St. Matthew Pre-K Curriculum
Welcome to St. Matthew Pre-K! We are excited that you are here! Our Pre-K program is center and student focused. We have a very hands on program from literacy, science to math and religion. Play is also an important part of our day and is essential in the social and emotional development of a child. Play allows children to learn how to share, cooperate and problem solve together. Through play children develop social skills that they will use the rest of their lives. We follow the state Early Childhood Learning Standards. We expand on this standards by looking at each individual child and creating and adapting our program so that it meets the needs of each child-academically and socially. Our MAIN GOAL is to get your kiddo ready for kindergarten! We want them to walk into their Kindergarten classroom next year as confident 5 year olds!
Religion- Jesus is the center of our day at school. We follow the guidelines set forth from the Peoria Diocese. We use the weekly 'Seeds" readers to relate what we are doing in the classroom to the weekly gospels and teachings. In Pre-K children are introduced to the stories and teaching of Jesus. We learn to pray together and most importantly learn what it means to be a child of God and how Jesus wants us to treat and take care of others. We read weekly Bible stories and we review the Bible story through a craft or activity. We are also blessed at St. Matthew to have several Sisters teaching at our school. Monsignor Deptula and his dogs love to come and visit our class too!
Math-We use the Illinois Standards as our guide. Our math program includes both whole group and individual center activities. We use manipulatives to help our students learn how to count, compare numbers, measure, and create patterns. Our math curriculum also focuses on shapes, colors and identifying and writing our numbers. Our centers are created in a way that the students have fun and do not realize they are learning math and being introduced to math skills they will carry on with them through elementary school.
Literacy-Our literacy program is similar to our math program in that it is also student focused. Literacy activities are taught through whole group activities, centers, and small group work. We use different writing tools including shaving cream, paint, sand letters, and magnetic letters to name a few. Our centers are often open ended or include some type of literacy game. Teachers meet with small groups or individuals to differentiate instruction to each child. Some children may be working on letter identification, others letter sounds and some may be ready to take off with little readers and beginning reading skills. We want the activities they are doing to be engaging, and fun! We also use Heggerty Phonics, and Jolly Phonics in our daily literacy instruction.
Science-We love science and always seem to have some type of experiment planned for each week. We often drop everything just to go for nature walks, catch snowflakes and look at them with magnifying glasses or follow the interests and questions that may just come up through discussions! This year we have watched our caterpillars eat, eat and eat and turn into Monarch butterflies. We also had a great time with investigating our pumpkins. The kiddos had pumpkin seeds flying every where! In Pre-K they are introduced to the scientific process, what it means to be a scientist through practicing careful observations and recordings and we have also learned that experiments do not always go the way we plan or think they will. They have learned to make careful guesses and use all of their senses to take in the world around them. We love to make messes and get our hands dirty!
Fine Motor/Writing- Fine motor development is a big piece to our program! It is so very important that they are taught the right way to hold their pencil and scissors and how to use these tools. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves to help them learn the correct way to do these things. Some kiddos also need help in strengthening their little hands so we do fun activities to promote fine motor strength. The students have fine motor journals that we work in each week. One day we might be peeling stickers and adding those to their journals or tearing paper and gluing down the pieces to make letters.
Welcome to St. Matthew Pre-K! We are excited that you are here! Our Pre-K program is center and student focused. We have a very hands on program from literacy, science to math and religion. Play is also an important part of our day and is essential in the social and emotional development of a child. Play allows children to learn how to share, cooperate and problem solve together. Through play children develop social skills that they will use the rest of their lives. We follow the state Early Childhood Learning Standards. We expand on this standards by looking at each individual child and creating and adapting our program so that it meets the needs of each child-academically and socially. Our MAIN GOAL is to get your kiddo ready for kindergarten! We want them to walk into their Kindergarten classroom next year as confident 5 year olds!
Religion- Jesus is the center of our day at school. We follow the guidelines set forth from the Peoria Diocese. We use the weekly 'Seeds" readers to relate what we are doing in the classroom to the weekly gospels and teachings. In Pre-K children are introduced to the stories and teaching of Jesus. We learn to pray together and most importantly learn what it means to be a child of God and how Jesus wants us to treat and take care of others. We read weekly Bible stories and we review the Bible story through a craft or activity. We are also blessed at St. Matthew to have several Sisters teaching at our school. Monsignor Deptula and his dogs love to come and visit our class too!
Math-We use the Illinois Standards as our guide. Our math program includes both whole group and individual center activities. We use manipulatives to help our students learn how to count, compare numbers, measure, and create patterns. Our math curriculum also focuses on shapes, colors and identifying and writing our numbers. Our centers are created in a way that the students have fun and do not realize they are learning math and being introduced to math skills they will carry on with them through elementary school.
Literacy-Our literacy program is similar to our math program in that it is also student focused. Literacy activities are taught through whole group activities, centers, and small group work. We use different writing tools including shaving cream, paint, sand letters, and magnetic letters to name a few. Our centers are often open ended or include some type of literacy game. Teachers meet with small groups or individuals to differentiate instruction to each child. Some children may be working on letter identification, others letter sounds and some may be ready to take off with little readers and beginning reading skills. We want the activities they are doing to be engaging, and fun! We also use Heggerty Phonics, and Jolly Phonics in our daily literacy instruction.
Science-We love science and always seem to have some type of experiment planned for each week. We often drop everything just to go for nature walks, catch snowflakes and look at them with magnifying glasses or follow the interests and questions that may just come up through discussions! This year we have watched our caterpillars eat, eat and eat and turn into Monarch butterflies. We also had a great time with investigating our pumpkins. The kiddos had pumpkin seeds flying every where! In Pre-K they are introduced to the scientific process, what it means to be a scientist through practicing careful observations and recordings and we have also learned that experiments do not always go the way we plan or think they will. They have learned to make careful guesses and use all of their senses to take in the world around them. We love to make messes and get our hands dirty!
Fine Motor/Writing- Fine motor development is a big piece to our program! It is so very important that they are taught the right way to hold their pencil and scissors and how to use these tools. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves to help them learn the correct way to do these things. Some kiddos also need help in strengthening their little hands so we do fun activities to promote fine motor strength. The students have fine motor journals that we work in each week. One day we might be peeling stickers and adding those to their journals or tearing paper and gluing down the pieces to make letters.
ABC's of Pre- Kindergarten
A
Absences-Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. If your child is absent, please send a note to the school when he/she returns. Please include your child’s name, teachers name, date of absence, and the reason for the absence.
Attendance-Regular school attendance is essential for your child to make the most of his/her education. Please make every effort to have your child at school everyday. A child who attends school regularly is a happy child!
Allergies- Please make sure that we are aware of any allergies your child has. We especially need to know about food allergies and insect bite reactions.
Assessment - Report card assessment is done every six weeks.
Arrival- Your child should be dropped off at the front of the school and then he/she walks inside the building and wait by the bulletin board in front of the office. Pre-K students will be held here until 7:50 A.M. The teacher on duty will walk pre-kindergarten students to their classroom when the bell rings at 7:50 A.M. The second bell rings at 8:00 A.M. If you wish to walk your child to their assigned spot instead of using the drop off, you must park your vehicle in the parking lot in front of the school and cross IN FRONT of the church. Please DO NOT cross traffic in front of the school.
Art – Students attend an art class for 30 minutes once a week with our art teacher, Mr.Geerdes.
B
Bus-Some St. Matthew students are eligible to ride the Unit 4 yellow bus for transportation home. Please contact Mrs. Wilberg or Unit 4 to find out if your child is eligible to ride.
Birthdays-Birthdays are very important to children. Your child may bring a birthday treat to school on their snack day. Please do not send birthday invitations to school to be passed out unless you are inviting EVERY child in our room.
Book orders - We occasionally send home Scholastic book orders for you and your child to look over. If you want to place an order, please make checks payable to the book club. Even ordering one book is exciting for your child to receive and it helps build our classroom library as well!
Backpacks-Your child’s backpack should be big enough to hold a large folder as well as a lunch box. Backpacks help your child carry folders, notes, projects, and books to and from school. Please check you child’s backpack each day.
Breakfast-Please make sure that your child comes to school with a good breakfast!
C
Clothing-Please check the handbook for proper uniform dressing. Pre-Kindergarten boys do not need to wear belts. It is a good idea to label all sweatshirts, coats and sweaters.
Conferences-We have mandatory conferences in November and scheduled conferences by request in February. If you need to contact us at any time, please call the school, send a note, or email us to make arrangements for scheduling a conference.
Computers-We have computers and iPads in our classroom. Your child will be taught the proper way to use a computer/iPads and then be taught to use the educational software in our classroom.
Calendar-A monthly snack calendar will be sent home to let you know when your child is to bring snack to share. This is also your child's show and tell day.
Classroom Website- Our class has a classroom website. We can be found at www.stmatt.net Click on class websites and then our names.
Communication- Communication between home and school is very important. If you feel the need to talk to us, please call the school, send us a note, or email us. We will get back with you as soon as we can.
D
Dress Code-Students should be dressed in accordance to the Saint Matthew School handbook.
Dismissal-Dismissal is at 3:00 P.M. Please do not come to the classroom to pick up your child. His/her teacher will dismiss your child and go to the designated pick up locations with a teacher. ECP children will be greeted at our classroom by the ECP leaders. Bus children will be taken to the proper bus pick up location. Car riders will be taken to the sidewalk by the circle drive in front of the parish center. Please meet your child there.
E
Early Dismissal-Several times a year we will have an early dismissal. Check the school calendar to know when these days occur.
Emergency Cards-Your child will have an emergency card on file in the school office. At least two working phone numbers are required in order to contact parents in case of illness or emergency.
F
Field Trips-We take educational field trips during the year. A permission slip will be required anytime that we will be taking a bus for a field trip. If we do not receive a permission slip, your child will not be allowed to attend. There is usually a cost associated with field trips. If you wish to write a check, please make it payable to Saint Matthew.
G
God – Our day is centered on God in all that we do!
Good Behavior – Our pre-kindergarten is a safe and happy place where lots of learning happens. We are a classroom family where teamwork and good relationships are expected. We will spend time learning class procedures and practicing them. Each student is expected to act within our standards of behavior. Problems will be dealt with one on one. Respect and kindness will be promoted.
H
Handwriting-We use the “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum in pre-kindergarten. Please watch the work that comes home with your child and have your child practice the strokes and proper letter formation.
I
Immunizations-All students must be immunized against certain diseases or must present a statement that the student should not be immunized.
Illness-Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature or has vomited the night before. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and get your child. We need at least two working phone numbers at all times in order to contact you in case of illness or emergency.
J
Journal Writing- Children will begin writing in their journals early in the school year. Journal writing is a process that begins with pictures. You should see a growth in your child’s writing throughout the year.
K
Kindness – Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members of our class as well as others with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be tolerated.
L
Lunch-We do not have a hot lunch program except for Thursdays. Please make sure that your child comes to school with a healthy lunch that is easy to eat and open! Our lunchtime is 12:20-1:00 p.m.
On Thursdays, children have the opportunity to participate in a “hot lunch”. This year, hot lunch days include, Papa Johns, Jimmy Johns, Chic Fit A and Culvers. Drinks are not included for hot lunch days.
Learning Centers-We use learning centers in the classroom. When we are in learning centers, we are learning to cooperate with others as well as learn to work independently. During literacy centers, teachers are usually meeting with a guided reading group.
M
Math – We have adapted (not adopted) our math program to the National Common Core Standards. We teach math with rotating stations and work to adapt stations to math ability.
Milk tickets – Milk tickets are 35 cents. You may purchase tickets on Monday mornings before school from a parent volunteer or through the school office. You may also purchase milk tickets at Fee Day.
Music-Students attend Music once a week.
N
Newsletter-A weekly newsletter will be sent home each Friday. It will contain information about our thematic unit, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events.
O
Outside-Your child will have outside time daily, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.
Oh What a Beautiful Morning – We want a positive start to each pre-kindergarten day. Help us by saying goodbye to your child each day with a smile! Let your child know that they are going to have a great day at school and that you will seen them soon!
P
Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence-Each morning we will pray, recite the pledge of allegiance and observe one minute of silence.
Physical Education-We have a scheduled 30 minutes Physical Education class with Mr. Jahnke.
Parent Involvement-We love Parent Involvement!
Parties-We will have various parties throughout the year. Our room parent will contact you to help with our celebrations.
Parent’s Club – Parent club meets once a month. You are an automatic member of the Parent club when your child is enrolled at St. Matthew. You will be contacted several times throughout the school year to help with a donation of your time, talent, or money!
Peaceful – We are a peaceful classroom. We will resolve conflicts peacefully.
Q
Questions-Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. We will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
R
Reading – Reading to and with your child is an important component of your child’s reading growth.
Report Cards-We are on a six-week grading period. Your child will receive a report card each six-weeks. You will receive the first quarter report card at our first conference in November.
Recess-Your child will have recess everyday at 9:20 a.m. and after lunch.
Religion- Students will have religion class everyday. We will be learning about significant figures in the gospel, about Jesus and how he calls each of us to be like him and will also become more familiar with the parts of the mass.
Room Parents-Each classroom at St. Matthew has a room parent. Our room parent will contact you if you volunteered to help with a party or if we have classroom needs or emergencies.
Restrooms-We have restrooms in our classrooms. Your child is allowed to go to the bathroom when needed. Unfortunately accidents will happen and most of the time we can handle accidents at school. Donations of clean boys and girls underwear and white socks would be greatly appreciated.
Rest Time-We will rest after lunch. Children are NOT required to sleep. They may look at books during this time. After the first few weeks, this will be a quiet time in which the children may read, color, listen to stories, or finish morning work.
S
Safety-Your child’s safety is top priority. We take every precaution when your child is in our care. Please send a note with your child or call the school if he/she is to go home a different way.
Science- The focus of the pre-kindergarten science curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world in which we live. Through scientific inquiry, concepts will be presented in life and earth sciences, including the study of animals and plants, the five senses and general health, and the four seasons. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach.
Social Studies- The pre-kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they relate to others in their families, classroom, school and community. Activities will help the children engage their natural curiosity for the world around them.
Snacks-We have a daily morning snack. Your child will be assigned one or two days every month where he/she will be asked to bring a snack to share for the whole class. Please make sure that the snack is healthy and easy to pass out. One half gallon of juice or milk is sufficient for drinks. You do not need to send cups.
School Supplies –The supply list can be found here: www.stmatt.net/stmattschool.htm. Sometimes we run out of certain items and we may ask you to replace supplies during the year. Please do NOT label supplies! We share everything in pre-k!
Show & Tell- Your child’s show and tell day is the same day as his/her snack day. Your child may bring an item for show and tell on her/his snack day. Please know that weapons of any sort are not acceptable as well as toys that depict death or pain. There are many items that your child can bring to school that are not toys. Just put imagination to work!
Shoes-Your child needs a separate pair of sneakers to wear for PE that is kept at school all year. Please make sure that your child can put his/her own shoes on as well
Spanish – Pre-Kindergarten students are exposed to the Spanish language and Hispanic heritage once a week for 30 minutes in our classroom.
T
Transportation-If your child will be going home a different way than what we have in our files, you MUST call the school or send us a note. We will not let your child go with another adult or a different way unless you have notified us.
Tardies-Students late to school (after 8:00 A.M.) are considered tardy. We keep a record of these tardies and will document them on your child’s report card. Three tardies equals one half-day absence at St. Matthew School.
Toys-Toys from home are not allowed unless they are brought for Show and Tell or special activities.
U
Unique- Each child in our class is unique and wonderful. In kindergarten, we learn about how we are unique and special, and we celebrate our differences and similarities.
United – United parents and teachers create a healthy, happy child!
V
Visitors - Please make sure that you sign in at the office before you come to the classroom. We will be looking for your sticker when you enter the classroom.
W
Welcome – You are always welcome in our school!
X
EXcited! – We are so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life in pre-kindergarten!
Y
YOU are your child’s first teacher! No one can influence your child’s life in the way that you can! You can help your child feel special this year by asking the about their school day each day.
Z
ZZZZ’s-Please make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime routine is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day. Pre-K students require 10-12 hours of sleep each day.
A
Absences-Excessive absences hinder a child’s progress. If your child is absent, please send a note to the school when he/she returns. Please include your child’s name, teachers name, date of absence, and the reason for the absence.
Attendance-Regular school attendance is essential for your child to make the most of his/her education. Please make every effort to have your child at school everyday. A child who attends school regularly is a happy child!
Allergies- Please make sure that we are aware of any allergies your child has. We especially need to know about food allergies and insect bite reactions.
Assessment - Report card assessment is done every six weeks.
Arrival- Your child should be dropped off at the front of the school and then he/she walks inside the building and wait by the bulletin board in front of the office. Pre-K students will be held here until 7:50 A.M. The teacher on duty will walk pre-kindergarten students to their classroom when the bell rings at 7:50 A.M. The second bell rings at 8:00 A.M. If you wish to walk your child to their assigned spot instead of using the drop off, you must park your vehicle in the parking lot in front of the school and cross IN FRONT of the church. Please DO NOT cross traffic in front of the school.
Art – Students attend an art class for 30 minutes once a week with our art teacher, Mr.Geerdes.
B
Bus-Some St. Matthew students are eligible to ride the Unit 4 yellow bus for transportation home. Please contact Mrs. Wilberg or Unit 4 to find out if your child is eligible to ride.
Birthdays-Birthdays are very important to children. Your child may bring a birthday treat to school on their snack day. Please do not send birthday invitations to school to be passed out unless you are inviting EVERY child in our room.
Book orders - We occasionally send home Scholastic book orders for you and your child to look over. If you want to place an order, please make checks payable to the book club. Even ordering one book is exciting for your child to receive and it helps build our classroom library as well!
Backpacks-Your child’s backpack should be big enough to hold a large folder as well as a lunch box. Backpacks help your child carry folders, notes, projects, and books to and from school. Please check you child’s backpack each day.
Breakfast-Please make sure that your child comes to school with a good breakfast!
C
Clothing-Please check the handbook for proper uniform dressing. Pre-Kindergarten boys do not need to wear belts. It is a good idea to label all sweatshirts, coats and sweaters.
Conferences-We have mandatory conferences in November and scheduled conferences by request in February. If you need to contact us at any time, please call the school, send a note, or email us to make arrangements for scheduling a conference.
Computers-We have computers and iPads in our classroom. Your child will be taught the proper way to use a computer/iPads and then be taught to use the educational software in our classroom.
Calendar-A monthly snack calendar will be sent home to let you know when your child is to bring snack to share. This is also your child's show and tell day.
Classroom Website- Our class has a classroom website. We can be found at www.stmatt.net Click on class websites and then our names.
Communication- Communication between home and school is very important. If you feel the need to talk to us, please call the school, send us a note, or email us. We will get back with you as soon as we can.
D
Dress Code-Students should be dressed in accordance to the Saint Matthew School handbook.
Dismissal-Dismissal is at 3:00 P.M. Please do not come to the classroom to pick up your child. His/her teacher will dismiss your child and go to the designated pick up locations with a teacher. ECP children will be greeted at our classroom by the ECP leaders. Bus children will be taken to the proper bus pick up location. Car riders will be taken to the sidewalk by the circle drive in front of the parish center. Please meet your child there.
E
Early Dismissal-Several times a year we will have an early dismissal. Check the school calendar to know when these days occur.
Emergency Cards-Your child will have an emergency card on file in the school office. At least two working phone numbers are required in order to contact parents in case of illness or emergency.
F
Field Trips-We take educational field trips during the year. A permission slip will be required anytime that we will be taking a bus for a field trip. If we do not receive a permission slip, your child will not be allowed to attend. There is usually a cost associated with field trips. If you wish to write a check, please make it payable to Saint Matthew.
G
God – Our day is centered on God in all that we do!
Good Behavior – Our pre-kindergarten is a safe and happy place where lots of learning happens. We are a classroom family where teamwork and good relationships are expected. We will spend time learning class procedures and practicing them. Each student is expected to act within our standards of behavior. Problems will be dealt with one on one. Respect and kindness will be promoted.
H
Handwriting-We use the “Handwriting Without Tears” curriculum in pre-kindergarten. Please watch the work that comes home with your child and have your child practice the strokes and proper letter formation.
I
Immunizations-All students must be immunized against certain diseases or must present a statement that the student should not be immunized.
Illness-Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature or has vomited the night before. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and get your child. We need at least two working phone numbers at all times in order to contact you in case of illness or emergency.
J
Journal Writing- Children will begin writing in their journals early in the school year. Journal writing is a process that begins with pictures. You should see a growth in your child’s writing throughout the year.
K
Kindness – Students in our classroom are encouraged and expected to treat all members of our class as well as others with kindness and respect. Bothering others, bullying and interrupting learning will not be tolerated.
L
Lunch-We do not have a hot lunch program except for Thursdays. Please make sure that your child comes to school with a healthy lunch that is easy to eat and open! Our lunchtime is 12:20-1:00 p.m.
On Thursdays, children have the opportunity to participate in a “hot lunch”. This year, hot lunch days include, Papa Johns, Jimmy Johns, Chic Fit A and Culvers. Drinks are not included for hot lunch days.
Learning Centers-We use learning centers in the classroom. When we are in learning centers, we are learning to cooperate with others as well as learn to work independently. During literacy centers, teachers are usually meeting with a guided reading group.
M
Math – We have adapted (not adopted) our math program to the National Common Core Standards. We teach math with rotating stations and work to adapt stations to math ability.
Milk tickets – Milk tickets are 35 cents. You may purchase tickets on Monday mornings before school from a parent volunteer or through the school office. You may also purchase milk tickets at Fee Day.
Music-Students attend Music once a week.
N
Newsletter-A weekly newsletter will be sent home each Friday. It will contain information about our thematic unit, classroom activities, announcements, and upcoming school events.
O
Outside-Your child will have outside time daily, weather permitting. Please dress your child appropriately for the weather.
Oh What a Beautiful Morning – We want a positive start to each pre-kindergarten day. Help us by saying goodbye to your child each day with a smile! Let your child know that they are going to have a great day at school and that you will seen them soon!
P
Prayer, Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence-Each morning we will pray, recite the pledge of allegiance and observe one minute of silence.
Physical Education-We have a scheduled 30 minutes Physical Education class with Mr. Jahnke.
Parent Involvement-We love Parent Involvement!
Parties-We will have various parties throughout the year. Our room parent will contact you to help with our celebrations.
Parent’s Club – Parent club meets once a month. You are an automatic member of the Parent club when your child is enrolled at St. Matthew. You will be contacted several times throughout the school year to help with a donation of your time, talent, or money!
Peaceful – We are a peaceful classroom. We will resolve conflicts peacefully.
Q
Questions-Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. We will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
R
Reading – Reading to and with your child is an important component of your child’s reading growth.
Report Cards-We are on a six-week grading period. Your child will receive a report card each six-weeks. You will receive the first quarter report card at our first conference in November.
Recess-Your child will have recess everyday at 9:20 a.m. and after lunch.
Religion- Students will have religion class everyday. We will be learning about significant figures in the gospel, about Jesus and how he calls each of us to be like him and will also become more familiar with the parts of the mass.
Room Parents-Each classroom at St. Matthew has a room parent. Our room parent will contact you if you volunteered to help with a party or if we have classroom needs or emergencies.
Restrooms-We have restrooms in our classrooms. Your child is allowed to go to the bathroom when needed. Unfortunately accidents will happen and most of the time we can handle accidents at school. Donations of clean boys and girls underwear and white socks would be greatly appreciated.
Rest Time-We will rest after lunch. Children are NOT required to sleep. They may look at books during this time. After the first few weeks, this will be a quiet time in which the children may read, color, listen to stories, or finish morning work.
S
Safety-Your child’s safety is top priority. We take every precaution when your child is in our care. Please send a note with your child or call the school if he/she is to go home a different way.
Science- The focus of the pre-kindergarten science curriculum is on developing an awareness of the world in which we live. Through scientific inquiry, concepts will be presented in life and earth sciences, including the study of animals and plants, the five senses and general health, and the four seasons. These areas will be explored utilizing a literacy based, hands-on approach.
Social Studies- The pre-kindergarten social studies curriculum focuses on the students and how they relate to others in their families, classroom, school and community. Activities will help the children engage their natural curiosity for the world around them.
Snacks-We have a daily morning snack. Your child will be assigned one or two days every month where he/she will be asked to bring a snack to share for the whole class. Please make sure that the snack is healthy and easy to pass out. One half gallon of juice or milk is sufficient for drinks. You do not need to send cups.
School Supplies –The supply list can be found here: www.stmatt.net/stmattschool.htm. Sometimes we run out of certain items and we may ask you to replace supplies during the year. Please do NOT label supplies! We share everything in pre-k!
Show & Tell- Your child’s show and tell day is the same day as his/her snack day. Your child may bring an item for show and tell on her/his snack day. Please know that weapons of any sort are not acceptable as well as toys that depict death or pain. There are many items that your child can bring to school that are not toys. Just put imagination to work!
Shoes-Your child needs a separate pair of sneakers to wear for PE that is kept at school all year. Please make sure that your child can put his/her own shoes on as well
Spanish – Pre-Kindergarten students are exposed to the Spanish language and Hispanic heritage once a week for 30 minutes in our classroom.
T
Transportation-If your child will be going home a different way than what we have in our files, you MUST call the school or send us a note. We will not let your child go with another adult or a different way unless you have notified us.
Tardies-Students late to school (after 8:00 A.M.) are considered tardy. We keep a record of these tardies and will document them on your child’s report card. Three tardies equals one half-day absence at St. Matthew School.
Toys-Toys from home are not allowed unless they are brought for Show and Tell or special activities.
U
Unique- Each child in our class is unique and wonderful. In kindergarten, we learn about how we are unique and special, and we celebrate our differences and similarities.
United – United parents and teachers create a healthy, happy child!
V
Visitors - Please make sure that you sign in at the office before you come to the classroom. We will be looking for your sticker when you enter the classroom.
W
Welcome – You are always welcome in our school!
X
EXcited! – We are so excited to have the opportunity to be a part of your child’s life in pre-kindergarten!
Y
YOU are your child’s first teacher! No one can influence your child’s life in the way that you can! You can help your child feel special this year by asking the about their school day each day.
Z
ZZZZ’s-Please make sure that your child gets plenty of rest. Setting and keeping a bedtime routine is a wonderful gift you can give to your child. It will help them to be alert and ready to learn each day. Pre-K students require 10-12 hours of sleep each day.
