KINDERGARTEN PARENT HANDBOOK
2022-2023
Ms. Appel’s Class
Welcome to Ms. Appel’s kindergarten class!
In the next week, your child will complete one of the most important milestones in his/her life
the first day of school! I understand that you and your child may have met this day with excitement or apprehension (or a little of both). I hope this handbook answers a few questions you may have about our upcoming year.
You have entrusted your little one to my care and that is a role I take very seriously. I am here to guide, teach, love, care, and listen. I want your children to have fun and grow to love school and OLMCA as much as I already do!
I believe that a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success. Throughout the year, I will be communicating with you electronically through emails, Class Dojo, online newsletters, etc. I also encourage you to contact me if you have questions or concerns at any time. You can e-mail me (appel@olmca.org), or if it needs immediate attention text me at (847-804-3350).
I understand this handbook may be long, but it has so much important information included, so please read it all!
DROP OFF & PICK UP
Kindergarten drop off will be at 8:00am at the main school doors. Students will walk to their classroom. Teachers and older students will be there to help them and I will be standing outside the classroom waving them in.
Dismissal will also take place at the main school doors at 2:55pm. I will dismiss your child when I see you or an approved pick-up person. Please notify both me and attendance@olmca.org if there are any changes from your child’s normal pick up routine, specifically if you are not picking them up (ex: play date, nanny, grandparent, etc.).
Please make sure to pick up your child on time from school. If your child is not picked up by 3:05pm, I will bring them to aftercare.
ATTENDANCE
Any changes from your child’s normal routine (ex: missing school, late to school, leaving early, etc.) requires an email to both me (appel@olmca.org) and the office (attendance@olmca.org) so that we can all keep track of your child’s attendance. I will also be taking daily attendance for students each morning.
SNACK
Kindergarten will be have a snack provided by the school in the morning. If you child requires a specific snack due to allergies or dietary restrictions, your child can bring their own (nut free).
ALLERGIES
At this time, students CAN bring items containing nuts into the lunchroom If you have any health concerns, you can contact me or Nurse Donna at iglar@olcma.org
STUDENT BELONGINGS
Please clearly mark your child’s belongings that they bring to school: backpack, daily lunch bag, water bottle, clothes, hats, gloves, etc. Each child will have a cubby to put their belongings and chair pockets for their folders and materials.
Please remember to bring an extra set of clothes for emergencies. This should include an extra set of underwear, a t-shirt, shorts/pants, socks, etc These clothes will stay in a marked bin on top of their cubby I would highly recommend bringing your child’s extra set of clothes to the Welcome Back Social.
BEHAVIOR
If I notice any behavior that is concerning or disruptive the to the student and/or their classmates, I will have a conversation with your child in school and you. I also have two calm down areas with tools that will be available for all students if they need it!
Understanding children’s behaviors is something that I specialize and take pride in. I believe that all children, no matter what, have the ability to be successful. If you have any concerns about any behaviors in the classroom, please reach out and we can work together to find solutions.
I will also be using Class Dojo to alert you to positive behavior in the classroom. More info below.
BIRTHDAYS
We will do a class celebration on (or near) your child’s birthday. For the celebration, your child can bring 1 treat for each student. I ask that the treats be nut free and store bought. We also have some gluten-free students in our class, so please bring a couple gluten free options. Students can also bring 1 of their favorite books to read to the class. If you would like to come in and read that book with your child, you can.
I will send you an email a week in advance of your child’s birthday to organize anything
COMMUNICATION
Students will have their RED take home folders papers to take to and from school. You will receive this at the Welcome Back Social/supply drop off night or they will go home with your child on the first day of school. Please check this folder daily for forms or to remove complete work and return to school every day.
I will also communicate to you through Class Dojo and by email with important reminders and weekly newsletters.
Please do not hesitate to email me at appel@olmca.org with any questions or concerns throughout the year. No question is too small!
SCHEDULE
FAMILY PICTURE
I love to display pictures of students’ families in my classroom to make a welcoming and comfortable space for them. Please send me a picture of your family that I can put on our family board. You can email me this at appel@olmca.org
CLASS DOJO
On Class Dojo, I will post pictures of what we are doing along with updates and reminders. There are 3 ways to make an account/connect to our class:
• Click the invite I sent via email on Monday, August 22.
• Click this link that goes directly to our class page: https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?c=CRBCL6S.
• Scan sheet inside your child’s take home folder
Through Class Dojo, you child can receive “Monster Points” for positive/expected behavior in class. After every 20 points your child receives, he/she will get a prize!
iReady
iReady is a website and app that we will be using weekly at school. iReady assesses and creates personalized lessons for your child in reading and math. Although we will be doing this in school, this is a great resource for learning at home. All you have to do is download the app or visit the website and get going. Usernames and passwords will be coming from me in the next few weeks.
Everyday Math
Our school uses Everyday Math as our math curriculum. What is great about Everyday Math is that you can follow along with what we are doing everyday online Logins will be coming from me in the next few weeks. Here is how you can access the login website: https://my.mheducation.com/login?logout=true
RESOURCES FOR YOU
• Class Dojo - https://www.classdojo.com
o Create account - https://home.classdojo.com/#/signup
• iReady
o Info on iReady - https://i-readycentral.com/familycenter/
o Login - https://login.i-ready.com
o Download app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/i-ready-connect-forstudents/id1155613065
• Everyday Math
o Login - https://my.mheducation.com/login?logout=true
• Epic Books – https://www.getepic.com
o Download app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/epic-kids-booksreading/id719219382
• Scholastic Books - https://www.scholastic.com/home
• OLMCA - https://www.olmca.org
• OLMCA Parent Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1483158601971019/
In closing, I would like to say that I am looking forward to a GREAT year working with your child and you! If there are ever any questions, concerns, or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me.