ROOM 102 Georgia PreK Program Orientation at WILLIS

ROOM 102 Georgia Pre-K Program Orientation at WILLIS FOREMAN See Flyer for times and dates

Welcome to WILLIS FOREMAN! Meet Our Principal…

Our Principal…… Ms. Shaunta Payton Assistant Principal… Dr. Scott

SUPER FANTASTIC Front Office Staff Just to name a few…… • Mrs. Jones – Registrar • Mr. Jones – WFES School Counselor

Meet the Pre-K STAFF…. . Ms. COOPER – TEACHER v 10 years serving Pre-K’ers across the CSRA. v Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. Mr. Sherry – ASSISTANT v 24 year supporting education v Bachelors in Early Childhood, v We are excited about this upcoming year. We have a lot of fun things planned. v This will be an AWESOME Year!

SCHOOL INFORMATION • Students may enter the building at 7: 00 a. m. for breakfast. • Our school day begins at 7: 30 a. m. • Dismissal is at 2: 30 p. m. • ANNOUNCED DISMISSAL • Car Riders- Pick-up - side of school. • Buses and Day Care Only - side of school • Walkers- released at side of school.

Georgia’s Pre-K Program Georgia's Pre-K Program is a lottery funded educational program for Georgia's four year olds to prepare children for Kindergarten.

Requirements for the Pre -K Program • • • Proof of residency Birth Certificate Immunization Forms Ear, Eye, Dental and Nutrition Social Security Card or completed form

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR

The Pre-K program helps children to become independent self-confident and enthusiastic learners. The program focuses on child-centered learning. What does this mean?

It means that we encourage our students to learn by doing. Please do not be alarmed when you do not see any work being sent home.

Learning Centers Pre-K classrooms have learning centers that are supplied with books, materials, and learning activities. Students have one hour of uninterrupted time in centers daily. ü Sensory Table ü Music Center ü Reading Center ü Computer Center ü Housekeeping ü Math Center ü Writing Center ü Dramatic Play ü Blocks ü Art Center ü Science Center

Content Standards ü Lessons are designed by using content standards as a guide. ü The Pre-K content standards are aligned with the kindergarten standards. ü It guides teachers by providing details of what students should learn while in the Pre-K program. CREATIVE CURRICULUM

Assessments Students will be rated on 69 performance indicators in the following areas using a system called WSO: üLanguage Arts/Literacy üMathematics üSocial Studies üScience üSocial Development üHealth/Physical Development Students will be rated based on observations, work samples, anecdotal notes, pictures that shows if the student demonstrates an understanding.

Parent Conferences There will be two parent conferences held twice a year to discuss student progress 1 st Conference – December (at school) 2 nd Conference – May (at school)

Attendance & Tardiness • Attendance is very important in Pre-K. • Unexcused absences, tardies, and early dismissals may cause your child to be disenrolled. • 9 consecutive days of unexcused absences, tardies, and early dismissals will result in disenrollment from the program.

Attendance & Tardiness Please send all doctor’s or written excuses on the day that your child returns to school.

Daily Communication Binder • Used for daily communication (excuses or notes/letter to teacher). • Behavior sheet and monthly newsletters. • Any changes to transportation must be in writing and sent by parent or guardian (with signature and date). • Even when there is no information to send home, the folders will be sent to teach responsibility (please check and initial daily)

Positive Classroom Environment • Encourage positive classroom behavior. (please talk to your child about keeping their hands to themselves) • Behavior issues will be addressed in class. • If behavior issues cause continuous disruptions, parents will be contacted by phone or note.

End of the Year Celebration Bright from the Start does not recommend “graduation” for four-year-old children as an appropriate activity. Instead we will have an End of the Year Celebration.

Remember…………… Ø If you would like to volunteer and work with our class, you will need to attend the volunteer training. Ø If you are interested in the volunteer training, please let me know. Ø Volunteers interested in being a room parent to help with parties, celebrations, and field trips……. please let me know.

Helpful Hint: Put your child’s First and Last Name on everything! (coats, sweaters, lunch boxes, backpacks, etc……)

Items Needed For Classroom: Change of Clothes Backpack (Please do not send toys) Blanket for naptime 1” binder with pockets Classroom Donations (not required): Kleenex Wipes Sanitizer Hand soap White or Color Paper

SURVIVING THE SEPARATION

Transitioning to the “Big School” Please know we have your child’s best interest in all that we do.

And on your child’s “Arriving to School”…… • Parents allow your children to walk to the classroom. This really helps with the transition. Let your child know you will be back after school to pick them up.

• We’ll continue to keep you “up to date” with…… » Pre-K Newsletters, Thursday Folders, WILLIS FOREMAN Website, Teacher Websites. » Field Trips? ? ? » Class Schedule (look for notes)

Additional information on Georgia’s Pre-K Program can be found on the Bright From the Start website……. http: //decal. ga. gov/Prek/Families. aspx

Feel free to call if you have any questions. We look forward to working with your family. Let’s make it a great year!

Ms. COOPER’s school hours are from 7: 00 – 3: 00 daily. School phone: (706) 592 -3991 Email address: coopeta@boe. richmond. k 12. ga. us