St. John Lutheran School
Preschool and PreKindergarten
Parent Handbook
3937 Canal St. * New Orleans, LA * 70119
(504)488-6641
2013-2014
Ms. Kristin Covington, Director and Pre-K Teacher
Mrs. Maegan Crane, Preschool Teacher
Ms. Bethany Gonski, Principal
Rev. Ken Babin, Pastor
Just Playing
By Anita Wadley
When I’m building in the block area, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play, about balance and shapes.
Who knows, I may be an architect someday.
When I’m getting all dressed up, setting the table, caring for babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “Just Playing.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a mother or a father someday.
When you see me up to my elbows in paint or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say, “S/he is just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play. I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.
When you see me sitting in a chair “reading” to an imaginary audience,
Please don’t laugh and think I’m “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.
When you see me combing the bushes for bugs, or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
don’t pass it off as “Just Playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.
When you see me engrossed in a puzzle or some “plaything” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “Play.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.
When you see me cooking or tasting foods please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is “just play.”
I’m learning to follow directions and see differences.
I may be a cook someday.
When you see me learning to skip, hop, run and move my body,
Please don’t say I’m “Just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.
When you ask me what I’ve done at school today, and I say “I just played,”
please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work. I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I am a child and my work is play.
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Philosophy
"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
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2 Peter 3:18
Early childhood education is an integral part of congregational mission and
ministry.
The young child is a gift from God and learns best about God’s world through
experimentation and exploration.
Each child is a unique and special child of God, and we encourage the
development of Christ-esteem and individuality.
Children learn best through play and by developmentally appropriate activities
provided as avenues for learning.
Early childhood education provides a warm and loving Christ-centered
environment where children can develop to their fullest potential physically,
emotionally, socially, intellectually, and spiritually.
Early childhood education is a ministry to young children and their families.
Early childhood education is a joint ministry that involves the congregation,
the community, the staff, the family, and the child
Purpose:
That children hear and experience the love of Jesus on a daily basis per Mark 9:37:
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in My name welcomes Me..."
That children feel included to the point where their faith in God is enhanced, enlivened,
and empowered by the biblical story
That the Gospel (Good News) is extended through a comprehensive ministry of care
That parents are recognized as children’s primary teachers and are supported in their
nurturing role in the Name of Jesus and through His saving Word
That The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is taught to all through congregational
ministry leaders partnering with members to embrace families in their circle of care,
speaking the saving love of Jesus so that by the power of the Holy Spirit the lives of
children and their families are transformed
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Vision & Objectives
Jesus and His forgiving and empowering love are at the center of each activity and
experience
Children are valued for their:
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ability to do meaningful work
wonder and curiosity
ability to play
perspectives
Families are valued for their:
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bonds and traditions
ability to play
commitment to work, home, and community
dreams for their children
Staff is valued for their:
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vision, mission, and purpose
delight in children
skill, heart, and knowledge
commitment to families
ability to play
We cherish what we learn from our heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ, the Holy
Spirit, and from each other.
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation are: 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. M – F
Staff Schedule: Teachers: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Afternoon Assistant Teacher: 1:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Morning Assistant Teacher: 7 – 1:00 p.m.
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Basic Daily Center Schedule
Time
7 -8:15
8:15 –
8:35
8:358:45
8:459:05
Monday
Ext Care
Arrival,
Handwashing
Pledges/Prayer
Tuesday
Ext Care
Arrival,
Handwashing
Pledges/Prayer
Wednesday
Ext Care
Arrival,
Restroom
Chapel Prep
Thursday
Ext Care
Arrival,
Handwashing
Pledges/Prayer
Friday
Ext Care
Arrival,
Handwashing
Pledges/Prayer
Hot Weather
Ext Care
Arrival,
Restroom
Pledges/Prayer
Circle Time
Circle Time
Chapel
Circle Time
Circle Time
Circle Time
9:059:20
Snack
Snack
Outside
Snack
Snack
Outside
9:20 –
9:35
9:35 –
9:45
9:45-10
1010:20
10:20 –
10:35
10:35 –
10:45
Centers
Centers
Outside
Centers
Centers
Outside
Centers
Centers
Outside
Centers
Centers
Outside
Centers
Centers
Centers
Centers
Snack
Centers
Centers
Centers
Centers
Centers
Snack
Centers
Jesus Time
Jesus Time
Centers
Jesus Time
Jesus Time
Centers
Outside
Outside
Centers
Outside
Outside
Centers
10:45-11
Outside
Outside
Outside
Outside
Centers
Circle Time
Outside
Outside
Outside
Outside
Centers
Jesus Time
Lunch Prep
Lunch Prep
Lunch Prep
Lunch Prep
Lunch Prep
Lunch Prep
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Lunch
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Centers,
Restroom
Storytime
Nap prep
Nap prep
Nap prep
Nap prep
Nap prep
Nap prep
1111:20
11:20 –
11:30
11:30 –
11:45
11:45 –
12:15
12:15 –
12:30
12:30 –
12:40
12:40 –2
2- 2:30
2:30 –
2:45
2:45-3
3 -3:15
3:154:30
Nap
Nap
Nap
Nap clean up, Nap clean up, Nap clean up,
Centers, Snack Centers, Snack Centers,
Snack
Music/
Music/
Music/
Storytime
Storytime
Storytime
Closing
Closing
Closing
Dismissal
Dismissal
Dismissal
Ext Care
Ext Care
Ext Care
Nap
Nap
Nap
Nap clean up, Nap clean up, Nap clean up,
Centers, Snack Centers, Snack Centers, Snack
Music/
Storytime
Closing
Dismissal
Ext Care
Music/
Storytime
Closing
Dismissal
Ext Care
Music/
Storytime
Closing
Dismissal
Ext Care
***During Center time, teachers will also be administering small group lessons and
individual assessment.
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Extended Care Schedule
7 – 8:10
8:10 – 8:15
Books, drawing, puzzles, games
Pack up and go to classroom
3:15 – 4:00
4 - 5:30
Free play in gym
Snack, books, drawing, puzzles, games in gym
Absences and Tardiness
Absences, except for serious matters of health, family business, or trips, are discouraged.
Consistency and routine are very important to a young child’s sense of stability. If your
child will be absent for more than one or two days, please notify the school. See SJ
Parent Handbook.
We start our learning activities promptly at 8:35 a.m. In order to make sure your child
has had time to say good-bye to you, wash his/her hands and ease into the day, it is
important that you arrive no later than 8:20. Arriving later is stressful for your child and
disruptive to the rest of the class.
Any Preschool or PreK student who receives 4 tardies within a quarter will be required to
have a parent conference with the principal and teacher. The 5th tardy in one quarter will
result in a one day suspension.
Behavior Management
Children at our center will not receive physical punishment. Children who have conflicts
or problems with others while at our center will be encouraged to verbalize their angers
and concerns. The role of the adult at school is to be a helper at positive problem solving.
The staff strives to model Christ’s unconditional love and forgiveness to us while
teaching children to accept the logical consequences for their actions.
Children whose behavior endangers others will be supervised away from other children.
In some cases, where children resort to violence—especially biting another child—the
parents will be called and/or the child sent home.
No child will be humiliated, shamed, frightened, or subjected to verbal or physical abuse
by staff or by parents on the premises or during field trips. Cruel, severe, unusual, or
unnecessary punishment shall not be inflicted upon children. Derogatory remarks shall
not be made in the presence of the children about family members of the children in care
or about the children themselves. No child or group of children shall be allowed to
discipline another child. When a child is removed from the group for disciplinary
reasons, he shall never be out of sight of a staff member. No child shall be deprived of
meals or any part of meals for disciplinary reasons.
Each teacher will have a Behavior Plan that outlines rules, consequences and rewards for
behavior. Parents may receive daily behavior reports.
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Birthdays
Birthdays may be celebrated by bringing a special snack (we will try to make the birthday
child the “Student (or Star) of the Day” (see below) on or near his/her birthday). A
cookie cake is a good choice – less messy than cupcakes!
See SJ Parent Handbook for information on birthday party invitations.
Biting Policy
If a child bites another child, the biter will be removed from the area. The bite area will
be washed with soap and water. An accident report will be filled out. If the bite breaks
the skin, the parents of the children who was bit will be called. If the skin was not broken
by the bite, parents of the child who was bit will be notified by written notice sent home
at the end of the school day.
On a first infraction, the parents of the biter will be notified by written notice sent home
at the end of the school day. Upon a second infraction, the parents will be called
immediately. On a third infraction, the parents will be called in for a conference to come
up with a discipline plan. A child who continually is a danger to others may be dismissed
from the program.
Breakfast
Remember a good breakfast is essential for learning, so make sure your child has
breakfast before coming to school! We would suggest it be nutritious and include a dairy
product or protein. String cheese sticks, a half cheese sandwich or peanut butter and jelly
sandwich, fruit, milk, oatmeal squares or dry cereal and eggs are all options that will help
start your child’s day off right.
Campus Visitor Policy
You are welcome to visit our classroom at any time during our regular hours of operation
as long as your child is enrolled. It is our goal that St. John Lutheran School will be an
effective and safe environment in which children can learn and play. While we welcome
parents’ involvement and visitation in the classroom, it is important that it be done in
such a way as to cause minimal disruption in the plans for the day. See SJ Parent
Handbook for further visitor criteria.
Class Rules
Our over-riding class rule is: I may not do anything that will keep myself or others from
learning. Each class will have rules appropriate to their age level, but will include some
variation of the following:
1. We keep our hands and feet to ourselves.
2. We walk inside the building.
3. We use our inside voices in the building.
4. We listen when others are speaking.
5. We follow directions the first time.
6. We are all friends at school.
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Clothing and School Bag
We will spend time outdoors except in cases of rain, so please dress your child
appropriately according to the uniform policy in the SJ Parent Handbook.
Please send a change of clothes (socks and underwear only) in a large Ziploc bag to
be kept at school in case of accidents. Clearly label the bag and the clothes.
An open-top school bag is preferred to a back pack in which larger papers or art projects
can get crushed. Your child should bring his/her school bag to school every day. School
bags/backpacks may not have wheels.
Communication
In the case of school to home communication, please look in your child’s school bag at
the end of each school day for newsletters, notes and information.
If you need to get a message to the teacher, please either call on the phone, send a
message on Fast Direct or write a note rather than giving a verbal message to your child
to pass on to us.
In the event that a significant change occurs in your home, please consider informing the
school as soon as possible. Common causes of distress for children are either parent
being away from home for an extended period of time, illness or death of a friend, family
member or pet, a new sibling or pregnancy, a new person living in the home, etc.
If you have a concern about something that is happening at school, please speak directly
to the person involved (teacher, aide) first. If you are not satisfied that the problem is
resolved, please speak to the Principal. It is best to set an appointment for discussing a
problem rather than trying to catch the teacher before or after school when she is
preoccupied with her responsibilities with the children and there is not a chance for
privacy.
Complaint Procedure
You may call or write the Bureau of Licensing at the Department of Social Services
should you have significant, unresolved licensing complaints.
PO Box 3078 Baton Rouge, LA 708321
Phone: 225-342-9905
Drop-off and Pick-up
It is very important to your child to have you bring him/her into the classroom. When
you bring your child to school, please park in the parking lot in a designated space and
walk your child to the classroom. If weather is very bad and you have an infant or
toddler that you also need to bring as you drop off your child, pull up to the covered drop
off area and drop your child off with the older students.
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Children will be dismissed from their classroom. Please park in the parking lot and come
in to pick up your child. We will only dismiss children to a person whose name we have
on our list of acceptable adults allowed to pick up that particular child. If you need to
have someone who is not on the list pick up your child, please call us or write a note. We
will ask for photo ID of a person we do not know. This is for your child’s safety.
According to Louisiana Law, we are not allowed to let a child leave our premises who is
not buckled into a proper child restraint apparatus. We are also required to report if any
child under the age of 12 is left alone in a vehicle.
Hand Washing
The first thing children will do when they enter the classroom is wash their hands. We
follow the Red Cross procedure for hand washing. It will help if you use this same
procedure at home:
1: Wet your hands with warm water.
2: Apply soap
3: Rub your hands together, being sure to get between fingers, for 20 seconds (students
will learn a song to sing)
4: Don’t forget fingernails.
5: Rinse the germs away (point hands down in sink)
6: Dry your hands
7: Turn off faucet with towel.
Illness of a Child
All students will submit a record of immunizations to ensure that they are immunized
against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, red measles, chicken pox, and rubella.
If a child becomes ill during the day, s/he will be in supervised isolation away from the
other children and a parent will be notified to pick up the child promptly.
Please keep your child home if s/he has:
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Fever of 100 degrees F or above
A skin rash that has not been identified
Diarrhea and/or vomiting two or more times in a day
Evidence of head lice or other parasites
Severe coughing
Rapid or difficult breathing
Yellowish skin or eyes
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
Pain of which the child complains and interferes with normal activity
Evidence of infection
A moist or open cold sore
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Children who have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting must be symptom free for 24 hours
before returning to school.
If you take your child to the Doctor, please bring the Dr. excuse showing the child is OK
to return to school. In the case of skin rashes, etc, we must have a note saying the child is
not contagious.
If a child is well enough to come to school, s/he is considered well enough to go outdoors
if the weather permits, and to participate in all school activities. Do not ask us to keep
your child inside or make them sit down during active play periods.
Lunch and Snacks
Because we are a Class A childcare center, children are not allowed to bring food into the
center except under the following circumstances:
*When a child requires a special diet, a written statement from a medical authority shall
be on file.
*Children with food allergies/intolerance shall have a written statement signed by the
parent indicating the specific food allergy/intolerance.
*When a child requires a modified diet for religious reasons, a written statement to that
effect from the child’s parent shall be on file.
*Refreshments for special occasions such as birthday parties and holidays, with prior
approval from the director may be served. (see Student/Star of the Day)
Medication
If you give your child any over the counter or prescription medication before bringing
him/her to school in the morning, we must have a list of the possible side effects and the
dosage given and the time. You can usually copy this off the box or the little leaflet with
the over the counter meds. If you want to bring the original container and make a copy
here at school, that’s fine. With prescription meds, you usually get a copy from the
pharmacist. You must add your signature. You may use the form for Medication
Administered at home available on your teacher’s FastDirect bulletin board.
Children are not allowed to have cough drops in their possession. If you feel your child
might need them, send them in a baggie in the original container with a note from you
giving permission to dispense as needed. The note must have your signature and the
date. The cough drops should be given to the teacher/aide, not merely put in the student’s
school bag.
Any prescription medication to be dispensed has to be accompanied by a form (we’ll give
you a copy to fill out) and must be in the original container with the date of the
prescription and Dr.’s instructions.
Any non-prescription medication (including inhalers), has to be in its original container,
with Dr’s instructions and the proper form filled out.
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All medications (even those sent to be used as needed) have to be locked up. So
please let us know if you have put them in your child’s school bag so we can get
them out and lock them up.
Naps
Every student who is registered for our program will be required to lie down quietly
during naptime. Your child should bring a rest mat with a sheet and (at the minimum) a
beach towel or small blanket for a covering. S/he may also bring a small pillow and a
small “lovie” if s/he normally sleeps with one. Please do not send a sleeping bag, large
quilts, or anything that has a zipper. It is important that all children understand that
whether or not they sleep, they must lie quietly and not disturb other children. Any child
who consistently causes disruptions during naptime may be required to be picked up at
12:30. See the St. John Student Handbook regarding Official Reprimands, suspension
and expulsion.
Neglect and Abuse Statement
Any suspected abuse and/or neglect of a child in our center will be reported in
accordance with Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:403 to the Bureau of Social Services:
504-658-5267.
Pre-Enrollment Visit
Students and parents are invited to have a tour of our facility before enrolling.
Student/Star of the Day
Each school day, one child will be designated as Student/Star of the Day. The frequency
of this occurring will depend on enrollment and will be communicated via the monthly
calendar. On the day that your child is Student of the Day, s/he should bring a favorite
book for Story Time. You may also choose to send a special snack for the entire class
that corresponds with our theme for the week, letter of the week, color, etc. Please check
with the teacher first so she can make sure it is healthy and will not cause problems with
children in the class who may have food allergies. The snack must be prepackaged and
prepared because there is not time for the teacher or aide to cut things up, etc. Also,
bring the same item for everyone.
Sunscreen
We do spend time outside every day, so it doesn’t hurt to put a little sunscreen on your
child’s face in the morning before school. We are not allowed to apply sunscreen at
school.
Toileting
Children who are in the Preschool and PreK program are required to be able to toilet
independently when school starts. If the child is not trained, we will give a 2 week grace
period of trying to remind the child to potty periodically during the day. The child should
wear underwear, NOT pull-ups, and bring 2 – 3 changes of clothes. If the teacher
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believes the child is trained or at least making progress at the end of the 2 weeks, s/he
may stay in the program. If the child is not making any progress, they will need to stay
out of the program until they are fully trained. Parents can choose to not pay their tuition
(in which case we may make their slot available for another student) or continue to pay
the tuition to save their spot until the child is ready.
Toys and Personal Belongings
Toys and personal belongings are hard to keep track of at school and cause unnecessary
problems between the children. Please assure your child that his or her toys are for home
use and that at school s/he has special “work” to do.
Preschool and PreKindergarten Curriculum Objectives
Based on guidelines from the Louisiana Board of Education:
PreK Grade-level Expectations and Guidelines for working with Threes
Children will:
Spiritual Growth
 Sing praises to God in response to His love
 Learn to love God as creator of our wonderful world
 Learn about Jesus as their Savior from sin.
 Learn about the Holy Spirit who is God’s gift to us.
 Realize that God will always love them, no matter what they do, because Jesus
died on the cross to take away their sins.
 Learn the Lord’s Prayer
 Learn to pray for themselves and others
 Realize that God is always with them.
 Share God’s love with others.
Reading and Language
 Develop oral language competency
 Speak in complete sentences
 Express ideas clearly.
 Retell happenings in order.
 Be able to give name, name of street and phone number.
 Increase speaking vocabulary.
 Enhance listening skills.
 Follow directions in sequence.
 Recognize rhyming words.
 Enjoy stories and poems.
 Listen to peers in conversation.
 Develop pre-reading and reading skills.
 Recognize left to right and top to bottom progression.
 Practice letter recognition.
 Work with opposites.
 Recognize their name.
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Math
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Develop writing skills.
Hold pencil correctly.
Form letters correctly.
Write first name.
Recognize and understand the meaning of the numerals from 0 to 10 (20 for
PreK)
Identify everyday uses for numbers.
Practice counting.
Participate in problem solving through materials and experience.
Learn geometric shapes.
Gain knowledge of time including month, day of month, and day of week.
Science
 Be provided with opportunities to gain answers to questions through
experimentation, research and problem solving.
 Be provided with a variety of experiences which stimulate his/her curiosity.
 Be exposed to the following units: animal life, sea life, plant life, weather, five
senses, road and fire safety, healthy living habits and recycling.
Social Sciences
 Participate in activities involving the following units: home and family life,
community helpers, patriotic and national holidays, transportation,
communication, and current events.
Physical Education
 Be involved in free and organized play.
 Be involved in indoor and outdoor play.
 Be given opportunities to participate in the following:
o Games that involve large and small motor skills.
o Rhythmic activities.
o Creative dramatics.
o Sand and water activities.
o Physical movement with stationary and moveable equipment.
o Manipulative activities: peg boards, puzzles.
o Construction activities: blocks, boxes, legos
Art
Use the following art media:
 Paint
 Playdough
 Drawing
 Gluing
 Cutting
 Mixed media
 Chalk
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Music
Experience music through:
 Singing
 Listening
 Movement
 Playing rhythm instruments
Dramatic Play
 Be encouraged to dramatize play both informally in learning centers and outdoors
and more formally in Jesus time, story time and group activities.
o Have opportunities to use puppets, costumes and other props to identify
with people, times, and places in a make-believe world.
Spanish
Be exposed to and practice the following vocabulary:
 Colors, Numbers 1 – 10, Greetings (Preschool)
 Family, Manners, Furniture (PreK)
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Parent Acknowledgement of Receipt of Handbook
I acknowledge that I have received a copy of the 2012-2013 St. John Lutheran Preschool
and PreKindergarten Parent Handbook. This handbook includes a list of Community
Resources.
Parent Signature __________________________________________
Student’s Name __________________________________________
Date_____________________________________
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