THE FIRST DAY:
Kindergarten teachers will be waiting for the students outside at the back of the school building when the buses arrive. Over a period of 2-3 weeks, the children will gradually be taught how to get from the bus to the classroom. At the end of the kindergarten day the children will be walked out to the buses early and hand-delivered to their assigned buses until they become more comfortable and independent with this task.

AM ARRIVAL:  BUSES IN BACK & CAR RIDERS IN FRONT

PM DISMISSAL: BUSES IN BACK & CAR RIDERS IN FRONT

It is advised that you allow your child to begin the year as confident and independent as possible. Getting your kindergartner familiar with his regular schedule from the START is recommended.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:
All supplies in kindergarten are shared, but please label folder, binder, t-shirt and BOTH gym shoes.
In addition to the supplies on the Kindergarten list, there will be a Wish List for the class posted on this web site. This list reflects special projects materials and will be updated throughout the year.

COMMUNICATION:
PLEASE check your child's backpack daily for written communication from the teacher and/or school. I prefer the children use one of their plastic pocket folders for the daily take-home folder as they are most durable. If you have a written note for the teacher, send it inside the daily folder. The students are encouraged and expected to turn in any notes on their own and this will take longer for some than for others!  In our efforts to go 'green' here at District 24, we have stopped sending home many paper forms and notices. Therefore, it is highly recommended that parents check the District and Kindergarten sites on a regular basis.
During the school day you can call direct to the classroom and leave a voice mail message.
847-245-2788
I try to check for messages two times a day and I will return your call as soon as I can.
The number for the main office is 847-356-8331. Call this number to report an absence or change in your child's pick-up routine. The office staff will get the message to me.
Bus changes:  Children are NOT permitted to alter their bus routine in order to accommodate play dates. However, occasionally a child may need to get off the bus at a stop other than his regular stop. On these occasions, please email me gpolenzani@millburn24.net AND the office rsooley@millburn24.net

SNACKS:
Our classroom is NUT FREE. Please keep this in mind for daily snack. A SAFE SNACKS list will be sent home. Students bring their own snack each day. This fits in best with our schedule. These snacks should be healthy; ie: fruit, veggie, cheese/crackers, dry cereal. You may send a water bottle or juice box. Keep in mind, THIS IS A SNACK!  SOMETHING TO BE EATEN IN ABOUT 10 MINUTES, NOT A LUNCH.

BIRTHDAYS:
On the day of your child's birthday celebration you may send in a simple NON-EDIBLE treat for the class. Some suggestions might be pencils, stickers, bookmarks, bubbles. NEW THIS YEAR:  1 parent may come in and read a book to the class on their child's birthday. Contact me about a week before and we can work out a good time.

BUS RULES:
Kindergartners are expected to observe, learn and respect school bus rules. These rules are outlined in the Millburn/Parent Student Handbook which is accessible online. If there is an issue on the bus involving your child your may call the Transportation Coordinator directly: Laura Sikorski

TOYS FROM HOME:
Please keep these items at home. Not only are they distracting, but they can be broken or lost. Students may bring such items when it is their turn with the SURPRISE BAG.

GYM:
Kindergartners attend gym class twice each week and clean sneakers that STAY AT SCHOOL in the cubby are required. The child's name should be in/on both shoes and velcro closures or slip-ons are recommended for quick changes.

LIBRARY:
The children visit the library once a week to check out a favorite book which they may keep until the next library visit. There is a bin in the classroom for their returned books. Please note: your child will not be able to check out a new book if the old one is not turned in.

VOLUNTEERS:
Fill out and return the Parent Volunteer sheet if you are interested in helping out in the classroom. Monthly schedules are posted on the Kindergarten website. Volunteers typically spend about an hour assisting with Centers AND/OR preparing materials. Volunteers will begin mid-October.

FIELD TRIPS: 
Parents will have advance notice of all field trip plans and schedules. Chaperones are chosen by a lottery system. A Kindergarten Activities Fee will allow you to pay for all field trips and activities at one time. A separate letter with details will be sent home.

BOOK CLUBS:
Several times during the school year, your child will have the opportunity to choose and order books, cds and computer software from Scholastic Book Clubs. If you decide to place an order, please return the order form and a check made out to Scholastic. You can also order online.

HOMEWORK:
The point of homework in kindergarten in mainly to get the children used to the routine and responsibility of having it.  Because full-day kindergarten is very demanding, we typically do not assign homework; letting your child relax and PLAY after school is recommended. Reading to-- and with-- your child is the most important "homework" you can do!
There are a variety of diaries, literacy bags and class books that go home with the children on a rotating basis. Please try to take care of these materials and be prompt when returning them as there is always another friend waiting anxiously for a turn!

THANK YOU AND LET'S ALL LOOK FORWARD TO A GREAT YEAR!