We are having an absolutely wonderful time. The children are delightful! Mrs. Hogan and I have been finding ourselves smiling at each other constantly for something one of the children has said or done. They also seem eager to learn.
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Dates to Remember
August 27 Book Orders due
September 3 Word Boxes
September 30 Beauty and the Beast
October 1 Jackson's Orchard |
Dear Parents,
Welcome to St. Joseph's Kindergarten. We love teaching at St. Joseph School. Kindergarten is so much fun, and it is a joy to watch the children grow and learn. This is such an important year for your child. We want this beginning to be a wonderful experience. We feel blessed to be working with such wonderful children and parents here at St. Joe. Remember you are always welcome! If you need anything, feel free to call us. With your active support, this will be the best year ever! See you soon, Pam Peters
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Our Ladybugs
& Bumble Bees
Lola Aikins
Claire Allen
Gabriel Altube
Ava Coffman
Audrey Cowan
Dominic Davis
Cates Duncan
Barrett Garvin
Dillon Maners
Kayelee Maners
Connor Melton
Sakura Ogawa
Emma Rutter
Troy Smith
James Watts
Faith Wilson
Sarah Zoellner
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St. Joseph School's Kindergarten is a curriculum designed to address the developmental needs of the child. The goal of the program is to help each child become a life long learner by providing a variety of appropriate learning opportunites within the Catholic school community.
The curriculum is thematic and integrated so that the instruction is centered on a general theme and learning occurs through direct teaching instruction, child and teacher initiated activities, hands on activities, individual and group activities, and learning centers. For example, while studying about weather, the children use books, poems, songs, writing projects, science experiments, math, social studies, and religion to further their understanding.
The classroom environment is prepared so the children can learn though active involvement with each other, adults, and appropriate materials. Learning materials and activities are concrete, usually real and relevant to the children's lives. Segments of instruction are carried out in small groups where children take turns working together and giving feedback to one another. Tables are used for children to work on alone or in small groups.
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RELIGION
The children participate in daily prayer; prayer consists in the morning assembly attended by all classes as well as the routine times of prayer in the classroom. Through a variety of sources, including the current Blest Are We program, the children "learn the story" from Creation to the Resurrection. The children become aware of Jesus' love for us. They learn to respect all people and their individual differences, and they develop special Christian values. The Liturgical Calendar as well as special prayer events - the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, etc. - are celebrated. The children will start to attend weekly Mass during the second semester.
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LANGUAGE
Saxon Phonics and whole language activities are the basis of the language arts curriculum.
Saxon Phonics - learning to read and pronounce words by learning the spoken value of letters, letter combinations, and syllables. Whole Language Activities - listening to stories, creating stories, writing, reading, word study, role playing, daily oral language, buddy reading, journal writing, comprehension activities, and games.
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MATH
Saxon Math and Calendar activities are the basis of the math program. Units of Study: Oral Counting, Number Recognition and Sequencing, Identifying Ordinal Position, Acting Out Addition and Subtraction Stories, Counting With One-to-One Correspondence, Sorting, Patterning, Graphing Real Objects and Pictures, Identifying and Counting Pennies, Dimes, and Nickles; Identifying One Half, Identifying Shapes, Covering and replicating Geometric Designs, Measuring Using Nonstandard Units of Measure, Telling Time to The Hour, Using a Calendar
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SOCIAL STUDIES Social Studies Themes make up the framework of the kindergarten program. These themes are relevant to the life experience of the young child which in turn makes learning useful and meaningful. These themes are integrated with all other subjects. Possible themes for this year are: bears, pumpkins, apples, seasons, friends, family, advent, angels, ocean life, insects, food, lent, creation, dental health, and the body.
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SCIENCE AND HEALTH The natural world, the environment, plants, animals, weather, and the seasons are studied through discovery, observation, and experimentation. Health concepts are integrated into the program through daily habits. Body structure and function, personal safety, nutrition, and dental health are topics introduced.
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**Specialists work with the children daily. Art, music, movement and opportunities for physical activity are integrated throughout the day.
**A folder will be sent home daily. Please check it each night and send it back the following day. There will be important information, student work, and assessments as well as homework included in it. Homework is intended to provided practice on learned material and bridge home with the school. Parents are encouraged to talk meaningfully with the child about the assignment and assist where ever necessary.
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Sample Schedule
Prayer
graph lunch, folders
Journals
Circle/Show-and-Share
Calendar math
Special
Snack
Language
Centers
Lunch, rest
Religion
Math
Theme
Science/Social Studies
Recess
Guest Readers
Ready for home
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ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL Kindergarten through eighth grade students assemble in the school gym after 7:30 a.m. with breakfast being offered from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m. The only door open for arrivals is the blue door with the canopy, which is located at the end of the parking lot. Kindergarten students with no older siblings will be dismissed at 2:45 from the blue arrival door. For a smooth dismissal, please be at school to pick up your child at this time. All other students will be dismissed at 2:55 with their siblings.
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SPECIAL EVENTS
BIRTHDAYS Birthdays are celebrated in class. The child can bring in a treat for the class.
HOLIDAYS
Room mothers help with the celebration of holidays. Every parent is usually contacted during the year to send necessary treats and materials. Parties are celebrated for such holidays as Halloween, Christmas, etc. FIELD TRIPS The class will attend field trips as the year goes by. Common field trip traditions include the fall trip to Jackson's Orchard, the trip to Chaney's Dairy Barn, and frequent trips to plays performed at the Capitol Arts. *A new Kentucky law requires that all children under seven years be secured in a carseat or booster. Therefore, booster seats are required at St. Joseph School for all kindergarteners on driving field trips.
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SHOW AND SHARE
Dear Parents, Throughout the year, the children will be involved in Show and Share. Your child may bring something to share with the class on his or her special day. For example, Tommy may bring something to share every Monday, and Jill may bring something to share every Tuesday (schedule provided below). Of course, your child does not always have to bring something for Show and Share. Example of acceptable items are photos, vacation items, books, special family items, etc. An example of an unacceptable item would include toys, so please leave them at home. Bringing toys to school opens the risk of losing or breaking them. Thank you for your cooperation.
Warmly, Pam Peters
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Our Bunny Cutie P. Tootie |
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