Back To School
Who is Ms. Chang / contact information A Day in the Life a Kindergartner Homework/Grading Volunteering Field Trips/Kindergarten Highlights Methods of Communication School Supply Donations Parent/Teacher Conferences Housekeeping
Born and raised in Maryland Entering 8th year of teaching kindergarten Graduated from Maryland with a B.S. in Elementary Education Masters from Johns Hopkins University (Emergent Literacy and Differentiated Instruction) Completed student teaching internship with Mrs. Atkinson s first grade class during 2009-10 school year
Silvia_Y_Chang@mcpsmd.org (i not Y ) School office: 301-320-6506
Time Subject 8:50-9:00 AM Arrival/Unpack 9:00-9:10 AM Morning Meeting 9:10-10:50 Reading 10:50-11:30 Specials (Art, Music, and PE) 11:30-12:10 Recess 12:10-12:40 Lunch 12:40-1:45 Math 1:45-2:30 Writing 2:30-2:50 Snack 2:50-3:25 Science/Social Studies 3:25 Dismissal
Arrival Outdoor Line Up Line up near the classroom door at 8:45 (May arrive as early as 8:40) May arrive as early as 8:40 Students need to be supervised and can use the playground to play. 5th patrol outside that will bring students in after two weeks. K teachers greet for the first two weeks. Students should be in classrooms by 8:50. After 8:45, students must enter through front entrance Indoor Line Up 8:40 Gym Seated and Lined up by homerooms Supervised by staff and patrols K teachers pick up and take to class. *Tardy After 9:00 Students are considered late and need to be signed in by a parent or guardian in the office. We are not allowed to open our doors once the class has entered the building.
Students gather in a circle first thing on the carpet. Components Greeting Students greet each other by name, often including handshaking, singing, movement, and other activities. Sharing Students share some news or information about themselves and respond to each other, articulating their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a positive way. Group Activity The whole class does a short inclusive activity. Morning Message Students practice academic skills and warm up for the day ahead by reading and discussing a daily note to the class posted by the teacher
Whole Group Lesson (10-15min) o As needed o Read aloud based on an objective or skill for the day. o Phonics game based on a objective or skill for the day Small Group Instruction (15-20 min per group) Literacy Stations Areas within the classroom where children work with others using instructional materials to explore and expand their literacy while teacher meets with students in reading groups. Closure - A whole class discussion where students share what they learned during reading that day.
(Music, Art, and PE) Specials on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday Media Our media specialist Mrs. Stoll reads a curriculum related text followed by book check out. Library books are due back two weeks after the checkout date. Computer Lab - days vary
Structure of Math Workshop Classroom routines (Calendar, Attendance, Question of the Day, Counting Jar) Whole Group Lesson (10 min) - A time where the teacher models or introduces a new activity or concept, leads a class discussion, or clarifies how Math Workshop will proceed. Math Workshop/Stations (40 min) - A structure of meaningful activities that address the curriculum indicators. The activities repeat throughout the year to help students build deeper understanding and make connections. Activities are differentiated to meet the needs of students, and approach learning as problem solving. Closure (10min) - A whole class discussion where students share patterns or notices from the math lesson.
Types of Writing o Personal Narratives o Pattern Books o How to Books o Information Books o Fictional Stories Structure o Mini lesson based on concept or skill o Discussion with talking partner o Independent writing while teacher conferences with students o Author Share
Types of Writing o Personal Narratives o Pattern Books o How to Books o Information Books o Fictional Stories Structure o Mini lesson based on concept or skill o Discussion with talking partner o Independent writing while teacher conferences with students o Author Share
Lunch They eat in the cafeteria daily. They use a personal pin number to buy lunch. Please practice with your child to open containers/ lids independently. Snack Please send in a nutritional snack with your child EVERYDAY. Clearly label your child s snack to ensure that they do not eat their snack during lunch. Pack it separately from their lunch. Some quick and easy snack ideas include apples, bananas, trail mix, and cheese.
Science units include: Engineering, Design, and Process Life sciences (life cycles of plants and animals) Social Studies units include: Civics Culture Geography History Economics Integrated sometimes in the language arts block.
Dismissal 3:25pm Crab bus riders and Whale bus riders Patrols pick up all bus riders and take them to their bus. After Hours Aftercare Walkers and Car Riders Parents/Designated Pick Up Persons will meet students at the Kindergarten doors. Please keep office/teachers updated on any pick up person changes. After School Activities Patrols will take participants to a classroom where they will then be picked up by after school activity teacher. Tardy - (After 3:30) Please pick your child in the office.
Change in Dismissal Plans If there is a change in dismissal plans before the day begins, please send a handwritten note and place inside their take-home folder. If there is a change in dismissal information after the school day has begin, please contact your child s teacher and the office via email or by phone by 12:00PM. Playdates Please send an email and cc all participating parents. Your child needs a handwritten note for playdates if they are going to ride the bus. *We cannot always check email during the school day. Please be mindful in making any changes to dismissal and after school plans. It is important to let the office know as well as your child s teacher.
Students will get a report card 4 times a year and at the end of each marking period. Please see the attached copy of the Report Card and grading criteria found on the back. We will go over in more detail at parent teacher conferences in November.
Homework - Optional Monthly homework Starts 2nd marking period Due date: end of each month Projects - Mandatory Sent electronically
Kindergarten Field Trips Artist in Residence Class Parties Mystery Reader
In the Classroom Mystery Reader Artist In Residence Special Celebration Speaker Field Trip Chaperone Parents will need to attend volunteer meeting run by the PTA and complete Child Abuse and Neglect training. Please send confirmation to me and the office. PTA Various opportunities during the school year Carnival Book Fair Classrooms Parties Halloween Valentine s Day Kindergarten Celebration
Take Home Folder Please CHECK daily and return to school everyday. Hand written notes playdates Students need a note when riding the bus with another student. E-mail Change of dismissal plans for the day to teacher and THE OFFICE. (Always copy the office please) Classroom Newsletter/Email Blast twice a month regarding important dates/events and curriculum updates. Believe 50 percent of what is said about school and we will believe 50 percent of what is said about home. Misunderstandings in Kinderworld
School supply list is on the Westbrook Website under Westbrook PTA. (See handout for changes/additions) There might be additions as the school year progresses based on projects and needs. Donations: Lysol wipes In addition to the list, please send the following: - Headphones labeled in a plastic bag - Large school box for writers workshop labeled with their name - Change of clothes labeled in a plastic bag - One folder with prongs (see picture)
Sign up Genius this will be sent out in the next few weeks. They are scheduled in November with each conference being 15-20 minutes. Conferences are held once a year formally, but I am always able to meet again if needed. Please understand time limits and be respectful of the person who is next.
Forgotten Snack or other items Drop them off at the drop-off table outside the Media Center across from the office. Please let the office know and send me an email so we can make sure to pick up those items. Take Home Folder Check your child s folder daily and bring back the next day. Toys from home Students should only bring school supplies to school unless asked otherwise. Coming to the classroom/building Always sign in at the office before coming to the classroom for any reason. We need to see a visitor badge. Birthday party policy - We don t have parties. All food for classroom parties much be store bought. Afterschool Activities: Fall, Winter, Spring
Please send me an e-mail before Tuesday with the following information: - Parent names and e-mails of both - Child s name Fill out dismissal forms and bring in tomorrow at the open house. If you are unable to attend, please let me know via email so we can make sure your child gets home safe and sound. Place folder labels on your child s take-home folder Bring school supplies