This slideshow gives you a brief look into the SMS kindergarten experience. It’s intended to answer your questions and get you excited for all the upcoming opportunities. Kindergarten is magical.
Please know we are super happy to meet your children. We can assure you that your child is going to be cared for, inspired to grow their brain, and thrilled to be a member of the SMS Community.
“We exist to inspire every learner, every day…”
Dismissal
-At 3:05pm
-Any changes in dismissal, must be reported before 1:00pm through PickUp Patrol. Information will be provided.
***All adult visitor needs their license to come into the building or to dismiss a student***
Arrival
-Doors open at 8:10am. Family drop off start at 8:10am. Buses unload around 8:25am.
-8:27am announcements begin
-Students needing to arrive late, should come through the main office entrance. Please accompany your child to the door.
FERPA
Student Confidentiality is a high priority here at SMS. While many parents do give permission to photo, some do not. If you are visiting, feel free to take pictures of your child, refrain from taking pictures of students you do not know, without parent permission.
If you volunteer, please adhere to the FERPA guidelines, of maintaining student confidentiality and not sharing student specific information outside of the classroom.
Communication
Your best line of communication is always the classroom teacher first. This is an important relationship to develop. The School Counselors are an important resource for families as well. They provide services to the children that may need some help adjusting to school life in either a classroom setting, small “friendship” groups or 1-1 with the counselor. The Counselors are always available for consultations with the caregivers and/or teachers. Teachers, counselors, and administrators, do communicate often, and will work together in many circumstances. We are confident our classroom teachers can give you the support and information you need. Administration is always available, should you seek additional support. Students may access the school counselor or Social Emotional Services (SES) team with a teacher referral, at a caregiver’s request or by simply requesting a visit themselves. To balance our work with students and our collaboration with caregivers, we will notify caregivers if we work with your student on an issue that rises above one that is typical for that age development, has a safety concern involved, or requires a high frequency of involvement. Please know that school counseling from an SES team member provides a safe, neutral space for students to discuss concerns and they do have a right to confidentiality unless someone is in danger or the student gives permission for disclosure.
Our Comprehensive
School Counseling Program
Key Components
* Team Approach
* Classroom Counseling Supports helping teachers and students by teaching a variety of social, emotional, and academic skills.
* Responsive Services meeting the immediate needs of students through individual or small group instruction.
* Communication with teachers, administrators and families.
* Using data to drive decision making
* Check out SMS Counseling Corner
Resources for families and children
*Jessie Caldwell is the Prek-2nd school counselor. Your student may also see Tiffany Green, School Social worker, or Kyle Duclos, School Psychologist.
*Want to know more about school counseling? Check out: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/
Curriculum
Teaching and Learning in K
It’s about the whole child!
“We teach our children to exist in a community unlike one they have ever seen before. We teach them to resolve disputes with others who are different from them. We teach them to demonstrate empathy and compassion, and how to handle disappointments.”
*Christine Hertz and Kristine Mraz
GROWTH MINDSET STANCES: Optimism--Resilience--Empathy--Flexibility--Persistence
*Authors of A Mindset for Learning & Kids First From Day 1
Curriculum
The K Student is
-curious, confident, imaginative
-more realistic, has an increased attention span (age +2)
- improving social skills and self-control
- can stick with an activity for 15 min.
These are crucial years for building the foundation of “brain architecture”-it’s a time when parents and educators can have a significant impact on a child’s development. Harvard Center for the Developing Child
Kindergarten is a time for children to enjoy learning as they navigate this new world of school.
K Curriculum
So What Will My Child Learn?
Growth Mindset
Social--Play--Relationships
Literacy--Math--Science--Social Studies--Arts
Literacy-Read Aloud, Shared Reading/Writing, Phonics, Word Study, Book Talks, and more
Math- Count, Compare, Add/Subtract, Explore (Hands-On/Minds-On) Build Number Sense, Measure and more
Science/Social Studies --Ball and Ramps, Pushes and Pulls, Observing Patterns, Weather, Community and more
Related Arts - Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, Library
K Curriculum
You May Wonder--What Can I Do?
Provide opportunities to explore, play, construct, talk and sing, count, compare, and name shapes
Visit a zoo or museum-- go on a nature walk
Provide opportunities for your child to interact with other children their age and
solve problems independently
Ask open-ended questions and read books often!
We can’t wait to work together along your child’s learning journey!
The Joy of Literacy
The Joy of Literacy in Kindergarten
So, what can you do?
Wiggin Memorial Library
Mathematics in Kindergarten
Mathematics in Kindergarten
Everyday in math, students:
The SMS Health Office
Nurse Lilly (RN and BSN)
Nurse Kristin (RN and BSN)
When to keep your child home
If your child has a chronic health condition that has similar symptoms to COVID-19, it is important to have this documented by a doctor. This includes seasonal/environmental allergies!!!
Healthy and Safe Food Celebrations
Requirements for Starting Kindergarten
Independent Toileting
Keep a change of clothes in your child’s classroom
Food Services
Anne Walsh - Director of Food Services
awalsh@sau16.org
Contact us over the summer!
School: (603) 772-5413 (press 0)
Email:
klucas@sau16.org Principal
kbelanger@sau16.org Assistant Principal
smillora@sau16.org Director of Special Education
elacasse@sau16.org School Nurse
jcaldwell@sau16.org School Counselor
tgreen@sau16.org School Social Worker
awalsh@sau16.org Food Service Director
Questions?