Welcome CSA Welcome CSA Kindergarteners! Kindergarteners!

Welcome CSA Welcome CSA Kindergarteners! Kindergarteners!

Teacher: Mrs. Sarah GibsonTeacher: Mrs. Sarah GibsonTeacher’s Assistant: Mrs. Reva TurnerTeacher’s Assistant: Mrs. Reva Turner

Student Teacher for the first semester: Ms. Kristen McIntoshStudent Teacher for the first semester: Ms. Kristen McIntosh

Teacher: Mrs. Sarah GibsonTeacher: Mrs. Sarah GibsonTeacher’s Assistant: Mrs. Reva TurnerTeacher’s Assistant: Mrs. Reva Turner

Student Teacher for the first semester: Ms. Kristen McIntoshStudent Teacher for the first semester: Ms. Kristen McIntosh

About MeAbout Me

My name is Sarah Gibson and I am delighted to guide your child in My name is Sarah Gibson and I am delighted to guide your child in his/her learning experience this year. My husband, Paul, and I his/her learning experience this year. My husband, Paul, and I have lived in Columbus for just over a year now. My husband is a have lived in Columbus for just over a year now. My husband is a mechanical engineer and works for Cummins. mechanical engineer and works for Cummins.

I have taught kindergarten for the past six years. My last year was I have taught kindergarten for the past six years. My last year was here at CSA-Lincoln. The five years before that were in here at CSA-Lincoln. The five years before that were in Lafayette, IN. Prior to kindergarten, I taught second grade in Lafayette, IN. Prior to kindergarten, I taught second grade in Indianapolis. I enjoy teaching, reading books, traveling around Indianapolis. I enjoy teaching, reading books, traveling around the world, and most of all-Disney World! It is my favorite place to the world, and most of all-Disney World! It is my favorite place to visit.visit.

ScheduleSchedule7:50-8:10 – Morning Work/Announcements/Pledge7:50-8:10 – Morning Work/Announcements/Pledge8:10-8:35 – Morning Meeting/Calendar8:10-8:35 – Morning Meeting/Calendar8:35-9:20 – Whole Group Math/Language Arts8:35-9:20 – Whole Group Math/Language Arts9:20-9:40 – Snack/Recess9:20-9:40 – Snack/Recess9:45-11:30 – Stations 9:45-11:30 – Stations 11:30-11:45 – SSR/Rest Time11:30-11:45 – SSR/Rest Time11:50-12:45 – Lunch/Recess11:50-12:45 – Lunch/Recess12:45-2:30 – Writer’s Workshop/Specials/Project Time12:45-2:30 – Writer’s Workshop/Specials/Project Time2:30 – Read Aloud2:30 – Read Aloud2:40 – Dismissal2:40 – Dismissal

*PE will be on Monday morning-Please wear tennis shoes!**PE will be on Monday morning-Please wear tennis shoes!**Library will be on Wednesday-Please return books by Wednesday *Library will be on Wednesday-Please return books by Wednesday

of each week* of each week*

Morning Meeting / CalendarMorning Meeting / Calendaro GreetingGreetingo AgendaAgendao Class NewsClass Newso SharingSharingo Game Game o CalendarCalendar

PassionsPassionso Will start 2Will start 2ndnd semester for semester for

kindergartenkindergarteno Students will choose Students will choose

something they are something they are interested in learning interested in learning aboutabout

o If YOU or someone you If YOU or someone you know has a passion, know has a passion, hobby, job, that you hobby, job, that you would like to share with would like to share with kids (kindergarten-6kids (kindergarten-6thth grade)-please let me grade)-please let me know!! Thanks!know!! Thanks!

StationsStationso 4 Stations per day4 Stations per dayo Guided Reading – Teacher LedGuided Reading – Teacher Ledo Math – Review Concept from whole group Math – Review Concept from whole group

lessonlessono Phonemic Awareness/Phonics – Teacher’s Phonemic Awareness/Phonics – Teacher’s

Assistant led (Mrs. Turner)Assistant led (Mrs. Turner)o Science/Social Studies/Health – Based on Science/Social Studies/Health – Based on

current PBLcurrent PBL

o Need Volunteers!--I will contact you soon! Need Volunteers!--I will contact you soon!

Everyday MathEveryday Matho Hands-on approach to mathHands-on approach to matho Spirals Spirals o Develops vocabularyDevelops vocabularyo Home Links letters will help you reinforce math Home Links letters will help you reinforce math

skills at homeskills at home

Project WorkProject Work

o PBLs throughout the year:PBLs throughout the year:Join us as we learn about our wonderful world!Join us as we learn about our wonderful world!

o All Around Us (all about our school, us, our families, colors, community helpers)All Around Us (all about our school, us, our families, colors, community helpers)

o Into the Woods (apples, pumpkins, fall changes/leaves, Thanksgiving, Animals Into the Woods (apples, pumpkins, fall changes/leaves, Thanksgiving, Animals preparing for winter)preparing for winter)

o Polar Express (Giving to others, traditions/celebrations, winter/snow, polar animals, Polar Express (Giving to others, traditions/celebrations, winter/snow, polar animals, MLK)MLK)

o Fuel Up (nutrition, dental health, exercise, safety)Fuel Up (nutrition, dental health, exercise, safety)

o Freedom Train (presidents, symbols of America)Freedom Train (presidents, symbols of America)

o Storyland (nursery rhymes, Dr. Seuss)Storyland (nursery rhymes, Dr. Seuss)

o In the Backyard (weather, pond, plants, farm, insects)In the Backyard (weather, pond, plants, farm, insects)

o Final Destination (ocean!)Final Destination (ocean!)These ideas might change throughout the yearThese ideas might change throughout the year

School SuppliesSchool Supplieso * Backpack - Large enough for a three-ring binder to fit easily* Backpack - Large enough for a three-ring binder to fit easilyo Crayons – Crayola; 24 count (2 boxes)Crayons – Crayola; 24 count (2 boxes)o Pencils - #2 pre-sharpened; no mechanical pencils (1 pkg.)Pencils - #2 pre-sharpened; no mechanical pencils (1 pkg.)o Glue - Elmer’s Glue-All; 4oz (1 bottle)Glue - Elmer’s Glue-All; 4oz (1 bottle)o Glue - Elmer’s Glue Stick; .74 oz (4 sticks)Glue - Elmer’s Glue Stick; .74 oz (4 sticks)o Markers - Crayola washable classic colors; 10 count (1 pkg.)Markers - Crayola washable classic colors; 10 count (1 pkg.)o Facial Tissues - family size (1 box)Facial Tissues - family size (1 box)o Scissors - Fiskars brand, metal blunt tip (1)Scissors - Fiskars brand, metal blunt tip (1)o * Folders - pocket folders with 1 pocket on each side and 3 prongs (3)* Folders - pocket folders with 1 pocket on each side and 3 prongs (3)o * Binder - white 3-ring binder, 1 ½ inch with clear front (1)* Binder - white 3-ring binder, 1 ½ inch with clear front (1)o * Spiral notebook - wide ruled (1)* Spiral notebook - wide ruled (1)o * Calculator for basic math (+,-,x,÷) (1)* Calculator for basic math (+,-,x,÷) (1)--Additional items:--Additional items:o * Additional spiral notebook (1)* Additional spiral notebook (1)o Hand sanitizer (1)Hand sanitizer (1)o Plastic sandwich baggies (any size) (1)Plastic sandwich baggies (any size) (1)o Colored pencils (1 pkg.)Colored pencils (1 pkg.)o Large pink eraser (1)Large pink eraser (1)o Wet wipes (1)Wet wipes (1)o * Kindergarten rest mat (1)* Kindergarten rest mat (1)

o * Snack Box - (Small Ziploc or plastic Tupperware with easy-snapping lid) with your child’s * Snack Box - (Small Ziploc or plastic Tupperware with easy-snapping lid) with your child’s name written on it name written on it

Please place 5 snacks (no drinks) for the week in the container and send it in on Please place 5 snacks (no drinks) for the week in the container and send it in on Monday. I will have students bring it home every Friday in order to refill it for the following Monday. I will have students bring it home every Friday in order to refill it for the following week. week.

*Please only write name on items marked with an “*”.*Please only write name on items marked with an “*”. All other items will be communal. All other items will be communal. Thanks!Thanks!

Learning About TechnologyLearning About Technology

o Your child will have a jump drive that is provided Your child will have a jump drive that is provided by school and will remain at schoolby school and will remain at school

o We will be sharing our headphones at the We will be sharing our headphones at the computer station. However, your child may use computer station. However, your child may use his/her own personal headphones. Please write his/her own personal headphones. Please write your child’s name on his/her headphones, place your child’s name on his/her headphones, place in a plastic baggie and send to school to keep in in a plastic baggie and send to school to keep in his/her cubby. Thanks!his/her cubby. Thanks!

o If you wish to donate any headphones for If you wish to donate any headphones for general classroom use, we are in need of new general classroom use, we are in need of new headphones. headphones.

HomeworkHomeworko Monthly Homework Calendars (starts in August) will be Monthly Homework Calendars (starts in August) will be

sent home at the beginning of each month. Please have sent home at the beginning of each month. Please have your child complete the activities and return the calendar your child complete the activities and return the calendar at the end of the month/beginning of the next month. at the end of the month/beginning of the next month. Activities can be completed each night or on the Activities can be completed each night or on the weekend. Please do what works for your family’s weekend. Please do what works for your family’s schedule! schedule!

o Monthly Reading Logs (starts in September)– Read 5-10 Monthly Reading Logs (starts in September)– Read 5-10 minutes each night and complete calendar. Return at minutes each night and complete calendar. Return at the end of the month/beginning of the next month. the end of the month/beginning of the next month.

o Various at-home projects (Keep your eye out for these-Various at-home projects (Keep your eye out for these-as they might not fit in your child’s folder!)as they might not fit in your child’s folder!)

o Establishing routines with homework and reading will Establishing routines with homework and reading will help your child be successful now and in his/her future help your child be successful now and in his/her future education. Thanks for your help at home! education. Thanks for your help at home!

Positive Behavior SupportPositive Behavior Supporto Positive Behavior ManagementPositive Behavior Management

o Focus on what students are doing wellFocus on what students are doing wello Classroom ExpectationsClassroom Expectations

o Be ResponsibleBe Responsibleo Be RespectfulBe Respectfulo Be SafeBe Safeo Be a PeacemakerBe a Peacemaker

Stoplight – Behavior ChartsStoplight – Behavior Chartso For communicationFor communicationo Allows students a visual for self managementAllows students a visual for self managemento Everyone has tough days, adults included, I believe in starting fresh EACH day Everyone has tough days, adults included, I believe in starting fresh EACH day

and learning from our mistakes! and learning from our mistakes! Infraction Chart Infraction Chart o In addition to classroom chartIn addition to classroom chart

RecessRecess

o We will have two recesses each day. We will have two recesses each day. o All children will go outside to play unless I receive a written note. If All children will go outside to play unless I receive a written note. If

a written note is received, your child will be asked to sit quietly and a written note is received, your child will be asked to sit quietly and look at books or another quiet activity during recess. look at books or another quiet activity during recess.

o If your child needs to miss 3 or more days of recess, a doctor’s note If your child needs to miss 3 or more days of recess, a doctor’s note must be received. must be received.

o Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and shoes that Please have your child wear comfortable clothes and shoes that they can play in. they can play in.

o Besides recess, we will be sitting on the ground and doing other Besides recess, we will be sitting on the ground and doing other activities that might get a bit messy. activities that might get a bit messy.

o In the winter, please make sure you write your child’s name or In the winter, please make sure you write your child’s name or

initials in EVERY piece of clothing (hats, gloves, coats, etc.)initials in EVERY piece of clothing (hats, gloves, coats, etc.)

RestroomRestroomo We have restrooms in the classroom.We have restrooms in the classroom.o There might be times when your child has a restroom There might be times when your child has a restroom

accident. Please be assured that these types of accident. Please be assured that these types of accidents will be handled as gently and discretely as accidents will be handled as gently and discretely as possible. possible.

o Even if your child has not had a restroom accident Even if your child has not had a restroom accident recently, please feel free to keep an extra pair of recently, please feel free to keep an extra pair of underwear, pants, and socks in your child’s book bag underwear, pants, and socks in your child’s book bag (just in case). (just in case).

o The nurse could also use extra children’s underwear, The nurse could also use extra children’s underwear, pants, and socks. If you would like to donate these pants, and socks. If you would like to donate these items, please send them in with a note that they are for items, please send them in with a note that they are for the nurse. the nurse.

o Thanks!!Thanks!!

PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMEDPLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED

o If your home address, telephone numbers, If your home address, telephone numbers, work numbers, e-mail addresses change-work numbers, e-mail addresses change-Please let me know as soon as possible. Please let me know as soon as possible.

o Thanks for your help with this!Thanks for your help with this!

Volunteers NeededVolunteers Neededo If you have not completed your Volunteer If you have not completed your Volunteer

Form-please do so and return to school as Form-please do so and return to school as soon as possible. I will contact you soon soon as possible. I will contact you soon about volunteer opportunities. about volunteer opportunities.

o Remember to have a criminal history check Remember to have a criminal history check on file with the office. It is free and must be on file with the office. It is free and must be completed in order to volunteer and completed in order to volunteer and chaperone field trips.chaperone field trips.

o Also, please sign in at the office and get a Also, please sign in at the office and get a Guest Badge prior to volunteering.Guest Badge prior to volunteering.

Field TripsField Tripso Parents may need to drive due to limited Parents may need to drive due to limited

room on the bus. room on the bus.

o According to BCSC policy students need According to BCSC policy students need to ride to and from the field trip on the bus.to ride to and from the field trip on the bus.

o Remember that no siblings can attend with Remember that no siblings can attend with you on a field trip. you on a field trip.

Class PartiesClass Parties

o Each family signed up at Kindergarten Each family signed up at Kindergarten ScreeningsScreenings

o The room parent will be in contact with you The room parent will be in contact with you when the party gets closer. You will be when the party gets closer. You will be asked to either donate an item or asked to either donate an item or volunteer or you can do both if you wish.volunteer or you can do both if you wish.

o Thanks for your help! Thanks for your help!

BirthdaysBirthdays

o Birthdays are exciting for kindergartenersBirthdays are exciting for kindergartenerso We will recognize your child’s birthday at school (but, we We will recognize your child’s birthday at school (but, we

cannot have a birthday party at school)cannot have a birthday party at school)o If you would like to send in a treat for snack time, please If you would like to send in a treat for snack time, please

let me know PRIOR to the day that you will send it in (I let me know PRIOR to the day that you will send it in (I encourage you to consider sending in fun pencils, encourage you to consider sending in fun pencils, stickers, etc. instead of a snack) stickers, etc. instead of a snack)

o If you choose to send in a snack for your child’s birthday, If you choose to send in a snack for your child’s birthday, please make sure it is store-bought—please send in please make sure it is store-bought—please send in napkins, plates as necessary (no cakes please!) napkins, plates as necessary (no cakes please!)

o If your child’s birthday is in the summer, we will celebrate If your child’s birthday is in the summer, we will celebrate his/her ½ birthdayhis/her ½ birthday

MoneyMoney

o Please remember to send any money in a Please remember to send any money in a sealed envelope with your child’s first and sealed envelope with your child’s first and last name, my name, the purpose of the last name, my name, the purpose of the money (monthly book order, lunch money, money (monthly book order, lunch money, etc.), and the amount of money written on etc.), and the amount of money written on it. it.

o Thanks!Thanks!

Mrs. Gibson’s Classroom Expectations/Rewards/Mrs. Gibson’s Classroom Expectations/Rewards/ConsequencesConsequences

CSA Classroom ExpectationsCSA Classroom ExpectationsBe responsible - Be responsible - Being dependable and trustworthy at all times.Being dependable and trustworthy at all times.

Be respectful –Be respectful –Being thoughtful, polite, and considerate of others.Being thoughtful, polite, and considerate of others.Be a Peacemaker- Be a Peacemaker- Helping others by using kind words and actions.Helping others by using kind words and actions.

Be safe - Be safe - No one gets hurt physically or emotionally.No one gets hurt physically or emotionally.

Class MottoClass MottoI am a learner.I am a learner.

I help others learn.I help others learn.

Students have chances to be recognized throughout the day as they demonstrate our classroom expectations. Some of the Students have chances to be recognized throughout the day as they demonstrate our classroom expectations. Some of the ways that students will be recognized are through receiving Husky Grams, Paw prints, playing our class Bingo game, ways that students will be recognized are through receiving Husky Grams, Paw prints, playing our class Bingo game,

and earning marbles in a jar.and earning marbles in a jar.

We use a stoplight as a visual to remind us of our daily choices. Each student has a rocket ship that has his or her class We use a stoplight as a visual to remind us of our daily choices. Each student has a rocket ship that has his or her class number on it. He or she will begin on the gray ground (cement) of the stoplight. If an expectation is not met, he or number on it. He or she will begin on the gray ground (cement) of the stoplight. If an expectation is not met, he or

she will receive a consequence.she will receive a consequence.

Consequences/movement on the stoplightConsequences/movement on the stoplightVerbal Warning/Brown bottom of the poleVerbal Warning/Brown bottom of the pole

Regrouping in the room to reflect on choice/Green lightRegrouping in the room to reflect on choice/Green lightRegrouping in another classroom/Yellow lightRegrouping in another classroom/Yellow light

Phone call/note home/Red lightPhone call/note home/Red lightPrincipal Referral/White top of the polePrincipal Referral/White top of the pole

I will be sending home Daily Folders. These folders will indicate how your child’s behavior is each day. I will be sending home Daily Folders. These folders will indicate how your child’s behavior is each day. I ask that parents read the daily report and initial in the I ask that parents read the daily report and initial in the Parent InitialsParent Initials spot spot each dayeach day. Please write in the . Please write in the Comments Comments area as area as

needed. Please return the Daily Folder the following school day.needed. Please return the Daily Folder the following school day.

Daily FolderDaily Folder

o VERY IMPORTANT!VERY IMPORTANT!o PLEASE review the Daily Folder on a nightly basis, sign PLEASE review the Daily Folder on a nightly basis, sign

your initials in the back, and send it with your child EACH your initials in the back, and send it with your child EACH day! Thanks!day! Thanks!

o If you send notes/money/etc. to school-these items If you send notes/money/etc. to school-these items MUST go in the “Money and Notes” pocket. This is the MUST go in the “Money and Notes” pocket. This is the pocket that we will check each day. Thanks!!pocket that we will check each day. Thanks!!

o The folder provides our class ABC chart, sight words, The folder provides our class ABC chart, sight words, handwriting information, and classroom behavior handwriting information, and classroom behavior information. It will also contain our weekly newsletter if information. It will also contain our weekly newsletter if you do not have e-mail. It is an important resource for you do not have e-mail. It is an important resource for your child and for you. your child and for you.

Important NoteImportant Note

o Please remember to call the office (376-Please remember to call the office (376-4447) if you have a transportation change 4447) if you have a transportation change or something urgent that needs to be or something urgent that needs to be addressed right away. (If I happen to be addressed right away. (If I happen to be sick or out for any reason, I might not be sick or out for any reason, I might not be able to check my e-mail or help you able to check my e-mail or help you immediately.) Please do not be sent to my immediately.) Please do not be sent to my voicemail for matters that need addressed voicemail for matters that need addressed quickly. quickly.

Thank YouThank You!!Thank you for your support! Thank you for Thank you for your support! Thank you for

choosing CSA for your child. If you have choosing CSA for your child. If you have questions please feel free to call (376-4447) or questions please feel free to call (376-4447) or e-mail e-mail gibsons@bcsc.k12.in.us. . Please check out our class website located at Please check out our class website located at

www.bcsc.k12.in.us/csalc. Click on the . Click on the “Classrooms” link. Then, click on Kindergarten “Classrooms” link. Then, click on Kindergarten Team. Then, click on “Mrs. Gibson.” I will be Team. Then, click on “Mrs. Gibson.” I will be

posting important things on our website posting important things on our website throughout the year. throughout the year.

I look forward to a great year! I look forward to a great year!