ABC's of Kindergarten
Attendance
Being at school every single day is important for your child’s learning experience! If you child will be absent, please call the school and let the office know.
Alphafriends
The students will do a letter study each week. Our reading curriculum will introduce the letters with the help of an Alphafriend. Each week, you will know what Alphafriend we will be working on.
Arrival
School begins at 8:25 and ends at 3:00.
Art
Your child will have art one day a week with the art teacher. I often times send the projects home as soon as they are dry and ready to go.
Birthdays
If your child would like to bring a treat for his/her birthday, you may do so, but it MUST BE WRAPPED to take home. NO CUPCAKES PLEASE! Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Backpacks
Be sure that your child’s backpack holds a folder. Having a backpack at school is important so that important papers, etc. make it home.
Butterflies
Your child will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly in the Spring. We will watch the process from a caterpillar to a butterfly and note the changes that we see! The students have a lot of fun with this!
Breakfast
District 100 schools offer breakfast to all students. Breakfast is served in the classroom at the beginning of each day. Breakfast is $1.00 per day. You may send in a check to cover many breakfasts. If you do not choose to have your child eat breakfast at school, please be sure that they have breakfast at home.
Clothing
Please send in an extra pair of clothes to keep in your child’s locker. I ask that you send in a shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Many times, accidents happen unexpectedly.
Conferences
There are three scheduled months where we have conferences at Emerson School. You will be notified if you are scheduled to have a conference time. Please be sure to be ontime for conferences so that we can make the most of the time with each other.
Centers
During the week from Monday through Friday, your child will be working in centers. Each table will work on a different activity or skill, and will get to each table by the end of the week. This helps the students with skills, independent thinking and working, social skills, and responsibility.
Communication
Good communication is very important to your child’s successes in school. If you would like to talk to me, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may send a note, e-mail, or call. My e-mail address is [email protected]. E-mail is the easiest way to get a hold of me.
My phone number at school is 708-795-2322 x4121
Dismissal
School dismisses at 3:00pm, and we dismiss between Emerson and Heritage Schools. I come outside with the students so that I see who they are going home with. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the office and let them know. If a child is not picked up, he/she will be brought to the office to wait.
Emergency Information
Your child MUST have current emergency contact information on file with the office and nurse. This is very important in case the school needs to get a hold of you. If your contact information changes throughout the year, please notify both the office and me so that we have the most up to date information in case of an emergency
Fire Drills
Your child will participate in fire drills throughout the year. This is to help prepare the students in case there was a real emergency.
Folders
Your child will receive a purple folder. Please be sure to check your child’s folder every day. This folder should come back to school with your child every day so that all papers get home. This will be a form of communication between school and home.
Grades
The students will not receive a letter grade for each report card period. They will receive a number based on your child’s academic ability. We are on trimesters. You will receive a report card for your child three times a year.
Homework
Your child will receive a homework calendar for the first half of the school year. Homework is optional, although, highly recommended. After winter break, your child will have a homework calendar and homework every Tuesday and Thursday.
Handwriting
When your child is introduced to a letter, we will also focus on the correct strokes to make that letter. Please practice handwriting at home to reinforce what is taught in the classroom.
Illness
If your child has symptoms of being ill, please keep them home for at least 24 hours. Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, fever, vomiting, etc. If your child is not feeling well, we will call you at home to come pick up your child. This is where the emergency cards are important to have at school J.
Instruction
Each and every day I strive to instruct your child the best that I can. I try to use multi-sensory approaches to lessons so that I am able to reach all learners. I take my job seriously and will educate your child with enthusiasm, concern, and care!
iPads
We are very fortunate to have 1:1 technology in our district 100! Every child will have an iPad to use in the classroom.
Jackets
Please be sure to send your child to school with a jacket. Often times, when the weather gets nicer, your child will go outside for Physical Education.
Journal Writing
The Kindergarten students will do journal writing throughout the year. It will start our as picture journals and eventually flow into writing. At the end of the year, I will send your child’s journal home with him/her.
Kindergarten
For many of the students, this is the first time they are going to school. I hope to make this year the best year for the students. We will have fun while learning lots!
Library
Your child will go to the library once a week. Mrs. Stigler, the librarian, will read a story and let the students check out a book. The books are due by the next week. If your child does not bring his/her book back, they are not able to check a book out until the book is returned.
Math
Weekly, we will work on math skills such as rote counting, shapes, skip counting, patterns, money, and time.
Ms. Lopez
Ms. Beatriz Lopez is the principal at Emerson School!
Nurse
The school nurses at Emerson is Leigh Sands and Kay Otter. If your child is ill, they will take care of him/her.
(Ms. )Optie
I am Ms. Optie, and I will be your child’s Kindergarten Teacher. I have been at Emerson since January 2007. In May 2006, I graduated from Eastern Illinois University. I have my Bachelors of Science in Education. I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science (Biology and Physics). I also hold my Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older sisters who live in different states. I love teaching my students and watching them learn and grow!
(Mrs.) Olsen
Mrs. Olsen is the Reading Specialist at Emerson School. She works with the Kindergarten students during centers time Monday-Friday. She is a great asset to the classroom. Mrs. Olsen also does the AIMSweb assessments for the kindergarten students.
Outdoor Education
When the weather is nice, we might go outside to do projects and activities. If there is something special planned, I will be sure to notify the Kindergarten families in advance.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
There will be three dates for parent/teacher conferences. If the need arises that I need to have a conference not during a scheduled conference time, I will let you know.
Parties
We will have parties/celebrations for Halloween, Winter Holidays, and Valentine’s Day. Room parents will put the activities/party together. Being a room parent is a great way to get involved whether you send items for the party or help on that day.
Physical Education (Gym class)
The kindergarten classes will have PE twice a week. PE classes are 35 minutes. Emerson’s PE teacher is Mr. Jacklin.
Questions
Please contact me with any questions you have throughout the year. It is my goal to make this the best year for your child and YOU! I will make every effort to answer your questions and make this a successful year!
Report Cards
Your child will get a report card three times during the year. Please look at the report card when it comes home, sign, and return to school AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reading
READ TO YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY! Reading is one of the most important things you can do with your child on a daily basis. As the year progresses, you will notice your child begin to be able to read words. Let them read as much as they can with your assistance!
Room Parents
A great way to get involved at school is by being a room parent. The Emerson PTA is in charge of room parents. If you are interested in becoming a room parent, please contact the Emerson PTA.
Science
The focus of the science curriculum is to develop an awareness of the world around us. We will learn about our five senses, the life cycle of a butterfly, the life cycle of a plant, and many other fun science related themes!
Snack
We will have snack in the afternoon. If you would like your child to eat snack, please send him/her with one food item and one drink item. The school will not be providing snack. Snacks MUST be healthy. Unfortunately, if they are not healthy, we cannot let your child eat it. We are a part of the Healthy Schools initiative. We are working on promoting healthy choices and lifestyles.
Social Studies
Social Studies is incorporated throughout the year through many of the subject areas. We focus on our families, classroom, school, and community. We will also touch on holiday celebrations.
Toys
Bringing toys to school is not allowed. I would hate to see a toy lost, broken, or missing. We have many toys in the classroom that your child can play with.
Understanding
I am very understanding! Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, note, or phone.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 708-795-2322 X4121
Valentine’s Day (Friendship Day) Party
We will have a class party for Valentine’s Day/Friendship Day in February.
Visitors
Any visitors must sign in with the office. Ms. Norma and Ms. Yara are the secretaries in the Emerson office.
Writing
This year, your child will learn how to write his/her first and last name, letters, numbers, words, and sentences! I encourage families to also practice this important skill at home.
Words
Your child will be introduced to many words this year. We will do several activities at school to help reinforce these words so that students can see the words and say them. These sight words will help with a good foundation to learning new words. At the end of the year, your child will be tested on the sight words.
eXperiences
Your child will have many wonderful learning experiences this year! I hope that you enjoy all of the experiences your child this year at EmersonSchool.
You
Always remember how important YOU are in the eyes of your child. Ask your child what he/she did in school each day. Have a bedtime routine. Read to your child at this time and enjoy them while at this wonderful age!
ZZZZ’s
Be sure your child gets plenty of rest. Setting a bedtime and sticking with a routine is very important for your child. This will help him/her to be most successful in school!
Being at school every single day is important for your child’s learning experience! If you child will be absent, please call the school and let the office know.
Alphafriends
The students will do a letter study each week. Our reading curriculum will introduce the letters with the help of an Alphafriend. Each week, you will know what Alphafriend we will be working on.
Arrival
School begins at 8:25 and ends at 3:00.
Art
Your child will have art one day a week with the art teacher. I often times send the projects home as soon as they are dry and ready to go.
Birthdays
If your child would like to bring a treat for his/her birthday, you may do so, but it MUST BE WRAPPED to take home. NO CUPCAKES PLEASE! Thank you for your cooperation with this.
Backpacks
Be sure that your child’s backpack holds a folder. Having a backpack at school is important so that important papers, etc. make it home.
Butterflies
Your child will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly in the Spring. We will watch the process from a caterpillar to a butterfly and note the changes that we see! The students have a lot of fun with this!
Breakfast
District 100 schools offer breakfast to all students. Breakfast is served in the classroom at the beginning of each day. Breakfast is $1.00 per day. You may send in a check to cover many breakfasts. If you do not choose to have your child eat breakfast at school, please be sure that they have breakfast at home.
Clothing
Please send in an extra pair of clothes to keep in your child’s locker. I ask that you send in a shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. Many times, accidents happen unexpectedly.
Conferences
There are three scheduled months where we have conferences at Emerson School. You will be notified if you are scheduled to have a conference time. Please be sure to be ontime for conferences so that we can make the most of the time with each other.
Centers
During the week from Monday through Friday, your child will be working in centers. Each table will work on a different activity or skill, and will get to each table by the end of the week. This helps the students with skills, independent thinking and working, social skills, and responsibility.
Communication
Good communication is very important to your child’s successes in school. If you would like to talk to me, please do not hesitate to contact me. You may send a note, e-mail, or call. My e-mail address is [email protected]. E-mail is the easiest way to get a hold of me.
My phone number at school is 708-795-2322 x4121
Dismissal
School dismisses at 3:00pm, and we dismiss between Emerson and Heritage Schools. I come outside with the students so that I see who they are going home with. If you are going to be late picking up your child, please call the office and let them know. If a child is not picked up, he/she will be brought to the office to wait.
Emergency Information
Your child MUST have current emergency contact information on file with the office and nurse. This is very important in case the school needs to get a hold of you. If your contact information changes throughout the year, please notify both the office and me so that we have the most up to date information in case of an emergency
Fire Drills
Your child will participate in fire drills throughout the year. This is to help prepare the students in case there was a real emergency.
Folders
Your child will receive a purple folder. Please be sure to check your child’s folder every day. This folder should come back to school with your child every day so that all papers get home. This will be a form of communication between school and home.
Grades
The students will not receive a letter grade for each report card period. They will receive a number based on your child’s academic ability. We are on trimesters. You will receive a report card for your child three times a year.
Homework
Your child will receive a homework calendar for the first half of the school year. Homework is optional, although, highly recommended. After winter break, your child will have a homework calendar and homework every Tuesday and Thursday.
Handwriting
When your child is introduced to a letter, we will also focus on the correct strokes to make that letter. Please practice handwriting at home to reinforce what is taught in the classroom.
Illness
If your child has symptoms of being ill, please keep them home for at least 24 hours. Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, fever, vomiting, etc. If your child is not feeling well, we will call you at home to come pick up your child. This is where the emergency cards are important to have at school J.
Instruction
Each and every day I strive to instruct your child the best that I can. I try to use multi-sensory approaches to lessons so that I am able to reach all learners. I take my job seriously and will educate your child with enthusiasm, concern, and care!
iPads
We are very fortunate to have 1:1 technology in our district 100! Every child will have an iPad to use in the classroom.
Jackets
Please be sure to send your child to school with a jacket. Often times, when the weather gets nicer, your child will go outside for Physical Education.
Journal Writing
The Kindergarten students will do journal writing throughout the year. It will start our as picture journals and eventually flow into writing. At the end of the year, I will send your child’s journal home with him/her.
Kindergarten
For many of the students, this is the first time they are going to school. I hope to make this year the best year for the students. We will have fun while learning lots!
Library
Your child will go to the library once a week. Mrs. Stigler, the librarian, will read a story and let the students check out a book. The books are due by the next week. If your child does not bring his/her book back, they are not able to check a book out until the book is returned.
Math
Weekly, we will work on math skills such as rote counting, shapes, skip counting, patterns, money, and time.
Ms. Lopez
Ms. Beatriz Lopez is the principal at Emerson School!
Nurse
The school nurses at Emerson is Leigh Sands and Kay Otter. If your child is ill, they will take care of him/her.
(Ms. )Optie
I am Ms. Optie, and I will be your child’s Kindergarten Teacher. I have been at Emerson since January 2007. In May 2006, I graduated from Eastern Illinois University. I have my Bachelors of Science in Education. I majored in Elementary Education with a concentration in Science (Biology and Physics). I also hold my Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy from Walden University. I am the youngest in my family. I have two older sisters who live in different states. I love teaching my students and watching them learn and grow!
(Mrs.) Olsen
Mrs. Olsen is the Reading Specialist at Emerson School. She works with the Kindergarten students during centers time Monday-Friday. She is a great asset to the classroom. Mrs. Olsen also does the AIMSweb assessments for the kindergarten students.
Outdoor Education
When the weather is nice, we might go outside to do projects and activities. If there is something special planned, I will be sure to notify the Kindergarten families in advance.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
There will be three dates for parent/teacher conferences. If the need arises that I need to have a conference not during a scheduled conference time, I will let you know.
Parties
We will have parties/celebrations for Halloween, Winter Holidays, and Valentine’s Day. Room parents will put the activities/party together. Being a room parent is a great way to get involved whether you send items for the party or help on that day.
Physical Education (Gym class)
The kindergarten classes will have PE twice a week. PE classes are 35 minutes. Emerson’s PE teacher is Mr. Jacklin.
Questions
Please contact me with any questions you have throughout the year. It is my goal to make this the best year for your child and YOU! I will make every effort to answer your questions and make this a successful year!
Report Cards
Your child will get a report card three times during the year. Please look at the report card when it comes home, sign, and return to school AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Reading
READ TO YOUR CHILD EVERY DAY! Reading is one of the most important things you can do with your child on a daily basis. As the year progresses, you will notice your child begin to be able to read words. Let them read as much as they can with your assistance!
Room Parents
A great way to get involved at school is by being a room parent. The Emerson PTA is in charge of room parents. If you are interested in becoming a room parent, please contact the Emerson PTA.
Science
The focus of the science curriculum is to develop an awareness of the world around us. We will learn about our five senses, the life cycle of a butterfly, the life cycle of a plant, and many other fun science related themes!
Snack
We will have snack in the afternoon. If you would like your child to eat snack, please send him/her with one food item and one drink item. The school will not be providing snack. Snacks MUST be healthy. Unfortunately, if they are not healthy, we cannot let your child eat it. We are a part of the Healthy Schools initiative. We are working on promoting healthy choices and lifestyles.
Social Studies
Social Studies is incorporated throughout the year through many of the subject areas. We focus on our families, classroom, school, and community. We will also touch on holiday celebrations.
Toys
Bringing toys to school is not allowed. I would hate to see a toy lost, broken, or missing. We have many toys in the classroom that your child can play with.
Understanding
I am very understanding! Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via email, note, or phone.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: 708-795-2322 X4121
Valentine’s Day (Friendship Day) Party
We will have a class party for Valentine’s Day/Friendship Day in February.
Visitors
Any visitors must sign in with the office. Ms. Norma and Ms. Yara are the secretaries in the Emerson office.
Writing
This year, your child will learn how to write his/her first and last name, letters, numbers, words, and sentences! I encourage families to also practice this important skill at home.
Words
Your child will be introduced to many words this year. We will do several activities at school to help reinforce these words so that students can see the words and say them. These sight words will help with a good foundation to learning new words. At the end of the year, your child will be tested on the sight words.
eXperiences
Your child will have many wonderful learning experiences this year! I hope that you enjoy all of the experiences your child this year at EmersonSchool.
You
Always remember how important YOU are in the eyes of your child. Ask your child what he/she did in school each day. Have a bedtime routine. Read to your child at this time and enjoy them while at this wonderful age!
ZZZZ’s
Be sure your child gets plenty of rest. Setting a bedtime and sticking with a routine is very important for your child. This will help him/her to be most successful in school!