frequently asked questions asked questions

What if my child has a playdate with a friend after school?

Please make sure to send in a note to your child’s teacher so the teacher will know where your child should go. If there is a last-minute change, please contact the school office and they will get the message to your child’s teacher. If children do not normally ride the bus, they may ride the bus home with a friend if they have a note signed by a parent or guardian stating that they are allowed to do so.

What are the big events I should attend?

There are many events throughout the year but some of the events that you may want to make arrangements to attend are open house, the Halloween walk and end-of-the-year parties. Please ask your child’s classroom teacher for details.

What costs are required throughout the year?

A fee is charged to each parent. This fee covers part of the cost of reading, phonics and math workbooks, technology use, as well as other consumable materials. This fee is payable in the fall. Please see the district website > Parents > Student Fee Schedule for more information.

Should I teach my child to count?

When your child expresses a desire to count, teach them to count objects within their realm of experience – toys, children, books, etc. Teach your child to recognize numbers through their address, a clock, etc.

Should I teach my child the alphabet?

Recent studies indicate that the child who can recognize the letters of the alphabet will also find reading easier in the first grade. Consequently, the alphabet, upper and lower case, will be emphasized during the use of reading journals, games and other media. Your child undoubtedly will benefit from additional help at home.

How can I prepare my child to get ready to read?

Read to them often and let them see you read, too. Furnish your child with many experiences of different kinds; encourage the asking of questions and answer them as well as you can; help your child speak clearly; help them to follow directions and work independently; develop a sense of responsibility and initiative in your child and provide your child with good books.

Should I teach my child to write their name?

When your child expresses the desire to write their name, teach them to print in any way that is least frustrating for the child. Often, if you force a child to write too early, muscles are not developed well enough and the child becomes frustrated. Once your child comes to kindergarten, they will learn a form of printing that is found in the reading journals and is made with a simple stroke. Do not worry if your child cannot write all of the letters in both upper and lower case forms.

If my child if left-handed, should I teach them to use their right hand?

Most children show a preference for either the right or the left hand. If your child does not show a preference, experience with pencils, crayons and scissors during the school year will help determine which hand is more comfortable to perform these tasks.