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Welcome to Kindergarten Orientation
2020-2021
Bryant Elementary
Dr. William RhodesPrincipal
Welcome to Bryant● Principal: Dr. William Rhodes● Assistant Principal (PK-2): Dr. Amanda Fait● Assistant Principal (3-5): Mrs. Lindsay O’Leary● Instructional Coaches:
○ Math/Science - Kathryn Hindt○ Language Arts/Social Studies - Stephanie
Majewski● Counselor: Penny Flores● Nurse: Christilynn Price-Osbourne● ADA/Registrar: Shawna Campbell● PTA President: Kirsten Vasquez
Meet the Kinder Team● Lori Cabrera● Cara Cook● Stephanie Culbertson● Maggie Hall● Jennifer Morgan● Abigail Tomme● Babita Wolfkill
Office Information● Office Times
○ Monday - Friday ○ 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
● Contact○ Office: 281-234-4300○ Fax: 281-644-1965○ Email: [email protected]
Attendance● Always notify the Front Office if your
child is absent. You can call the Front Office at 281-234-4300 or email our registrar, Shawna Campbell, at [email protected]
● Call In before 2:30pm/send note● Report child’s name, teacher,
grade, and reason for absence
Absences● Excused vs Unexcused
○ www.KatyISD.org○ FEA Regulations
● Compulsory Attendance○ State of Texas
● When your child is leaving early, always send a note with date, time, and who is picking the child up. You will fill out emergency contacts for your child. These contacts are used in case we can not reach you; however, the contacts listed are NEVER eligible to pick up your child unless you have sent a note with their name.
Tardies● All students should be in class by 8:20am
● If your student arrives after 8:20am, parents/guardians must come inside with student to fill out a tardy slip. Students are not to be sent inside without a parent/guardian.
Registration● Pre-Registration: Kindergarten
and New 1st Grade Students:Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 9am-11am and 1pm-3pm
As the school counselor, I am here to help support your children socially, emotionally, and academically. For students, I provide individual, small group, and classroom guidance lessons based on a variety of things including: Monthly Guidance Lessons, Referrals (Parent and/or Teacher), Age-Appropriate Lessons (reporting versus tattling, how to make friends, how to get along with friends, etc.), or in Crisis situations.For parents, I can provide consultations specific to your child’s specific needs, and I can supply reference materials.
HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED is my goal!
24 Hour Rule● If your child has fever, vomiting, or diarrhea,
Katy ISD guidelines state that he or she must stay home for 24 hours. To give your child time to recuperate and to protect classmates and teachers, the child must be symptom free without the aid of medications for a 24-hour day before returning to school.
● An oral temperature of 100 with a thermometer is considered a fever.
● Doctor’s notes CANNOT override 24-hour rule.
Sick Children● We would LOVE it if all students could
attend school EVERYDAY.● However, as you know, a person can be sick
without a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. ● If your child has very frequent cough with
thick yellow or green mucus, wheezing, crusty or pus-like discharge from the eye, or rash of unknown origin, we recommend and sometimes require doctor release with treatment to be in school.
Infectious Diseases● Please call Nurse Osbourne if your child has
been diagnosed with a contagious condition such as: ○ strep throat○ chickenpox ○ pink eye○ lice○ impetigo○ ringworm○ flu○ vomiting and/or diarrhea
Medicine● Children may not carry medicine with them at school-not
even cough drops. ● If your child needs medicine at school, a KATY ISD approved
form is needed. This must be filled out by a parent and/or the physician with the medicine in its original container. You or your child can drop it off in the clinic before going to class. ○ Controlled substances such as some medications for
ADD/ADHD always have to be delivered by an adult.○ The form is located on katyisd.org search medication
or from our clinic. ● If you believe your child needs medication at
school, please see me tonight or ASAP.
Chronic Conditions● Children are wonderfully resilient.● We are here to help them manage health
conditions.● If your child has been diagnosed with
food-borne allergies (or any allergy with anaphylaxis), asthma, diabetes, heart-disorders, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, congenital disorders, etc.,
please see me.
Clothing● Please pack an extra set of clothing, including
underwear and socks, in a plastic bag for your little one that is seasonally changed out. Leave it in his/her backpack. It is comforting to have your own clothes in case of an accident. We keep virtually no extra clothing in clinic.
● Flat, closed-toe shoes with velcro or that lace up are much safer than sandals and flip flops in helping prevent injuries.
● Policy is listed on the KISD website.
Exciting New ExperiencesKindergarten marks the beginning of exciting new experiences for your child.● Interaction with new people● New settings and activities● More structure and focus on learningPlease spend time speaking with your child about these opportunities!
Home Access Center (HAC)● Parents will use HAC to view their child’s
homeroom teacher for the 2020-2021 school year.
● Letters for HAC login information will be mailed to Kindergarten parents.
● www.katyisd.org
Katy On the Go● www.katyisd.org
“Is my child ready?”● Personal and Social Readiness● Fine and Gross Motor Readiness● Communication Readiness● Basic Cognitive Readiness
These are areas which would be beneficial for your student. We will continue to develop these skills throughout the year.
Personal and Social Readiness● Separates from parent(s)● Functions without a nap● Uses the restroom independently● Responds appropriately to adult authority● Follows simple directions● Demonstrates self-control● Gets along well and shares with
others● Takes turns● Shows an interest in learning
and coming to school
Fine and Gross Motor Readiness● Uses crayons, scissors, and glue● Attempts to hold and write with a pencil● Traces basic shapes● Can cut various lines● Throws, catches, or bounces a large ball● Can put on shoes and coats without
help● Dresses self
(buttons/snaps/zippers)
Communication Readiness● Speaks clearly and communicates needs● Uses phrases and complete sentences● Can say his or her full name, address, and
phone number (including area code)● Knows parents’ first and last names● Follows spoken directions and rules● Listens without interrupting
Basic Cognitive Readiness● Identifies basic colors● Identifies basic shapes● Identifies numbers 1-10● Counts to 20● Shows an interest in books and learning
to read● Identifies most letter names and
sounds● Begins to write name in print● Colors
A Typical Day in Kindergarten
● Kindergarten is a fun, busy, learning filled experience!
● Expect your kids to be happy, well educated, and a bit tired from all of their learning!
Tentative Schedule● Unpack/Morning Tubs● Announcements● Community Circle● Calendar/Morning Message/Interactive Writing● Shared Reading/Read Aloud/Focus Poem● Reading Workshop● Read Aloud● Extended Learning Time● Lunch● Recess #1● Writing Workshop● Word Study● Science/Social Studies● Specials● Math Workshop● Recess #2● Snack/Developmental Centers● Pack Up/Dismissal
● Children get their own trays using ID badges or are welcome to bring their lunch from home.
● Students manage lunch independently - easy open containers are preferred.
● We have 30 minutes for lunch each day.● Prepay using Meal Pay Plus (www.katyisd.org
Parent tab) program is highly encouraged (once you have student ID number).
● Parents are asked to hold off on visits for the first two weeks of school.
Lunch
Recess● We have two recess times during the
day● Play is important● Tennis shoes are the best● Please be cognisant of the weather
Specials● Art● Music● PE● Daily rotating schedule● 50 minutes each day● Tennis shoes are required for PE days
Library and Computer● Library time is scheduled.● Children will check out books once per
week.● Students will get to visit the
computer lab throughout the year.
Developmental Centers● Time to practice social skills, motor
skills, and creativity● Items such as dramatic play, blocks,
art, puzzles, games, and computer
Snack Time● Children may bring a healthy snack
and water bottle from home each day.● All snacks need to be ready to eat.● Snack time is approximately 10
minutes daily.
Transportation● Children can walk, ride a bike, ride the bus, go to a Daycare,
attend YMCA, or ride home in a car.● Always send a signed note if method of transportation
changes. Emails and phone calls will not be accepted.● Please try to keep the mode of transportation consistent from
day to day… Children can get stressed and confused when it changes.
● All families are assigned a dismissal number.● Bus routes can be found on the Katy ISD website beginning in
August. ○ District Website/Parents/Bus Routes
● Walkers must be picked up by their guardian, unless written permission is given by the guardian to walk with a sibling. We do not allow Kindergarten students to walk home independently.
Is your child bus ready?● Knows first and last name● Knows parents first and last name● Understands to talk with the driver if
unsure of his/her bus stop● Has an adult waiting at the bus stop
Preparing for the New School Year
● Talk about going to school in positive terms
● Encourage your child to ask questions and share their feelings with you
● Drive by the school in advance● Begin bedtime routines several days in
advance● Reinforce healthy habits such as hand
washing● Encourage your child to be polite and
state feelings
On the Big Day● Arrive on time, but not too early.● Leave cheerfully. Don’t linger.● Keep a positive attitude. If you look forward to
the first day of school, your child probably will too.
● Students will○ Learn routines and expectations○ Get acquainted with friends and
teachers○ Tour the school
Name● Please put names on:○ Backpacks○ Lunch Kits○ Snacks○ Coats○ Water Bottles
Backpacks● Large enough to hold folder, library
books, and change of clothes● Easy to open and close● Please no rolling backpacks
Ways to Get Involved● Volunteer to help at school● Join the PTA● Attend school events, parent conferences, and
meetings● Contact your child’s teacher if you have
questions or concerns● Follow us on social media
○ Twitter @bryantelem #bengalpride○ Facebook: Robert and Felice Bryant
Elementary
Meet the Teacher● Confirm your child’s method of transportation● Bring school supplies
○ No specialized supplies (Hello Kitty, Superman, etc.) - Many rooms use community supplies
○ Please do not label supplies with your child’s name
Thank you for coming!Visit the Kindergarten site for more information
and a copy of this presentation:https://tinyurl.com/BryantKinder
We are looking forward to the BES(t) year!
The ABC’s of Kindergarten
Bryant Elementary
2020-2021
The following is a handbook designed to provide you with
important information about the Kindergarten
program at Bryant Elementary. Our hope is that you will refer to it
throughout the year. Please remember that we are here for you and are excited to
help your child feel successful in Kindergarten!
Academics – At Bryant Elementary, we pride ourselves in providing a strong academic program for our students. The main areas of focus are Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, supplementing the program with the addition of Music, Art and P.E. Through extensive planning, our team works to provide children with the most advanced and exciting learning materials offered today. Using the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) as a basis for learning, our daily routine provides opportunities for children to work in whole groups, in small groups with the teacher, and to have fun in developmental centers. Book Orders – On occasion, you will find Scholastic book order forms in your communication folders. These book orders are an excellent way to provide inexpensive books for your children! We encourage you to order online. These orders made also provide “points” for your child’s classroom, so please feel free to take part in this excellent opportunity. We will also have two Book Fairs during the year sponsored by our Library. This allows the opportunity to view books and purchase them right away. Conferences – One scheduled parent/teacher conference is held in the Fall. During this time, we will discuss your child’s progress in Kindergarten as well as any concerns that you or the teacher may have. Your child’s teacher will email you a sign-up genius when it is time to schedule Fall conferences. Teachers will also be available to meet with you throughout the school year if needed. Daily Routines – Each day your child will participate in a workshop model for Reading, Writing, and Math. Your child will also have many hands-on and discovery learning opportunities. Each classroom will be following the same curriculum; however, the routines and presentation may vary slightly based on individual teaching styles. Expectations – Through experience, we have found that children strive to meet our positive expectations. At Bryant Elementary, we have high expectations for your children both academically and behaviorally. We
expect children to walk inside the building, keep their hands to themselves, clean up after themselves, use a respectful voice, be ready to work quietly, and be kind to others. Children are given two chances before being given ‘think time.’ The teacher will review the situation with the child to ensure that the child understands what he/she did and what would be a more appropriate behavior. Positive choices will be rewarded in many different ways. Children are made aware that they are in control of their behavior and the choice to do the right thing is theirs. We strive to teach appropriate choices at school; however, we will contact parents when appropriate to incorporate your help in dealing with any ongoing concerns. This is their first true ‘school’ experience and a major part of kindergarten is learning how to make the appropriate choices at school. Folder – There are two important folders that we use in Kindergarten as our primary way to get information to and from school. The first is the school-wide Bryant Take Home Folder. This folder will contain information from the grade level, PTA, and other areas of the school and will be sent home every Wednesday. The second folder will be our blue Bengal Pride Daily Folder. This folder will travel in conjunction with the Bryant Take Home Folder, but will travel to and from school every day. This folder’s primary use is to encourage positive choices at school and give us an opportunity to share those positive choices with you daily! If there is a situation where your child makes a choice that does not meet the behavior expectations set in Katy ISD, teachers will write a note letting you know about that specific behavior. Please sign and check this folder daily and speak with your child about the importance of making positive choices at school. Please send all notes, money, forms, etc. in this folder. These folders will be checked daily. If sending money to school, please put it in an envelope or Ziploc and labeled with name and purpose.
Grades – The Katy I.S.D. report card measures students in social development and work habits as well as academic areas. Progress is assessed throughout four grading periods. The social development and work habit behaviors reflect a child’s adjustment to his/her first school opportunity and promote future academic success. Home Practice – Your child will receive optional home practice beginning in October. The home practice your son or daughter receives will reinforce the concepts and skills your child is learning in the classroom. Also, the home practice folder is a great way to start teaching responsibility and independence. Please return the home practice folder every Friday to your child’s teacher. Invitations – Invitations to birthday parties must be mailed to the students being invited. This is in accordance with Katy I.S.D. policy. Any invitations brought to school will be returned with your child; however, we love to recognize your child’s birthday within the classroom. You may send a small store-bought snack (i.e. cupcakes, cookies, individually wrapped brownies, etc.) to share with the class in honor of your child’s birthday. Please do not send drinks and/or party favors. Further details about birthday treats can be found in the Bryant Student/Parent Handbook you will receive in your first day packet. Journal – Your child will use an all content learning journal throughout the year that will highlight specific skills and concepts that we are working on. The journal will serve as a beneficial resource and helpful reflection piece. Kindergarten I-Station – The state of Texas has adopted a reading initiative whereby every child in the state will be reading on or above grade level by third grade. Kindergarten is the first step in this process and we will begin from day one providing the foundation for reading. All students in Katy I.S.D. will be assessed using I-Station, an online reading program. Based on this assessment and teacher
recommendation, students may continue using this program, in conjunction with classroom interventions, to give these children more emphasis in the areas in which they have yet to master. Library – The Library is a fun and important part of Bryant. Our librarian, Mrs. Nidia Casillas, and Library Aide, Mrs. Alyson Hults, are excited to get to know your child. Classes will visit the library once per week to check-out/return books. We encourage you and your child to select a special place to keep Library books at home and to read and enjoy the books each week. If books do get lost or damaged, the Librarian can let you know the cost of replacing the book. If your child forgets their Library book on their Library day, please send the book as soon as possible. Your child will be able to visit the Library to exchange their book throughout the week. Please follow the Bryant Elementary Library on Twitter at @BES_librarykaty. Motion- We will follow an age appropriate schedule that allows your child movement throughout the day. Also, some teachers take ‘brain breaks’ with songs and dancing or a quick game of Simon Says. Needs – We realize that some children will have special needs, and at Bryant, we work very hard to ensure that each child gets what he/she needs. Some services we provide, if needed, are Special Education, GT program for gifted and talented students, ESL, Occupational Therapy and Speech/Language Therapy. Oral Language - Speaking is an important part of the early childhood curriculum. In order to develop and practice these skills, students in Kindergarten have many opportunities to speak and practice their oral language skills. Each student will be the ‘Star of the Week’ in his/her classroom. They will be interviewed by their peers and have a chance to share a poster about themselves along with many other activities. Watch for the letter informing you of your child’s assigned week!
Parties – We will have two classroom parties during the year – a Fall and Spring party. These parties require significant help and you may be contacted by the homeroom parent for assistance. Quality – We encourage children to take pride in their work and in themselves. Having the desire to do their best on assignments and with their behavior is the best way to have a quality school year. Putting names on papers, taking time to do neat work, as well as taking care of themselves, each other, and the school are a few ways this can be achieved. Reading – Reading will be practiced daily in the classroom. We will focus on phonics, phonemic awareness, concepts of print, sight words, vocabulary development and comprehension strategies. Your child will learn strong reading behaviors and thinking strategies throughout the year. We ask that you read with your child daily. We look forward to growing your young reader! Specials – Your child will participate in a six-day specials rotation schedule. The specials rotation includes instruction for Art, Music, and P.E. Students will have P.E. every other day. Children attending P.E. need to be dressed in appropriate clothing (i.e. pants or shorts) including non-marking tennis shoes. If girls wear a dress or skirt, they must wear shorts under their dress or skirt. Please do not have your child wear their best clothes on Art days. Technology – Kindergarten children will have many opportunities to extend their learning through the use of various forms of technology. Each classroom is also equipped with computers, iPads and a SMART board that aides in instruction. Bryant is on the cutting edge of technology! Uniqueness – Every child is unique, and we will strive to get to know your child so that we may provide the best education possible during this important year. If you have any information that could help us in our
endeavor, please let your child’s teacher know. Some information we may need to know is allergies or medical concerns your son or daughter may have. This also needs to be reported to the school nurse. Also, let us know if something is happening at home that could impact your child’s schoolwork (death in the family or of a pet, divorce, parents out of town, etc.). Volunteers – Volunteers are an essential part of life at Bryant. When parents volunteer to help out at school, children see that you deem school as important. Like a parent, a teacher’s work is never done! We always have books to put together, bulletin boards to make, and lamination to cut. In addition, each teacher will have her own way of using volunteers, so please let your desire to help be known! We hope that you will consider volunteering! Writing – Just as we want children to see themselves as ‘readers,’ we also want them to see themselves as ‘writers.’ Children progress through different levels of writing, usually starting with pictures. Pictures are a form of writing because they are a way of communicating thoughts on paper. Through pictures, children can show us how they feel, or even tell an entire story! Children then begin to form ‘scribbles’ which they can read. Next children will recognize that the alphabet is used to form words, so you may see strands of random letters used to represent words. As they begin to learn the sounds of the letters, they will write words using one letter (usually the first sound of the word). From there they may use beginning and ending sounds of a word, and then beginning, middle, and final sounds. We call this inventive spelling and it is an important part of beginning writing! It helps children to explore words and we encourage you to praise these efforts, just as you praised their first babbles when they were learning to talk. We urge you to not fall into the habit of spelling words for your child. This will actually inhibit them from developing the courage to take the risk of relying on their own abilities. Rejoice in these steps they take! They are learning!
eXtras – In order to help your child have a happy and successful Kindergarten year, here are some things you can do:
• Label everything! Coats, tote bags, lunch kits, etc. should all have the child’s first and last name on them.
• Help your child get to school on time. Learning begins the moment they walk in the door. Being on time helps children begin their day in a positive way and shows that school is important.
• Help to teach your child responsibility by having them take care of their library book, their home practice folder, and other things that travel to home and school.
• If you are changing the way your child is traveling home after school, please inform your child’s teacher in writing. Changes made by phone or email are not accepted. This is for the safety of your child.
• Please have your child empty his/her backpack daily. Year-End – Believe it or not, this year will go by quickly. We hope that you will find it to be a successful and enjoyable experience for both you and your child. At year’s end, please be sure that any items belonging to the school are returned. The main things for Kindergarteners will be library books and books for home practice. Children will see how their classroom will change in order to get ready for the summer. We find this to be important for Kindergarten children, because they often do not understand that the teacher will be having a summer vacation as well. Through this process, we bring closure to our year.
“Zee” End! - Thank you for sharing your precious children with us!!