Transcript Mercer Early Childhood Parent Orientation

August 31, 2010
Orientation Agenda
 Introductions
 Tracey Humphreys- Classroom Teacher
~Building Policies and Program Procedures
 Jody Brandon- Classroom Teacher
~ABC’s of Preschool
~Snack Information
 Amanda Morrison- Classroom Teacher
~Sample Classroom Schedule
Building Policies and Program
Procedures
AM 9:10 – 11:50
PM 12:55 – 3:40
AM Class Car Arrival Instructions:
 EC Staff will meet and greet the AM students at the Preschool Drop Off area located near
the side entrance of the building (continue past the Mercer main entrance towards the
Turpin football field.) EC staff members will help your son/daughter get out of your vehicle
and locate his/her teacher’s blanket. We will wait on the blanket for all of our friends to
arrive and then will enter the school together as a class.
PM Class Car Arrival Instructions:
 Teachers will meet and greet the PM Students at the main entrance of Mercer Elementary.
Vehicles are asked to allow space for the school buses to arrive and park directly in front of
Mercer. EC staff members will help your son/daughter get out of the vehicle and locate
his/her teacher’s blanket. We will wait on the blanket for all of our friends to arrive and
then will enter the school together as a class.
AM/PM Information:
 If you are visiting the classroom, we ask that all parents sign-in at main office. After
receiving a name tag, you can return to the arrival waiting area or to your child’s classroom.
Building Policies and Program
Procedures
AM Class Car Dismissal Instructions
Students will dismiss from the Early Childhood classroom at
the main entrance of Mercer Elementary. EC staff members
will bring your son/daughter to your vehicle.
Vehicles are asked to allow space for the school buses to
arrive and park directly in front of Mercer.
PM Class Car Dismissal Instructions:
Students will dismiss from the side entrance of Mercer Elementary
(continue past the Mercer main entrance towards the Turpin
football field.) Vehicles are asked to park in the side parking lot
and walk to the side entrance of the building to gather your
son/daughter. On nice weather days, we will wait outside on
blankets. On cold or rainy days, please come to the side door to pick up
your son/daughter.
Preschool ABC’s
 A is for Art: Preschoolers love to create. Many opportunities are available to
experience art using a variety of materials (paints, glue, etc.) The easel will be
open daily with smocks provided. We do our best to stay clean…but plan school
outfits accordingly.
 A is for Attendance: If your son/daughter will be absent, please call the Mercer
Attendance line . The attendance line number is 588-8805. The Mercer office
number is 232-7000.
 B is for Bags and Backpacks: Your child’s book bag should be big enough to hold
his notebook and school projects. Please check your child’s backpack daily.
 B is for Birthdays: The Early Childhood program has adopted a new policy in
regards to student birthday celebrations. Student birthdays will be
acknowledged by Early Childhood Staff. Students will receive a non-food item
(notepad, pencil, stickers, certificate, birthday crown, etc.) and the scheduled
daily snack will be offered. If parents would like to send in birthday plates,
cups, or napkins please contact your child’s teacher. Please do not send in
birthday treats (food and/or non-food items) in honor of your child’s birthday.
Preschool ABC’s
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C is for Clothing: It is a good idea to label all coats and sweaters. Clothing should be
practical, comfortable, and appropriate for the weather.
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C is for Conferences: Conferences will be held in November and in the spring. Report cards
are sent home prior to the conference.
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C is Communication: Communication between home and school is very important. A
newsletter will come home every two weeks containing information about our thematic units,
classroom announcements, and upcoming school events. If you feel the need to contact us,
please call the Early Childhood Program at 232-3261 or email us directly. We will get back
with you as soon as possible.
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D is for Dismissal: If for some reason your child is to be dismissed in a way that is not the
typical dismissal, please send a note in your child’s bag. Any last-minute changes must go
through the main office or Early Childhood office.
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E is for E-mail: We check our email every morning, afternoon and end of the day. Feel free
to email us.
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E is for Emergency Phone Numbers: Please keep the Early Childhood Office updated of any
phone number changes so that your child’s emergency forms are current.
Preschool ABC’s
 F is for Fire Drills: Your child will participate in frequent fire drills
throughout the school year.
 G is for Grip: Our students will work to use the correct pencil grip when
writing. The index finger should be on the top near the end of the
pencil. Your child should rest the pencil on the middle finger as the
thumb supports the pencil as well.
 H is for Homework: Please remember to read to your child each night.
 I is for Illness: Please remember to call the attendance line first thing
in the morning to report your child’s absence. Please refer to the
handbook for specific instructions involving illness.
 J is for joy: Celebrate all the wonderful accomplishments your child will
make during the school year.
Preschool ABC’s
 K is for Kindness: Our school rules include Taking Care of Ourselves, Taking Care of
Each Other, and Taking Care of our school.
 L is for Learning Centers: We use learning centers in the classroom for active learning.
When students are in centers, they are learning to cooperate with others, manage
time, and gain knowledge from the objective of the area. All of the stations have
intentionally playful activities that will engage your child in important learning
experiences.
 M is for Medical Conditions: If you child has a special medical condition or special
concern that we should be aware of, please don’t hesitate to discuss this with us.
 N is for Name Tags: Please have your child wear the name tag everyday until we
collect it. This is your child’s security for getting off to a good year with
transportation and identification.
 O is for Office: You must stop in the office before entering the instructional areas of
our school. If you are volunteering, please sigh the sign-in sheet located in the main
office. Please write your name on the name badge.
Preschool ABC’s
 O is for Outside: Your child will have outside time daily, weather permitting.
Please dress your child appropriately for the weather and for play. Indoor Gross
Motor activities will occur on days that we cannot go outside.
 P is for Parties: We will have various parties throughout the year which will
include non-food celebrations.
 Q is for Questions: Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns
regarding your child’s education. We will make every effort to meet with you and
discuss your concerns.
 R is for Reading: Your child will experience many reading activities. Please read
with your child daily.
 R is for Report Cards: Your child will receive a report card in November, March
and at the end of the school year. We will meet with you during scheduled
conferences to discuss your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Preschool ABC’s
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R is for Restroom: Your child is allowed to use the restroom when needed. Accidents do happen!
Please send in a complete set of clothes for your child to keep at school. Please place these items in
a plastic Ziploc bag labeled with your child’s name. If your child is not potty trained, please send in
a diaper supply with your child. Please place the diapers in a Ziploc bag labeled with your child’s
name.
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S is for Shoes: It is very important to wear comfortable and safe shoes for all of our preschool
activities. Flip flops are not allowed at Mercer.
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S is for Snack: The goal is for all District classrooms to be free of peanut butter and nuts.
Individual student snacks and whole group snacks eaten in the classroom would strive to meet this
goal. Monthly calendars will be provided informing parents of the snack that will be offered during
the school day. Starting in October, each family will be assigned one snack/volunteer day for the
month. If the parent chooses, he/she may bring in or send in the snack/milk (white or chocolate)
that is listed on the monthly calendar for the classroom to share. On your scheduled snack day,
parents are invited to join their child in the classroom if his/her schedule permits. Please contact
your child’s teacher if you have conflicts and would like to reschedule your snack/volunteer day.
(More information on future slides.)

T is for Transportation: We will not allow your child to go home with another adult or different way
unless you have notified us in writing or the office has been notified of the change.
Preschool ABC’s
 U is for Units and Themes: We will have a fun selection of themes and units that
we will study this year. Theme-based units will help us experience math, science,
and social studies topics in addition to reading and writing.
 V is for Volunteers: For the safety and welfare of the students, we will be
looking for the visitor/volunteer badge that confirms that you have signed in at
the main office. You will receive a monthly snack calendar that will assign your
child a snack/volunteer day. Please contact us with scheduling conflicts.
 W is for Wow: We are excited for the school year and can’t wait to get started.
 Y is for You: You are welcome to join our classroom on your child’s scheduled
snack day. If you cannot come for the full session, you are welcome to come for
just part of the time.
 Z is for ZZZZZ’s: Your child should get plenty of rest each night.
Early Childhood Medical and Food Guidelines
2010 – 2011
 The goal is for all District classrooms to be free of
peanut butter and nuts. Monthly calendars will be
provided informing parents of the snack that will be
offered during the school day. Starting in October,
each family will be assigned one snack/volunteer day
for the month. If the parent chooses, he/she may
bring in or send in the snack/milk (white or chocolate)
that is listed on the monthly calendar for the
classroom to share. On your scheduled snack day,
parents are invited to join their child in the classroom
if his/her schedule permits. Please contact your
child’s teacher if you have conflicts and would like to
reschedule your snack/volunteer day.
Food Guidelines Cont.
Preschool daily snack needs to be individual servings and pre-packaged (including the fruits and vegetables listed below). Nutrition and
ingredient labels must be attached on each individual serving. On your child’s assigned snack day, please refer to the following list
about specific brands that meet the board approved list of safe snack options.
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Early Childhood Approved Snacks:
Pepperidge Farm Goldfish
Nabisco Teddy Grahams (variety pack is a safe option.)
Nabisco Handi-snacks (Cheese and Cracker Dips)
Kellogg Rice Krispie Treats
Kellogg Nutri-Grain Bars (Kroger brand is a safe option.)
Sunshine Brand Cheez-its
Dole or Delmonte Fruit Cups
Yoplait or Danimals Yogurt
Cheese Sticks
Carrots sticks (also need to be individual servings and pre-packaged)
Apple slices (also need to be individual servings and pre-packaged)
Betty Crocker and Kroger Brand Fruit Snacks
Sun-maid and Kroger Brand Raisins (regular raisins, not yogurt or chocolate covered raisins)
JELL-O and Kroger Brand Pudding Cups
MOTT’s and Kroger Brand Applesauce Cups
Rold Gold Pretzels
Del Monte Jello-cups
Cheese Cubes
Yoplait Go Gurts
Frito Lay Smart Food Popcorn
Food Guidelines Cont.
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If your child has specific food allergy and cannot eat the daily snack offered during the
preschool day, he/she should bring a healthy snack from home. Please remember snacks
brought in from home cannot contain peanut butter or nut products. If your child has a
specific milk/food allergy/sensitivity, please contact your child’s teacher immediately to
discuss his/her individual needs.
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When food is being used in a curriculum related activity, teachers will notify parents at least
3 days in advance. This information will include ingredients and nutritional labeling, and the
approximate serving size and how it is being used. The teacher will incorporate appropriate
food safety practices while teaching the lesson.
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Non-nutritious foods (e.g. candy) should be discouraged as a reward for students.
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Special food events such as pizza parties, cultural events, end of year lunches, tasting
parties or other food related events must include the following:
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Food served must be from a health inspected facility (e.g. Kroger's, restaurants)
Nutritional and ingredient labels must be provided for each item served
Teachers will inform parents 3 days in advance
Food Guidelines Cont.
 The Early Childhood program has adopted a new policy in regards to
student birthday celebrations. Student birthdays will be acknowledged
by Early Childhood Staff. Students will receive a non-food item
(notepad, pencil, stickers, certificate, birthday crown, etc.) and the
scheduled daily snack will be offered. If parents would like to send in
birthday plates, cups, or napkins please contact your child’s teacher.
Please do not send in birthday treats (food and/or non-food items) in
honor of your child’s birthday.
 Teachers are responsible for having a conversation with parents of
students with diabetes about how extra recess impacts blood sugar
levels. Collaboratively, a plan should be developed for those times to
accommodate the activity.
 Teacher considerations must be made for items that are brought into
the classroom (e.g. classroom pets, potting soil, latex items, individual
food reinforcements)
Classroom Schedules
 Why do we use classroom schedules in the Early Childhood Classroom?
One important aspect of building an effective learning
environment is establishing a structure for each day---the
predicable use of time. When time is blocked out in an orderly
and consistent fashion, children tend to feel safe and secure and
develop independence. The daily routines and schedule create a
sense of order in the preschool classroom. The children know
what to expect, and they can understand what is expected of
them. With the assurance that their environment is predictable
and familiar, they can settle into learning and function as part of
a group. The order around them creates a sense of order inside
them.
Sample Classroom Schedule
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AM/PM Classroom Schedule
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9:10/12:50 Arrival
~Hang up coats and book bags
9:20/1:00 Circle Time
~opening song
~name song
~calendar/weather/day of the week
~story and comprehension activities
9:45/1:25 Centers/Choice Time
(Puzzles, discovery table, easel, blocks, pretend play, books, writing
center, toy shelf, project)
10:45/2:25 Clean Up
11:00/2:35 Closing Circle Time
11:20/2:55 Snack
11:35/3:10 Playground or Indoor Gross Motor Activity
11:50/3:40 Dismissal
Centers include but are not limited to:
Writing center, puzzles, blocks, books, computer, easel, art center, project table, science,
dramatic play, snack, sensory, discovery table, letters, manipulatives, math, games
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Individual Schedules
 Why do we use individual schedules in the Early Childhood Classroom?
~Visual schedules communicate the sequence of upcoming activities or
events through the use of objects, photographs or words.
~A visual schedule tells a student where he/she should be and when he/she
should be there.
~Visual schedules help increase independence and interaction with a
variety of activities and toys within the classroom environment.
~Visual schedules are designed to match the individual needs of a student
and may vary in length, and activities to be completed.
Mercer Early
Childhood Program
2010/2011
We look forward
to working with
you and your
child!
Thank you for
sharing them
with us!