I look forward to working with your students and families this year! Kindergarten students are held to higher standards than those of the past. It can be a time for independence, growth and discovery about the world around them. Our young learners aim to write independently, communicate and solve problems and read for comprehension. We are solving mental math problems and working in science, through labs, using our senses to explore the world around us. We are learning every day! Whether it is how to solve a problem, take care of personal needs or listen attentively, our days are full and long! Kindergarten students begin school in August, at many varying levels. Some students read independently, some know all the letter names and sounds and others are still working learning these skills.  We work with students, where they are, and set goals for each of them to achieve by the end of the year! I want all my students to meet their individual goals and be better prepared for 1st grade!

As parents, you can reinforce what is being taught at school by:

• Have your child listen to you read daily.
• Review numbers, letters and have your child practice their reading daily.
• Practice writing their names and numbers correctly (i.e. Tom, not TOM) 
• Practice writing simple sentences using high frequency word knowledge and stretching sounds to write words not memorized.
• Take time to look at your child’s class work and review areas where they have difficulty.

I want students to grow both academically and socially. We want our students to recognize the importance of friendship and kindness. I look forward to teaching your child and working with you to give you both an amazing, learning-filled year in kindergarten. 

GENERAL SCHOOL TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• Students should dress appropriately.
• Choose clothing that easily buckles, snaps, buttons, zips (restroom friendly).
• Choose shoes that are  appropriate for outside play (slip-on shoes, sandals or crocs are not recommended ). Please double-knot shoe laces if your child cannot tie their shoes.
• No large jewelry items, please.

• Please label first and last names on all PERSONAL items (inside backpacks, lunch boxes, jackets, hats, gloves)
• Read to your child daily.
• Cupcakes for birthdays are served after snack in your child’s classroom.  Cupcakes should be store bought  -  no cakes or pastries that require cutting)
• Check and sign daily folders at the end of each school day. Daily Folders will be stamped to display your child's good behavior. A brief note will be written if your child struggles. 
• Check and sign the Tuesday Folders each Tuesday afternoon as well.
• You will need to show ID and sign in at the front desk in order to check out your child from class.
• Attendance, for the entire day, is taken at 10 A,M, If your child is not present in class at 10:00 A.M., they will be marked absent and the automated system will call your phone number listed for contact. 
• During dismissal for car riders, parents are asked to remain in the car.  
• All volunteers must complete a Criminal Background form.  This form is also required if you plan to attend your child’s field trip later in the year.
• Please do not purchase rolling backpacks. Backpacks should be large enough to hold a folder, but should not have wheels.

What Will We Learn in Kindergarten?

Reading: Reading is taught in whole groups and small groups. The small group lessons are tailored to the student’s individual needs. We will work on the strategies that create strong readers, including phonological awareness, fluency and comprehension. 

Writing: Students will learn the basic concepts of writing, such as: writing from your own ideas, using correct punctuation, correct usage of capital/lowercase letters and correct spacing.  Letter/sound knowledge is essential for students to progress in writing (and reading) in class. If your child is still struggling with this skill, please focus on this area every evening. 

Phonics: Phonics emphasizes correct letter-sound correlation, letter-sound blends and common spelling patterns. We will build on this foundational skills to learn to blend sounds to read.

Math: Math focuses on composing and decomposing numbers 0-10. Students will visually recognize and perform mental math while creating word problems to the sum of 10. We will work with graphing, 2-D and 3-D shapes, place value and skip-counting to 100. Students will work on problem-solving, representing problems and solutions and explaining their processes.

Science: In science, we will learn a variety of topics as we work hands-on in labs with non-fiction text and vocabulary. Some units we will study are: plants, the 5-senses, living and non-living, weather changes and seasons.

Social Studies: Our social studies units concentrate on historical figures, family traditions and customs and geography. 

Fine Arts: Kindergarten students participate in a daily outclass, called L.A.M.P.S., that includes: Library, 2 different Art classes, 2 different music classes, 2 Physical Education classes and a S.T.E.M./Technology class

We use a grade-level scope and sequence guide that is used district-wide, in FBISD, for uniformity. FBISD follows Texas state standards for kindergarten.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Mrs. Johnson