General Parent Information
Pre-K is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. We look forward to providing the best possible learning environment to educate the “whole” child. Each child will progress at his/her own rate, acquiring skills as s/he is developmentally ready. Maintaining each child’s self-esteem and building a secure foundation for future growth will always remain a priority in our center. With teamwork and cooperation among parents, teachers, and students, we will have a successful year!
- Please send a change of clothes, including underwear, socks, shirt and pants in a Ziploc bag with your child’s name. Extra shoes are also acceptable but not required.
- A quiet rest time, known as “brain break,” will be offered. Your child will need a blanket (no sleeping bags) that will be sent home every Friday for laundering. Your child will not be required to nap, but will be asked to quietly engage in an activity if they do not fall asleep. A small stuffed animal (a.k.a. nap buddy) is allowed if it will fit in a small lunch size paper bag. The animal is for snuggling not playing.
- Students go outside to recess each day weather permitting. Please send appropriate outwear with your child daily when the weather gets colder. Please write your child’s name in the jacket or coat.
- Students are expected to take care of their toileting needs and routines. Your child will be coached to change their clothes when accidents occur. Parents will be called to assist in changing clothes when a BM accident occurs.
Click on the links below to answer some questions about Pre-K.
Security
All visitors will check in through SchoolSafe ID in the front office with a valid Driver’s License when entering the building. During arrival and dismissal have your Family ID card visible. Family ID cards are distributed at Meet Your Teacher. You may exit a side door to leave after dropping off your child in the morning, but please do not allow anyone to enter the side doors.
Attendance
On-time arrival and Daily Attendance is encouraged. It is necessary to be prompt and present in class to fully participate and benefit from class programs. Tardies and absences are documented. Please call the school office by 9:30 a.m. at 918-806-8665 if your child is going to be late or absent.
Arrival and Dismissal
Specific information on how children will be dropped off and picked up from school, including traffic flow maps and maps of the school are available in the office. Parents are asked to bring their child’s backpack to school so an important bag tag can be fastened to their backpack to assist with getting the student to class daily. The bag tag will allow staff to easily identify classroom pod color/hallway, classroom teacher, and mode of transportation (tag #, daycare, etc.)
Morning arrival is between 8:15 a.m. and 8:45 a.m.
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During the arrival window, teachers, teacher’s assistants, and other staff will help children out of their vehicle in the car rider line, escort small groups into the building and assist them to their classroom.
Afternoon dismissal is between 2:20 p.m. and 2:50 p.m.
- At the end of the school day, parents will go directly to their child’s class to pick them up during the pick up time listed above.
- Please be on time for dismissal, no later than 2:50 p.m. It is very upsetting for students to be picked up late or last and can cause separation anxiety later.
- Please inform the teacher or office if a person other than a parent or guardian will be picking up your child. You may add people to the ‘pick up list’ at the front office by completing a form.
- We cannot release a student to someone we do not know without a photo ID and prior notification.
Breakfast and Lunch
Online payments for school meals can be made using MySchoolBucks. Breakfast in a bag will be available in the classrooms between 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. The cost is $1.80.
Lunch will be served in the classroom. A school lunch is available to purchase for $2.65. Students may bring lunch from home, but fast food is prohibited. Parents may eat lunch with their child at the designated location, determined by each school site.
Students will experience a modified version of Family Style Dining which provides excellent opportunities for students to develop social skills, good manners, and fine motor skills. Students will set the tables, learn how to initiate and engage in appropriate conversations, and discuss the events of their day.
Curriculum
Conscious Discipline and Feeling Buddies Self-Regulation by Loving Guidance
Teaching Strategies, The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, supports cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and creative development through intentional and focused learning opportunities
- Everyday Mathematics
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Travis & Presley Character Education & Bully Prevention
Children are naturally curious and active learners. To make the most of this Pre-K year, teachers will guide students through social and active learning experiences and a learning process called, “Plan-Do-Review.” Students will explore and discover interest areas through purposeful play. They will also have time for physical play, group games, craft projects, free art expression, activities to stimulate their senses, and LOTS of conversation. There will be chances every day for your child to learn what an important part of the world they really are, and how to get along in that world.
School Expectations
School expectations encourage self-respect, respect for others and kindness. Students learn life skills through the district’s character education program, Tiger Challenge, which is inspired by the nationwide Rachel’s Challenge program, and Conscious Discipline. Conscious Discipline is a social-emotional curriculum which empowers both teachers and students. It is based on current brain research, child development information, and developmentally appropriate practices. We continually strive to refine our classroom management strategies through professional development and selected readings.
Dress Code
Please view the district’s ECC and Elementary Handbook for the dress code. If you need a hard copy of the handbook, please request one from the front office. Tennis shoes (or shoes which fit securely) are strongly recommended to help ensure the safety of your child. Please label all outerwear (cardigans, sweaters, sweatshirts, coats, hats, etc.) with your child’s name.
Birthdays
Birthdays may be celebrated as part of our class routines and you may provide a special snack on your child’s birthday, BUT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO DO SO. Please prearrange birthday treats with the teacher. Because of District guidelines, we may not hold birthday parties during school hours.
We will pass out birthday invitations if the student brings one for the whole class or for all the boys or all the girls. This helps to prevent hurt feelings. We cannot give out class lists, addresses or phone numbers because of privacy laws.
Enhance Your Child's Experiences
- Play is the work of young children. Initiate conversation with your child by saying, “Tell me something about your day.”
- Read to your child daily
- Make sure your child is getting 10-12 hours of sleep.
Communications
We value parent involvement and we encourage you to be involved with your child’s education by becoming active in the school and maintaining consistent communication.
You can contact your child’s teacher by phone, email, or by simply sending a note with your child. We will do our best to keep you informed throughout the year by way of newsletters, emails, parent teacher conferences, and phone calls.