towel to cushion their head during this time at the tables. As the year progresses, quiet library time or journaling might be added to this relaxing time. I will send the beach towel home on Friday to be washed and returned on Monday.

BUS TAGS - At the beginning of the school year and any time a child begins to ride a bus or change buses, a bus tag is labeled with their name, address, phone #, and teacher's name to ensure their safety.

Cc -- Congratulate your child for doing well.

CALENDAR- Calendar Time is an extension of the morning meeting. We discuss the date, weather, days of the week, even/odd, sequence, money, graphing, place value, Calendar learning is the beginning of our day. At the time, we cover many topics and skills while settling down to begin our day. Each child will rotate being the helper.

CHANDLER - I will try to make your child's school the best I possibly can. I have 32 years experience ( I started very young : ) with 9 years experience in First Grade, 5 years in Kindergarten, and 18 years in Transitional First. I feel I do know all the twists and turns of a 5-6 year old child.

CHOICE TIME CENTERS - As we introduce the centers, the children will begin using centers. Their time and choices change through the year. I also oversee their "work" so the class is exposed to all areas of experiences. Some of these activities are blocks, playdough, dramatic play, library, art, puzzles, painting and etc.

CHORES - As the year progresses, each child will be given a weekly chore to help keep our classroom neat and tidy. We "Do Our Chores" late in the day----they love the responsibility.

CLOTHING - Kindergarteners need to be comfortable for our learning day. Wash and wear is the best because at times we get messy in order to learn. It is a good idea to have a sweater or hoodie in their locker to put on when they get chilly in the room. As they warm up, it will go back into their locker. Tennis shoes are the safest shoes to wear for playing inside and out.

COMPUTER LAB - The Computer Lab teacher is Mrs. Linder.

CUSTODIAN - We are so lucky to have Miss Judy to help us stay clean.

Dd -- Discuss how their day went.

DISCIPLINE - Our discipline plan will be sent at the beginning of the year. One very important part of Kindergarten is learning how to get along with others, listen and behave in a school setting. Expectations for behavior are introduced on the first day, about caring for each other and the materials in the classroom. Our main rule is The Golden Rule. Please make sure your child knows that you expect good behavior. I believe in helping children learn to respect others, have self-control, and exceed to be a better worker through guidelines that have positive outcomes and responsible actions.

DISMISSAL - Kdg. will be dismissed at 3:05. Details will be sent home.

Ee -- Encourage your child to read.

E-MAIL - You may contact me via my email address: chandlers@owasso.k12,ok.us I check daily, but not during class hours. If you need me urgently, call the school.

EMERGENCIES - You will be contacted if your child is injured at school, or on the playground beyond a minor band-aid boo-boo. Be sure your phone numbers on your office enrollment card are always up to date.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS- If school is closed for weather or any emergency, it will on channel 6, 8, and 9. You can also sign up for Ram Alert on the school's main web page to call your cell phone with announcements.

Ff -- Find a quiet place for your child to study.

FAMILY FUN HOMEWORK - Occasionally, I will send home a family project to be completed at home. It is exciting for the class to see how different and and special each family works.

FIELD TRIPS - no decision as yet has been made on this subject.

FIRE DRILLS - We have these periodically throughout the year. The children are instructed the directions for this drill in every class they attend. They are expected to walk in an orderly manner and listen for their name for roll call when we are outside.

FIRST AID - If a problem arises in the classroom, I will decide whether to send the child to the office based on my observation. A note will be sent home to alert you that your child was sent to the office for symptoms.

FOLDER - This is our daily communication between you and me. The folders are returned to school daily with any notes, money, or questions from you and then I will send the folder home with finished paperwork to keep at home and any papers that need to be seen by you and returned the next day. Be positive and value the work your child has done at school.

FUND RAISERS - We do several during the year. Information about each will be sent at the time of the event. In order for our school to have what we need and to serve our students the best we can, we have fundraisers. When we do, please remember that this is for your child and always do your best to help us. We always remind them to be safe, and taking the fund raiser form to work with you is always a plus for our class.

Gg --Give your child daily responsibilities.

GIFTS TO YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL - Sometimes on special occasions, parents like to send flowers, or balloons to their child at school. If anyone sends something to your child at school, it will be held for them in the office. Also be prepared to pick up your child at school, as balloons and flowers are too dangerous to send home on the school buses.

GOLDEN RULE - We are a Golden Rule School - "Treat others the way you want to be treated." This works in many situations.

GOOD BEHAVIOR - We expect all children to follow our class rules. Praise, praise and more praise is used everyday to shape your child's behavior.

GUIDANCE COUNSELOR - Mrs. Rutledge is our School Counselor. She visits our class from time to time and is always available for parents and students.

Hh -- Hug your child often.

HANDBOOK - A School Handbook will go home at the beginning of the year to explain school policy.

HANDWRITING - We will begin with the proper pencil grip, formation of letters and much later- writing in journals. We use Zaner-Bloser handwriting style. I will send home a sample at the beginning of the year for home practice.

HEAD LICE - Kindergartners are prime candidates for head lice. We do everything we can to prevent it, but sometimes our best efforts are in vain. If you get a letter saying your child has head lice, you not only have to get rid of it on your child’s head with the special shampoo, but all bedding, stuffed animals, clothes, etc...must be washed in HOT water and dried on HOT to kill the nits. If every nit and bug is not removed, the eggs will hatch and your child will be re-infested. Please do not take this as an insult to you. It can happen to anyone. You will be called to pick-up your child if lice or nits are suspected. Your child will have to be re-checked before returning to school.

HEALTH - Please let me know of special circumstances which may affect your child. These could include medication that may make them sleepy, a death in the family- or pet. Also, please let me know of any allergies of your child may have ESPECIALLY FOOD ALLERGIES.

HOMEROOM MOTHERS - I would love for you to sign up at Back to School Night to be Homeroom Mothers. These Moms usually plan the 2 parties. More details to come.

HOMEWORK - Homework may be given if your child needs alittle help in an area. Your weekly newsletter will alert you to our current studies and how you can review at home. Usually with daily review and conversation, homework won't be necessary.

If your child misses school, I will send missed work home with them when they return to school. It is not necessary for you to make a trip to school while they are out sick.

HANDS ON LEARNING - Children learn best when they participate. At times, we will do pencil and paper work, but for the most part, our classroom will be a developmental hands-on environment.

Ii -- Include your child in making decisions at home.

ILLNESS - If your child is ill, PLEASE keep them home. This helps to make them more comfortable and prevents others from becoming ill. Children function more effectively in the classroom when they are healthy.

INDEPENDENT READING - Children learn to read by reading. First they read the pictures, then sound out words, and then completely on their own. This is a skill that must be practiced. Parents can provide opportunities, materials, and quiet areas for this to happen. When a child can review at home what is learned at school, success comes quickly and a love for life-long reading begins. INVOLVEMENT- Please stay involved in your child's learning. You were their first teacher and together we make a great team for learning.

Jj -- Join the Library in Owasso--the one with the "blue roof".

JEWELRY - It is best for the children not to wear their jewelry to school. It often gets lost or worse-- broken.

JOURNALS - This is a time to put our thoughts on paper. We will begin with drawings, then print. We may have Math Journals too ??

Kk -- Keep a schedule that provides exercise and sleep.

KINDERGARTEN - It is the most important year in your child's education.

KINDNESS - "We treat others with kindness and respect." Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be allowed.

Ll -- Limit TV and video time for your child.

LOST & FOUND - There is a big yellow barrel in the lunchroom for all school lost and found. If your child loses a coat, let me know and I will make a special trip with your child to look. Your child can always look on their own for any lost item at any time.

LUNCH - Our lunch schedule will be sent to you in August. We have a computerized lunch account system. Each child is assigned a ID card and has their own individual account. You may deposit money in your child's account by sending a check to school. A note is sent home when your account is getting low. Children can also bring their lunch. Please label their lunch pail with their name. A monthly menu is sent home for you to discuss their meal choices. You are invited any time to eat with with us. The cost for lunch per student is ---- and for adult is ----. A free/reduced lunch program application will be sent home at the beginning of the year, but is available at the office after that.

LIBRARY - Our school librarian is Mrs. Johns.

Mm -- Make time with your child "extra special".

MATH - We use Saxon Math program.

MONEY - Inside your child's folder will be a zip-lock bag for money to travel to school. Please put all monies in an envelope labeled with your child's name, what the money is for and my name. This ensures it will get to the right place.

MORNING MEETING - Morning meeting is the time of day our class comes together as a community of learners, building trust, acceptance, and support. We practice our social skills, discuss the day's schedule, and have our Calendar Time.

MORNING MESSAGE - A daily message written to the class from me. It informs or reviews something we have been learning. We will use our reading skills to learn about the letters and words. This gives each child a chance to use what they have learned and use it in the real world of print. Morning message offers endless possibilities for build literacy skills in a fun way.

MONTHLY CALENDAR- I will send home a monthly calendar that will update you on our upcoming activities, snack assignments, Show & Tell, and any school-wide happenings.

MUSIC - Music is a big part of our classroom. I have numerous CD's and records that the class will enjoy while learning.

MUSIC CLASS - Our music teacher is Mrs. Batchelor.

Nn -- Notice and discuss changes in behavior.

NEWSLETTER - On Mondays, I will send home a weekly newsletter. Watch for it in your folder, as it will reveal what we will be doing all week. I will also list what you can do at home to review our learning.

Oo -- Offer to review vocabulary with your child.

OFFICE - 918-272-5162 is the office number. Our secretaries are Mrs. Bryan and Mrs. Sanders.

ORGANIZATION - Our students will be using folders to keep organized this year. The LEFT pocket is where I put things that should be “LEFT AT HOME,” like finished work, reminders, etc. Please empty this pocket each night. The RIGHT pocket is papers that need to be “BROUGHT RIGHT BACK.” Please put all money envelopes in the Zip-Lock Pouch. It is their responsibility to put in the "Yellow Folder Basket" every morning.

OPEN HOUSE - Our Open House will be shortly after school starts. You will be notified as the date and time. This is a special time to explore our room, gym, library, computer, and music rooms with your own "Kinder" tour guide.

OUTSIDE NOON RECESS - Please dress for the weather. If the weather is in the high 90's, raining or snowing, or has a wind chill of below 40 (the office decides), we will stay in and play with our "Rainy Day Toys". These toys are only played with during an inside day. IF YOUR CHILD IS RECOVERING FROM AN ILLNESS AND CAN NOT GO OUTSIDE ---- A DAILY NOTE IS NEEDED SIGNED BY A PARENT. Pp -- Provide your child with good role models.

PARENT CONFERENCES - Two conferences are schedules this year. You can sign up for a conference at Open House. I will have some of your child's work for you to see during conference as together we plan what is best for your child's success.

PARTIES - We will have 2 parties in our room - Christmas and Valentine's Day. These last 30 -40 minutes long. Parents are welcome to attend. Preschoolers are discouraged to attend because of space. This allows for some special time between you and your kindergartner. Thank you for making childcare arrangements for your younger children. More details as we approach the holiday. PE. Our PE teacher is Mrs. Hightower. Be sure to always wear tennis shoes on the days we go to PE.

PHONICS -We use Saxon Phonics Program. It is a wonderful program that builds words from sounds.

PLAYGROUND PROCEDURES - Please review these playground rules and safety procedures with your child: 1. Always follow the directions of the adult on duty even if they are NOT your teacher. 2. Walk on the black-top area. 3. Do not jump off any playground equipment. 4. Stay on the playground--do not go down the hill. 5. The BIG slide is not for us--it is belongs to the bigger kids. 6. Soccer is for 1st and 2nd grade only. 7. Leave the rocks on the ground--do not pick up. 8. Treat others the way you want to be treated. 9. No food or drinks outside. 10. Tire swings are for 1st and 2nd grade only. 11. The newest BIG toy is for 1st and 2nd at noon recess. 11. You may only come down the slide on your bottom facing forward.

WHEN KDG. GOES OUTSIDE BY OURSELVES, WE WILL RELAX SOME OF THE SAFETY RULES WITH THE EQUIPMENT AS THEY GROW THIS YEAR.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE - Each morning we will recite the pledge of allegiance to the United States and observe a moment of silence.

PTO - I encourage all parents to join our school's Parent-Teacher-Organization. They have monthly meetings and support our school's vision and activities.

PRINCIPAL - Our school Principal is Mr. Ron Hughes.

Qq -- Question your child about their day at school.

QUESTION AND UNPACK - That’s what you need to do as soon as your child gets home. Ask what he or she did today and don’t accept “nothing” as an answer. Help your child unpack his/her binder and look over their papers for the day, have a snack, and allow a rest time if needed. (The bus trip just wears them out)

QUICK GOOD BYES - A quick good bye from home, daycare, or the car will leave drier eyes.

Rr -- Respect your child's right to have an opinion that is different.

REPORT CARDS - Report Cards are sent every 9 weeks. They will inform you on your child's progress both academically and socially. You may keep all paperwork inside the envelope. Please sign the outside of the envelope and return to class asap. If you have any questions, just tuck in a note and I will gladly get back with you.

RESTROOMS - The children are encouraged to go to the restroom before walking down to the room in the morning. They do have plenty of time for this. I will take them on many trips as a class to the restroom, however if more is needed, all they have to do is ask. Please remind your child to ask to go as soon as they need to go and not wait until it’s an emergency. ALL STUDENTS NEED TO GO TO THE RESTROOM WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. If your child has a “restroom accident,” the office usually has some spare clothes to wear for the rest of the day. I ask that you wash them and return as soon as possible. Restroom Rules - 1. Go to the bathroom and flush. 2. Wash with soap--1 pump of soap and dry. 3. Come out, get a drink, and line up.

RISE & SHINE - Every Monday morning we begin the day, all grades together in the gym for a "kick off to a great week". It is a time for weekly birthday celebrations, doing the pledge, school creed, school song, and quotes. Mr. Hughes also gives announcements for the week. Kdg. will be responsible for leading the Oklahoma Creed. We will rotate with the other Kdg class and have the responsibility every other week. I will send home a note when your child will have that special role--with another child. You are welcome to attend, take pictures, and praise them for their leadership qualities in front of the entire school.

RULES - At the beginning of the year, the class discusses the rules for our class. We will discuss how the Golden Rule covers people and things. I want our class to be a community of friends. With the class discussing the rules, they take ownership in creating a cooperative place to learn and play, and are more likely to follow them.

Ss -- Share an interest or your hobby with your child.

SAFETY - Everyone at school does their best to keep your child safe at school. Tennis shoes are the best to wear to school for recess and various activities. Children are encouraged to wash their hands at every restroom break. According to policy, all visitors must check in at the office and wear a sticker.

SCIENCE - Various units will be covered throughout the year.

SHOW & TELL - This activity will be introduced in the beginning weeks of school on a weekly newsletter.

SNACKS - We will have a snack each day. I will send home a "Snack Calendar" letting you know which week your child is responsible for bringing snacks for the class. This is greatly appreciated by all. All snacks must be unopened store bought items. This should be a healthy snack that is quickly eaten, such as a box of crackers, cookie, fruit roll-up, raisins, etc. Do not send drinks, we will get a drink of water after everyone is finished. They do not have to be individually wrapped. I will pass out snacks to the children. At times, snacks will be a part of our Choice Centers and children will learn how to clean up, eat with others and use their manners.

SOCIAL STUDIES - We will cover many historic events of our country this year.

Tt -- Take time to listen.

TARDY SLIPS - If your child arrives at school later than 8:50, they will need to stop in the office for a tardy slip for me. According to school policy, 5 tardies are allowed every 9 weeks. On the 6th tardy, your child will miss recess.

TEACHER AIDE'S - I am very lucky to share Mrs. Simpson with Mrs. Farrell. Mrs. Simpson has been working with Kdg. for many years. She is wonderful with the students and they all just love her. She will be helping me with activities, transportation, playground, and may substitute for me in my absence.

TEAMWORK - You being the first teacher and myself are a team. Our goal is a successful year at school. Please feel free to contact me anytime with any comments, concerns, or questions. You can email me at school or call the office. I will be contacting you by needed phone calls or notes, a weekly newsletter, monthly calendar, monthly updates on my web page (www.myteacherpages.com/webpages/SChandler), progress reports, Report Cards, and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

TOYS - Please don’t let your child bring toys to school unless I have asked them to bring something specific.

TRANSPORTATION - On the first day of school, a usual daily transportation note is filled out by a parent. I will follow these directions every day. IF YOU HAVE A CHANGE - SEND ME A WRITTEN NOTE OR CALL THE OFFICE. I will not rely on a message from your child.

Uu -- Urge your child to always do their best each day.

UNIQUE - "There are millions of people all over the place, but no one else with exactly my face." Each child will bring to school their special qualities and strengths. We will build on them during the school year.

UNITS OF STUDY - I am excited to expand our learning with different units throughout the year.

Vv -- Visit interesting places with your child.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENINGS - Kindergartners are screened for vision and hearing problems near the beginning of the year. If there is a problem, you will be notified.

VISITORS - Hayward Smith and Owasso Schools have the policy that ALL GUESTS are required to sign in at the office and wear a guest sticker. The sticker helps identify visitors to all faculty and staff. It is important to remember that while this may seem inconvenient, it is the goal and responsibility of the school to create a safe learning environment.

VOLUNTEERS - During the year, there will be opportunities for you to be involved. Watch your weekly newsletter for details.

Ww -- Work with your child on areas he is having trouble with in school.

WEB SITE - Be sure to check back on the web site monthly or more often, as I will update information. On the home page I will list the date of the last update, and the subject area so you don't have to read all of this again. : ) I will try to put on photos too--But I won't list names with pictures.

WISH LIST - Throughout the year, we sometimes need special items for projects. There will be a list at Open House and from time to time on the newsletters or calendars. I appreciate your support in all you can do.

WORD LISTS - New words will be sent home on the newsletter for practice at home. It is a good idea to get into a routine to go over the day's achievements at school for added praise at home.

WORD WALL- We will have a wall where we attach each new word for the children to use in their writings, reading, and journals. We will begin with the class names, color words, number words, reading vocabulary, seasonal, & etc. These are the words we will use in games, conversations, and for morning messages.

WORKSTATIONS - These activities have a certain goal for the child to complete on their own. Math, reading, writing, and science will be a part of the learning. These will begin when the class is ready.

WRAP-UP - At the end of the day, we meet as a group to review our day and look forward to tomorrow.

Xx -- Xerox special papers of your child to share with Grandma.

eXciting - Kindergarten is the most exciting, magical year of a 5 year old ! !

Yy -- Yield results by encouraging your child to do better.

YEARBOOKS - You will be able to purchase a yearbook at the end of the year. Order forms are usually sent out in the early Spring.

YOU - You, as parents, can help make this a successful year by being excited about what is going on. Read nightly with them. Praise their work that comes home in their folders. Ask questions about" What did you do in centers today?" Encourage conversation about friends, activities, special classes. Stay in tune with their learning.

Zz -- Zoom through this year with a smile.

ZIPPERS, BUTTONS, SNAPS, & LACE - Students need to be able to fasten these things without assistance. At the beginning of fall, everyone should be trying to "zip, button, & tie". That doesn’t mean everyone needs Velcro shoes, but please practice at home.