Mrs. Thomas Blackshear Elementary 2012-2013

1. WelcometoKindergarten! Mrs. Thomas Blackshear Elementary 2012-2013

2. Contact Information Email: jthomas@kleinisd.net Phone: 832-375-7655 Conference Times: Mon-Thursday 12:45-1:30

3. Schedule Music- Th (12:45-1:30) Fri (8:30-10:00) P.E.- Mon, Tues, Wed (12:45-1:30) Lunch- 11:12-11:42 Recess- 11:42-12:12 Library- Tuesday 8:30 – 8:50

4. Homework Binder -Alphabet Linking Chart -Letter Formation Charts -Sight Words List for the year -Sight words for each nine weeks -100 Chart -Spiral -Home Readers will be added soon

5. Homework is due everyFriday! • Please help your child as needed, but let them do the writing/drawing. - Practice sight words and read with your child every night in addition to what is on the homework calendar! *Remember, your child has been in school all day. Kids need to be kids… Let them play!

6. Tuesday Folders Please review, sign and remove all papers each week Return to school on Wednesdays Lunch Accounts • Keep practicing lunch numbers! • Please send lunch money in an • envelope with: • Child’s name & My name • Lunch # • Date • Amount enclosed

7. Star Student Each week a different child will be the star student and bring the following: Mon.- Their poster Tues.- Favorite stuffed animal Wed.- Favorite book Thurs.- Favorite toy Fri.- Something special

8. Kindergarten Grading E+ = Advanced 96% - 100%E = Exceeds Expectations 90% - 95% S+ = Meets Expectations 85% - 89% S = Approaching Expectations 80% - 84% N = Below Expectations 70% - 79% (experiencing some difficulties) U = Experiencing difficulties 69% and below

9. Reading Expectations • Identify letters and letter sounds • Identify and produce rhyming words • Blend sounds to make words • Break apart words into sounds • Identify sight words • Show understanding of a story read aloud • End of year reading level = D or above

10. Writing Expectations • Write name with capital and lowercase letters • Form letters correctly • (Handwriting Without Tears) • Convey meaning through pictures & words • Use letter sounds to write words & sentences • Use sight words in writing • Use appropriate conventions (spaces, capitalization & punctuation)

11. I l t g t p

12. I lk t go t pk

13. I like to go to the prk.

14. Math Expectations • Understand Calendar (Months & Days) • Construct & use graphs • Describe, identify & compare shapes • Sort objects by different attributes • Use positional words to describe location • Describe, create & extend patterns • Identify, write & count numbers to 20 • Show joining & separating of sets (+ & -) • Compare and order objects by length, capacity, weight, & area

15. Science • 5 Senses • Weather, seasons & temperature • Matter, energy, force & motion • Plants • Living/non-living • Animals & habitats • Patterns in nature • Recycling Social Studies • - Holidays & Leaders • Communities • Family • Maps & landforms • Needs/wants • Technology • Growth & Change

16. Technology Students will have: - Daily instruction and interaction with the Starboard - Lightspeed sound system (Surround Sound) - Daily use of 4 classroom computers - Class set of laptops- once a week

17. Headphones If your child has not yet brought in headphones to use, please do so as soon as possible!

18. BIRTHDAYS! - Non-edible treats are ok (pencil, small toy) - Snacks from the cafeteria (2 weeks in advance) - Party invitations should be given to me to distribute in the Tuesday Folder.

19. The Importance of Nutrition -Making healthy food choices Breakfast Lunch -Seed to Plate Program Recipe For Success Gardening Cooking

20. Ways to volunteer for everyone… Classroom readers Shelving books Vision/hearing screening Field trip chaperones Science Fair Book Fairs Garden Support Field Day Holiday Parties (Winter and Valentines) 5th grade appreciation Jingle Bell Fun Run Collating papers Classroom Support Fundraisers…and more

21. Commit to Volunteer Today!

22. Parent Reader Please sign up if you are interested in reading to our class: Fridays 2:30-2:50 *You must have had a background check completed to be allowed in the classroom!*

23. Dismissal Walkers Car Riders Bus Riders Day Care You must notify me in writing or call the office if there are any changes in dismissal procedures. Your child telling me is not enough.

24. Great books at great prices! Order online at www.scholastic.com Class code: J3GXB Every online order gets: Free books for our class & $5 coupon for you to use on your next order!

25. Mrs. Thomas’ Wish List Please see my ‘wishes’ for our class on the pocket chart. If you would like to provide an item, please take the star with you as a reminder. Send the item to school with your child when you can.

26. How can I help my child? • Encourage your child to always try their best • Instill in your child the “I can do it” attitude • Encourage good listening skills and self-control • Get a good nights sleep every night • Eat a good breakfast & healthy lunch foods • Talk about school… Review papers, read class books, and relate the real world to class activities