September 11, 2023
Hello PreK Families,
We are settling into our school routines and making new friends in PreK. All of the students have already made great strides and are happy at school. This week, we are starting our classroom jobs as well. Students love having a task to do in the classroom. Each week on Monday we change jobs.
The students are really enjoying their specials classes each day. The schedule is as follows: Monday- Art/World Cultures, Tuesday - PE, Wednesday - Art/World Cultures, Thursday - PE, and Friday - Performing Arts & Library. The students are getting to know these new teachers and trying out new activities. On Mondays and Wednesdays we will have either Art class or World Cultures. We have one class for 2 weeks straight then switch to the other class. That way, the students will have 4 classes in a row of one subject before switching to the other one.
Each month we usually cover two units of study that are related to the season or holidays in that month. Sometimes we also study topics because we have a high interest in a topic. In September, we will be making All ABout Me books and learning about the lifecycle of an apple. During each unit we read many books, do projects, have discussions, sing songs, and participate in other learning activities to build connections on a topic.
In our class, we use direct instruction to teach students to make good choices about their behavior. Social development is an integral part of PreK and school and affects all areas of learning. One of our main goals for students is to be happy, confident learners who can solve problems and work collaboratively with others. Being able to make good choices when they are alone and interacting with others is a BIG part of that. In our classroom we have started learning about good choices to support their social-emotional behavior. We review the expected behaviors in all settings (school, home, community) and across the day. Clear, consistent expectations are paired with visual supports, and expectations are almost always stated positively. We also teach lessons from Second Step. This is a social emotional learning program that teaches concepts with puppets, story cards, songs, and role playing activities. Each week, we cover a new idea.
Our class also participates in Scholastic Book Clubs. Our first class order is due on October 11th. With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS). You can Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/K3677 or Shop Digital Flyers for Our Grade with Your Child: https://clubs.scholastic.com/prek. Our class code is K3677.
Once a month on the third Tuesday of the month, the district elementary schools have an early release day. PreK students will be picked up at 12:30 on those days. They will still have lunch at school. Also, Once a month on the third Friday of the month, the Early Childhood Program has In-Service for the PreK teams. There will be no school on those days. Please check the school calendar for these dates sas well.
PreK Will not be participating in the WRS Open House on Thursday 9/14. We will have some artwork in the hallway, but the classrooms will not be open if you are visiting with your older children.
Our school picture day is Monday, October 16th. You should receive an order form from Lifetouch. You can read the order form and pay by check or order the pictures online from their website.
Thank you,
Ms. Zayas
IMPORTANT DATES
9/15 NO PreK - ECP In Service
9/19 - Early Release Pick up at 12:30
10/9 NO SCHOOL - Indigenous Peoples’ Day
10/10 NO SCHOOL - Teacher In-Service
10/16 - Picture Day
10/20 No PreK - ECP In-Service
