Kindergarten Newsletter
September 2009
What are we doing in Math?
Math is after writing in the afternoon. First we are
learning position words. This concept will help build a
strong foundation in both mathematics and reading.
What you could do at home:
Welcome to Glen Haven ES
Where little eagles soar!
The kindergarten team welcomes you to our Glen
Haven family. We are excited to begin this 2009
school year.
Students are learning classroom
expectations, rules and routines. Ask your child
what is different about school rules and home rules.
Back-to-School Night
Please join the kindergarten teachers and learn
about our curriculum and schedule. Identify how
you can support your child’s learning at home. We
hope to see you Wednesday, September 9 at 7:00
o’clock p.m.
What are we doing in Reading?
Reading is in the morning. For most of September we
work with students individually to asses their knowledge
of letters, sounds and words so we can place them in
proper reading groups. Once reading groups have been
established your child will bring home books to practice
reading. Please sign and return the guided reading book
permission slip if you have not already done so.
What you could do at home:
Read at least one book each night. The words have
meaning and the pictures reinforce that meaning. Have
your child follow along from left to right. Identify
letters names and order, both capital and lower case.
It is common for students to confuse before and after.
Have your child count to 5. Then ask what number comes
before 2 or after 4. Practice! For reading, have your
child say the alphabet. Ask what letter comes before B
or after C. Practice! Identify first and last, too.
Character Counts
Throughout the school year we will learn the importance
of acting with good character. Glen Haven’s character
counts programs focuses on responsibility, respect,
caring, good citizenship, fairness, trustworthiness, and
courtesy. While watching TV or movies with your child,
point out these behaviors in characters that they like.
Dates to Remember:
September is School Safety Month
Sept 7 Labor Day, No School
Sept 9 Back-to-School Night, 7:00 p.m.
Sept 28 Yom Kippur, No School
Reminders:
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What are we doing in Writing?
After recess is writing time daily. Teachers model
expectations.
Each week we focus on a particular
alphabet letter, teach a new sight word, and teach a
writing skill. We grade these journals together using the
rubric scoring on the back of the paper.
With
encouragement you will see great improvement in student
writing in just a short time. It is important that written
words can be read by others.
What you could do at home:
Practice writing simple “I” sentences such as, “I am 5.”
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If you have not done so, please sign and return
the snack permission slip. Thank you.
We encourage you to join the PTA.
Please place your child’s name on all backpacks,
jackets, lunchboxes, etc.
Please keep all non-learning items/toys at home
If your child is ill please keep him/her at home
for 24 hours and consider what is best for all.
When visiting Glen Haven during the school day
please stop by the Glen Haven office for a pass.
Student Data Notebooks will be sent home the
last Wednesday of each month for your review
to chart your child’s progress. Please sign and
return.
We will have outdoor recess every dry day
above 32. Please dress your child accordingly.
Sincerely, The 2009 Kindergarten Team
Barbara Benton
Khalise Mensah
Angela Bisogno
Belinda Sparacino
Kathryn Hopley
Allison Green (ESOL)
Theresa Smith (paraeducator)