The children did such a great job during our first three days of school and I am looking forward to a wonderful year with your little ones. As I know you are aware, your child is tired after school and an early bedtime is a good idea. We are very busy making new friends, learning rules and procedures, and finding out what kindergarten entails. As I've stated before, you will be amazed with all your child discovers and learns during this first year of school and I feel so blessed to witness this firsthand.
We will begin to work with one letter per day to focus on letter sounds and proper letter formation. Most children have not yet been introduced to the D'Nealian handwriting program and we work very hard in kindergarten to form letters properly and imprint this into their muscle memory. We have already worked with the letters Mm and Jj. This week our letters are Aa, Dd, Tt, Bb, and Rr. Once we review every letter, we will begin a more detailed study of each letter, as well as parts of speech, punctuation, story elements, and proper grammar.
We will continue to reinforce the rules and routines at Poly Drive, as well as in our classroom. I will introduce literacy centers this week, which reinforce things we have learned and worked on in class. The children will work in groups of three and will progress through three centers per day. During center time, I am able to observe, assist, and work with individual children or small groups.
Math ~ We will begin our first chapter, which concentrates on directional concepts like inside, outside, under, on, top, bottom, and middle. We will graph our names using the number of letters in our names.
Art ~ On black paper, the children will glue small beads in the shape of their names to create a "Name in Lights" display in the hall.
Social Studies ~ Each child is making an "All About Me" book. They are creating pages showing family, home, friends, and individual attributes.
We will have P.E. every Monday afternoon, so please make sure that your child wears appropriate shoes for exercise and activity. Our music class is on Thursday mornings and Library takes place on Friday afternoons.
Mark your calendars for Open House. This is a school-wide event where your child can show you what we are doing in kindergarten and share some details about our class. Thursday September 9th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. is the date and I hope to see you there!
Have a wonderful week!
August 25th ~ August 29th
Welcome to Poly Drive Elementary School and Room 9.
This is a very important stage in your child’s life and I am thrilled to share this with you. This will be a year filled with wonder and new discoveries for your child, but you – the parents – are the key to your child’s success. Over an over, research has proven that the best schools, the best teachers, and the best principals are not as important to a child’s achievement in school as a parent. You have more ability to motivate, to stimulate, and to encourage success than anyone . . . or anything else. Because you are such an important factor in your child’s education, it is my responsibility to stay in touch with you and let you know how your child is doing and what we can do to work together. Please let me know if your child is having a difficult time at school, a bad morning, etc. This may prevent problems from arising and will also notify me if someone needs a little extra “T.L.C.” that day.
What do we do in Kindergarten?
We are constantly immersed in print. The children do not even realize all that they are learning each day because it is fun! Kindergarten is discovering intellectually, learning to share, take turns, and work with others, and adapting to a regular – though flexible daily schedule. Daily exploration with math concepts, calendar time, and manipulatives will lay the foundation for problem solving and number sense. You will not find the children sitting at a desk with a workbook and pencil. Kindergarten is filled with exploration, carefully planned activities to lay the foundations for reading, writing, and arithmetic, and developing social and emotional skills and attitudes necessary for success in all areas of life.
Who is Mrs. Beatty?
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 27 years and we have
two terrific boys – ages 22 and 17. Our older son, Josh is preparing to become a math teacher and he is completing his student teaching this year. He married the love of his life over the summer and we were thrilled to welcome Jessica to our family. Our younger son, Tyler is a senior this year at Skyview and was the Best Man at his brother’s wedding. I love teaching full-day Kindergarten and I feel so blessed that you are sharing your child with me during this school year. Thank you!
Will we have Show and Tell?
Beginning in October, your child will bring home a bag each week to place a show and tell item in. The children will be encouraged to find an item at home that begins with a specific letter, is small enough to fit in the bag, and is not breathing. We will have show and tell each Thursday afternoon.
Do we celebrate birthdays?
Yes we do! We will also recognize summer birthdays toward
the end of the school year and treats are welcome. Please keep in mind that many children are allergic to nuts, so please do not send any treats containing nuts or nut products. Because cupcakes are very messy, I ask that you choose another option – cookies, fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, vegetables, and fresh fruit are all great choices.
Are there volunteers in the room?
Yes, volunteers are always welcome! I will send information home for you to complete and return to me if you are interested. I like to give the children at least one month to adjust to school and our routines before beginning the volunteer schedule. If I need help with a specific project or field trip, I will solicit help via our weekly classroom newsletter and blog. A big thank you to all parents who help . . . it’s great to have so much support.
What is the Shining Star of the week?
Beginning in October, one child per week will be given a blank poster titled, “You Are A Shining Star” and he or she will be the Shining Star for the following week. You and your child may decorate the poster with special photos, mementos, stickers, etc. so we can get to know our classmates better. When your child is the Shining Star, he/she may wish to introduce the class to moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, pets, etc. Let me know if you would like to set a time for a special visit during your child’s “Shining Star” week.
You may want to begin searching for those adorable pictures and mementos now to include on your child’s poster.
At the end of the year, the Shining Star posters will be sent to the print shop, where a “Room 9 Shining Stars” yearbook will be printed and given to each child during the last week of school.
What specialists will my child see each week?
All-day Kindergarten students benefit from specialized Health and Physical Education, Music Instruction, and Library time. A 30-minute class with each of these specialists will be included in your child’s weekly schedule. Please make sure that library books are returned each week so your child may check out another book. The children love books and having a book to take home helps to instill a “passion” for reading. Appropriate shoes will be required on P.E. days so please do not allow your child to wear sandals/flip flops on gym days.
Hot or Cold Lunch?
Your child may pack a lunch from home, or you may purchase a hot lunch through the school. If you pack a lunch, milk may be purchased for .60 cents. If your child chooses hot lunch, milk is included. A weekly or monthly hot lunch ticket may be purchased at the office and you will be notified when another ticket is needed.
How will we receive news from Room 9?
I will prepare a newsletter most weeks that will summarize what we are doing and learning in class. This will provide suggestions for activities to complete with your child to reinforce the concepts he/she is learning at school. I also have a classroom blog and if you would prefer to receive classroom news in that manner to save paper, please let me know and I will not send a paper copy home with your child. Your child will also bring home an envelope each Wednesday (The Wednesday Watch) with a variety of information to keep you up to date with happenings at Poly Drive Elementary and Room 9. Please remove the contents of the envelope, sign the front of the envelope, and return just the envelope the following day. Open lines of communication will ensure the best education for your child. I will check my email multiple times throughout the day and that is usually the most efficient way to contact me.
Of course, you may call me anytime you have questions or comments and I will return your call as quickly as possible.
What are the rules in Kindergarten?
I try to keep this very simple . . .
* Follow directions *
* Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself *
* Never stop the learning *
I use encouragement and praise when I see appropriate behavior.
What will my child’s schedule look like?
We will always follow a developmentally appropriate schedule. Our day begins at 8:20 a.m. and the children are dismissed at 2:20 p.m.
In the mornings, we focus on Reading, Shared Reading, Guiding Reading Groups when appropriate, Interactive Writing, etc. Our afternoons are filled with Science, Social Studies, Writing, Math and Math games, and Art. We will generally have 3 recesses – one in the morning, one after lunch, and one in the afternoon.
If it is very cold outside (below zero) or raining, we may stay in for recess.
Due to our unpredictable Montana weather, please send appropriate outerwear every day. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to coats, hats, gloves, and boots.
When are conferences?
Individual conferences will be conducted from November 3rd–5th and will be scheduled, as we get closer. At that time, I will review samples of your child’s work with you and we can discuss progress in specific areas. Details about spring conferences will be provided in the Wednesday Watch envelope when the time approaches.
This is going to be a great year and you will witness tremendous growth in your child over the next 9 months. Enjoy the journey and I look forward to sharing Kindergarten with you!
Kim Beatty
This is a very important stage in your child’s life and I am thrilled to share this with you. This will be a year filled with wonder and new discoveries for your child, but you – the parents – are the key to your child’s success. Over an over, research has proven that the best schools, the best teachers, and the best principals are not as important to a child’s achievement in school as a parent. You have more ability to motivate, to stimulate, and to encourage success than anyone . . . or anything else. Because you are such an important factor in your child’s education, it is my responsibility to stay in touch with you and let you know how your child is doing and what we can do to work together. Please let me know if your child is having a difficult time at school, a bad morning, etc. This may prevent problems from arising and will also notify me if someone needs a little extra “T.L.C.” that day.
What do we do in Kindergarten?
We are constantly immersed in print. The children do not even realize all that they are learning each day because it is fun! Kindergarten is discovering intellectually, learning to share, take turns, and work with others, and adapting to a regular – though flexible daily schedule. Daily exploration with math concepts, calendar time, and manipulatives will lay the foundation for problem solving and number sense. You will not find the children sitting at a desk with a workbook and pencil. Kindergarten is filled with exploration, carefully planned activities to lay the foundations for reading, writing, and arithmetic, and developing social and emotional skills and attitudes necessary for success in all areas of life.
Who is Mrs. Beatty?
I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 27 years and we have
two terrific boys – ages 22 and 17. Our older son, Josh is preparing to become a math teacher and he is completing his student teaching this year. He married the love of his life over the summer and we were thrilled to welcome Jessica to our family. Our younger son, Tyler is a senior this year at Skyview and was the Best Man at his brother’s wedding. I love teaching full-day Kindergarten and I feel so blessed that you are sharing your child with me during this school year. Thank you!
Will we have Show and Tell?
Beginning in October, your child will bring home a bag each week to place a show and tell item in. The children will be encouraged to find an item at home that begins with a specific letter, is small enough to fit in the bag, and is not breathing. We will have show and tell each Thursday afternoon.
Do we celebrate birthdays?
Yes we do! We will also recognize summer birthdays toward
the end of the school year and treats are welcome. Please keep in mind that many children are allergic to nuts, so please do not send any treats containing nuts or nut products. Because cupcakes are very messy, I ask that you choose another option – cookies, fruit snacks, fruit roll-ups, vegetables, and fresh fruit are all great choices.
Are there volunteers in the room?
Yes, volunteers are always welcome! I will send information home for you to complete and return to me if you are interested. I like to give the children at least one month to adjust to school and our routines before beginning the volunteer schedule. If I need help with a specific project or field trip, I will solicit help via our weekly classroom newsletter and blog. A big thank you to all parents who help . . . it’s great to have so much support.
What is the Shining Star of the week?
Beginning in October, one child per week will be given a blank poster titled, “You Are A Shining Star” and he or she will be the Shining Star for the following week. You and your child may decorate the poster with special photos, mementos, stickers, etc. so we can get to know our classmates better. When your child is the Shining Star, he/she may wish to introduce the class to moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, pets, etc. Let me know if you would like to set a time for a special visit during your child’s “Shining Star” week.
You may want to begin searching for those adorable pictures and mementos now to include on your child’s poster.
At the end of the year, the Shining Star posters will be sent to the print shop, where a “Room 9 Shining Stars” yearbook will be printed and given to each child during the last week of school.
What specialists will my child see each week?
All-day Kindergarten students benefit from specialized Health and Physical Education, Music Instruction, and Library time. A 30-minute class with each of these specialists will be included in your child’s weekly schedule. Please make sure that library books are returned each week so your child may check out another book. The children love books and having a book to take home helps to instill a “passion” for reading. Appropriate shoes will be required on P.E. days so please do not allow your child to wear sandals/flip flops on gym days.
Hot or Cold Lunch?
Your child may pack a lunch from home, or you may purchase a hot lunch through the school. If you pack a lunch, milk may be purchased for .60 cents. If your child chooses hot lunch, milk is included. A weekly or monthly hot lunch ticket may be purchased at the office and you will be notified when another ticket is needed.
How will we receive news from Room 9?
I will prepare a newsletter most weeks that will summarize what we are doing and learning in class. This will provide suggestions for activities to complete with your child to reinforce the concepts he/she is learning at school. I also have a classroom blog and if you would prefer to receive classroom news in that manner to save paper, please let me know and I will not send a paper copy home with your child. Your child will also bring home an envelope each Wednesday (The Wednesday Watch) with a variety of information to keep you up to date with happenings at Poly Drive Elementary and Room 9. Please remove the contents of the envelope, sign the front of the envelope, and return just the envelope the following day. Open lines of communication will ensure the best education for your child. I will check my email multiple times throughout the day and that is usually the most efficient way to contact me.
Of course, you may call me anytime you have questions or comments and I will return your call as quickly as possible.
What are the rules in Kindergarten?
I try to keep this very simple . . .
* Follow directions *
* Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself *
* Never stop the learning *
I use encouragement and praise when I see appropriate behavior.
What will my child’s schedule look like?
We will always follow a developmentally appropriate schedule. Our day begins at 8:20 a.m. and the children are dismissed at 2:20 p.m.
In the mornings, we focus on Reading, Shared Reading, Guiding Reading Groups when appropriate, Interactive Writing, etc. Our afternoons are filled with Science, Social Studies, Writing, Math and Math games, and Art. We will generally have 3 recesses – one in the morning, one after lunch, and one in the afternoon.
If it is very cold outside (below zero) or raining, we may stay in for recess.
Due to our unpredictable Montana weather, please send appropriate outerwear every day. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to coats, hats, gloves, and boots.
When are conferences?
Individual conferences will be conducted from November 3rd–5th and will be scheduled, as we get closer. At that time, I will review samples of your child’s work with you and we can discuss progress in specific areas. Details about spring conferences will be provided in the Wednesday Watch envelope when the time approaches.
This is going to be a great year and you will witness tremendous growth in your child over the next 9 months. Enjoy the journey and I look forward to sharing Kindergarten with you!
Kim Beatty
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Mrs. Beatty
I teach kindergarten at Poly Drive Elementary and just love the days that I spend with the little ones! I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 27 years and we have two boys. Josh is 22 and lives in San Diego, CA. He married the love of his life this summer and we were thrilled to welcome Jessica to our family. Our son Tyler is 18 and attends Skyview. He was very proud to be the Best Man in his brother's wedding. We have a pet box turtle named Tortuga. I love to volunteer at our church, spend time outdoors with my family ~ especially camping, and I LOVE to read and learn new things!
Blessings ~ Mrs. Beatty
(see photos at bottom of blog)
Blessings ~ Mrs. Beatty
(see photos at bottom of blog)
