HMS Kindergarten Handbook

Dear Parents:

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to our Kindergarten program at Harold Martin School.  You will find our school and teachers to be warm, inviting and eager to accept your child as part of our community.  At Harold Martin School your child will gain many academic and social skills that will provide a foundation for years to come. I invite you to attend our  PTA meetings, volunteer within our school, and become involved with all that is happening at Harold Martin School.

We consider parents to be an integral part of our school family. I hope this handbook will answer many of your questions concerning your child’s first year at HMS.  If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to contact one of our kindergarten teachers or myself. We also have much more information on our web site. I trust that you and your child will have a wonderful Kindergarten year.  Let me know how I can help in any way.

Sincerely,

William V. Carozza Principal

Welcome to Harold Martin School

The big day is here…your child’s first day of kindergarten! We look forward to having your child in school and working together with you as partners in education.  Starting school is exciting for children.  They’ve heard about it from parents, siblings and friends, and now they’re finally going to school! At school we will further develop your child’s ability to:

• Listen
• Exercise control
• Work cooperatively with others
• Respect adult authority
• Appreciate art and music
• Work with letters and numbers
• Develop fine motor and gross motor coordination

What your child needs for school:

• A good sized backpack is a “lifeline” between home and school.  Check your child’s Home to School folder every day for newsletters and notes that keep you informed about school events.   Please put notes to the teacher in the “school” side.
• Jackets, sweatshirts, snow pants, hats and boots need to be labeled with your child’s name.
• Please keep toys at home.  We provide a classroom full of educational material for your child to explore.  If a small toy would help make the bus ride to and from school enjoyable, feel free to pack one.  (It will stay in the backpack during school.)  A  souvenir, nature find, or homemade project is welcome to be shown in class.

School Cancellation

• For inclement weather and any other reasons, school cancellations  and delayed openings will be broadcast on local radio station, the HMS Email List and Channel 9 television.
• On any delayed opening day, there will be no AM kindergarten.
• Check the school calendar for vacations, workshop days and holidays. Click here for the school calendar.
• When there is an early release day, there is no PM kindergarten. The morning kindergarten will dismiss at Noon.

School Health Policy

All medication should be brought to the nurse’s office, not sent on the bus.  It should be labeled with: student’s name, what the medicine is, dosage and time schedule, doctor’s name, and parent/guardian’s signature. If you wish your child to have over-the-counter drugs (Motrin or Tylenol), parental permission is necessary by either a note or a phone call. If students feel ill, they should ask their teacher to go to the nurse’s office, and if necessary, parents will be notified.  The school nurse offers basic first aid treatment in case of illness or injury.  Parents are always contacted if the injury is serious. It is imperative that the school has current information concerning home phone, work phone and address.  Please keep your emergency information up to date throughout the school year. If your child is going to be absent from school or tardy, please call the subline, 746-4030, and leave a message on the recorder.

Encouraging Helpful Habits

At home you can encourage helpful habits such as:

• Picking up playthings to develop responsibility and organizational skills
• Working with others to develop social skills
• Learning to listen and follow directions
• Doing simple chores to develop responsibility and reliability
• Getting dressed alone to develop independence

To help start each school day right, please be sure your child:

• Has a good night’s sleep.  (Children in kindergarten usually need 10 – 12 hours of sleep each night.)
• Eats a good breakfast.
• Dresses for the weather. ( Listen to the weather forecast before school.  Choose appropriate outdoor clothing and dress your child in layers in case the weather changes.)
• Arrives on time.

The Kindergarten Day

AM Kindergarten: 8:00 – 11:20 AM

PM Kindergarten: 11:20 – 2:35 PM

VISITORS: All visitors and parents are required to use the front door by the main entrance, opposite the flagpole.   Visitors need to sign in at the main office and pick up a “visitor” pass.  For safety and security reasons all other doors are locked.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL: If you drive your child to school for the AM or PM session, please use the “Drop off” spot in the parking lot.  You may park your car and walk your child to the playground. or if class has started to the office. Parents are respectfully asked not to walk students to classrooms.

SNACKS: Please send a nutritious snack with your child every day.  The classroom has a cracker jar for the days when someone forgets a snack.  Contributions are appreciated throughout the year.  Favorites in school are: Graham Crackers, Animal Crackers, Goldfish and Pretzels. Children can bring their own drinks for snack, or order milk or juice at school.  Milk for kindergarten students is 5 cents a day,  Apple juice and  orange juice cost 40 cents a day.  Milk choices are: 1% and 2% milk, skim milk and chocolate milk.  We encourage parents to pay for snack drinks for the year:  milk = $9.00 or juice = $72.00. Approximate snack times:  AM – 9:15 and PM – 1:00

VOLUNTEERS: Parent volunteers are welcome in classrooms, in the school’s Publishing Center, the library, as well as on field trips.  Please let the teachers know if you are interested. When you volunteer, please make child care arrangements if you have younger children at home—thank you.

In order to be fair to all of our children, we ask you to do not send invitations to parties through school.

BOOK ORDERS and software orders are sent home monthly. If you choose to order,  please send a check payable to the specific book club—not cash.

SPECIAL CLASSES: Kindergartners have Music, Art, and Physical Education once a week.  (Students need sneakers for PE class.) You will receive a specials schedule at the beginning of the year.  Kindergartners also have Listening Groups, Computer Lab, and Second Step.

PICK UP: If you need to pick up your child early, please go to the main office and Mrs. Wilder, Administrative Assistant, will call the classroom to dismiss your child. If you are picking up your child at 11:20, the class will meet you at the bus lines on the main entrance sidewalk.  At 2:35 students will be dismissed from the preschool room.  The back doors will be unlocked at 2:30 so you can come in to sign your child out. A note is necessary when there is a change in dismissal routine.  For last minute changes please call the office.  There can be no change in dismissal routine without a note or phone call. When AM kindergartners are bused home mid-day, the bus driver will not drop them off at a house that appears to be empty.  To assure safety, the student will be returned to the school.

COMMUNICATION: We believe that communication between school and home is crucial to your kindergartner’s success: Feel free to call or email the teachers or Principal when you have a question. Our phone number is 746-3473.  If you call the school and the answering machine picks up, it only means the other lines are in use.  Please leave a message or call back in a few minutes. Our emails are: dblanchard@hopkintonschools.org,  sduval@hopkintonschools.org, and  bcarozza@hopkintonschools.org.  Hopkinton has a PTA, which meets monthly and represents the entire school district. Every Friday, Harold Martin School publishes the Parent Flash, which relates important school news. The AM session receives their Parent Flash the following Monday.  In addition, the Flash is sent out to every member of the HMS News Listserv once a week. Listserv members also receive regular reminders of important events, minutes of our PAC and PTA meetings, monthly lunch menus and announcements of school delays and closings. Click here to sign up.

IMPORTANT STAFF WORKING WITH YOUR KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN

William  Carozza: Principal

Betsy Wilder: Office Manager

Sheila Conley: School Nurse

Dott. Blanchard: Kindergarten Teacher

Sara Duval: Kindergarten Teacher

Karen Pond: Technology Integrator

Jackie Kleiner: School Guidance Counselor

Kim Emerson: Art Teacher

Edna Marie Griffin: Music Teacher

Ed Girzone: Physical Education Teacher

Nancy Alibrandi: Library Media Specialist

Chris Dinan: Speech/Language Pathologist

Wanda Hebert: Speech Assistant

Sally Codd: Learning Abilities Specialist

Bonnie McAuliffe: Learning Abilities Specialist

Liz Cannon: Reading Specialist

Deidre Smith: Reading Specialist

Laura Messenger: Reading Teacher

Sally Turcotte: Reading Recovery Teacher

(Each staff member has email with this formula first letter of first name combined with last name@hopkintonschools.org. So, Tom Brady is tbrady@hopkintonschools.org. (We don’t have individual links due to spamming potential).

Title 1 Parent’s Guide

Parent’s Guide to Title 1

At Harold Martin School

The Title 1 program at Harold Martin School is a federally funded program that is designed to support academically at-risk students in the area of literacy.

How is eligibility determined?

Eligibility is determined when beginning of the year assessment results and classroom performance fall below grade level.  When a child is deemed in need of Title 1 services, with the permission and support of the family, students are recommended for the program.

How are Title 1 services delivered?

Students are provided with literacy support in a variety of settings.  There may be in-class support or out-of-class support in a small group or one to one setting.  These settings are determined on an individual basis. Planning for the instruction is done in a collaborative model with the Title 1 teacher and classroom teacher.

Who are the Title 1 teachers?

Our Title 1 teachers are highly qualified, experienced teachers.  Both have been classroom teachers and have decided to further their focus on literacy instruction.  Both hold Masters level degrees in literacy education. Title 1 teachers work in collaboration with special educators, classroom teachers, and reading colleagues.

How long are children in the Title 1 program and how will I know if they have graduated?

Children are in the Title 1 program for varying lengths of time.  Our goal is to help your child progress so that they are reading on grade level and their classroom performance is more independent.  This occurs as different rates for different students.  We make decisions on each individual student.   You will always be notified of any change in your child’s programming. So, if the Title 1 teacher and classroom teacher feel that your child has made acceptable progress, you will be notified with paperwork to sign.

What assessments are done to monitor my child’s growth?

Three times per year each student at Harold Martin School is assessed in reading & writing.  For reading, we use the Developmental Reading Assessment by Joetta Beaver.  For writing skills, we use the Write Traits Rubric by Vicki Spandell.  We also give the NWEA MAP test twice per year for both reading and math.  All of these assessments, in addition to weekly running records and classroom observations, contribute to making instructional decisions and determining progress.

How can I support my child at home with literacy growth?

Books are sent home daily and/or weekly for practice reading.  Please take time to sit with your child and let them show you what they know!  Provide a quiet, comfortable place to read.  Encourage siblings to read to one another.  Here are some words and phrases that may be useful to use at home:

• Does that make sense?
• Does that sound right?
• Does tat look right?
• Do you see a smaller word in that big word? (stand)
• Try that again
• Does that word look like another word you know? (cook, look, book)

Reading Staff at HMS:

• Sally Turcotte, Reading Recovery
• Liz Cannon, Title 1 teacher
• Karen May, Title 1 teacher & Reading Specialist
• Deidre Smith, Reading Specialist & Title 1 Project Manager

Important Preschool Info 2010-11

Important Family Information for Preschool 2010-11

Preschool Letter Summer2010

Preschool Newsletter September 2010

Physical Education

P.E. News

From Mr. Girzone

I would like to thank all the parents who made the effort to join in on the walking school bus last year. I realize that extra time in the morning is priceless so I truly appreciate your support. For those of you who are not familiar with this program, I lead a group of students from the Cracker Barrel Deli to Harold Martin School on Tuesday mornings at 7:30. Weather permitting, I would like to start this year’s program next Tuesday September 14th. Walking with your child is not mandatory so if you only have the time for a quick drop-off, I will personally ensure your son or daughter is supervised to school. My goal is to promote regular physical activity and help introduce our students to the school’s brand new sidewalk. Also, pedometers are available if your son or daughter is curious to learn how many steps it takes to get from the Cracker Barrel to the school. If each child shows that they can be responsible and take care of their pedometer, they will be allowed to take one home to enjoy in their free time.

As many of you already know, HMS just installed a brand new floor for the multi-purpose room. It was decided that we go with Hopkinton-green to fit with the district colors and it turned out looking great. If you get the chance, stop by and take a peak. And since P.E classes are now allowed back in the gym, I would kindly ask parents to pack sneakers for their children on the days they have P.E class. Although it has been quite warm lately, flip flops and crocs are not safe footwear for running in class. Thank you.

As I have done in the past, September will be filled with lessons that allow each class to become more comfortable with the large space and also learn my expectations. Routines help students in all grades become successful and physical education class is no exception. Following the introductory lessons, I make a point to introduce cooperation and teamwork into my activities. From my “Movement and Music” class that I teach with Edna Marie Griffin to my 3rd grade classes, all groups will be asked to participate in activities that will help accustom everyone to the gym and to their new classmates.

The Big Picture

Check out the art wiki at: http://www.homeworknow.com/hwnow/gethw.php?username=KEMERSON

Here you can find plenty of student work in grades P-6.

The Big

Picture

From Mrs. Emerson

Preschool students have been creating hats, monkeys, and jungles in the art room.  Students used several art supplies to collage patterns on a cap.   We looked at Henri Rousseau’s artwork and finger painted our own jungles with fruit trees.  Students then glued paper monkeys into to their jungle.

Kindergarteners read the book Like a Windy Day by Frank Asch and created their own windy day pictures.  Keeping in style with the book, students added different types of wind lines in oil pastel and watercolored their paintings.  Students are currently creating 3-D daffodil flowers.

First grade students have been learning about artists Georgia O’Keeffe and Henri Matisse.  Students read My Name is Georgia by Jeanette Winter and then had the choice to draw flowers or an animal skull, two hallmark objects in O’Keeffe’s paintings.  Students also read about Henri Matisse and used several “drawing with scissors” techniques to create their rendition of The Goldfish Bowl.

Second graders have continued using their beautiful image writing papers to collage pictures and develop a story.  Students were challenged to add details, details, details to every picture.  We are currently starting to prepare for painting the second grade play scenery.

Third grade students are creating 3D pop-ups.  Students learned different folding, cutting, and paper manipulation techniques and are designing their own books.  Students identified and demonstrated the principles of art (balance, pattern, emphasis, and variety) in their books

Preschool Newsletter

Preschool Newsletter Feb.2012

Preschool Newsletter January 2012

Preschool Newsletter Dec. 2011

Preschool Newsletter November 2011

Preschool Newsletter Oct.2001

HMS Preschool Newsletter September 2011

Preschool Newsletter May 2011

Preschool Newsletter April 2011

Preschool Newsletter March 2011

Preschool Newsletter Feb.2011

Preschool Newsletter Jan 2011

Preschool Newsletter Dec 2010

Preschool Newsletter Nov. 2010

Preschool Newsletter June 2010

Preschool Newsletter May 2010

Preschool Newsletter April2010.

PreSchool Newsletter March 2010

Preschool Newsletter Feb.2010

Newsletter Dec 2009

Art Web Site

Our Elementary Art Teacher Kim Emerson has established an online Art Gallery. Check it out at: http://www.homeworknow.com/hwnow/gethw.php?username=KEMERSON

It is always a work in progress and will be changed from time to time. Feel free to email comments to Kim at: kemerson@hopkintonschools.org.

Blue Ribbon Award for Volunteerism

We are pleased to announce that Harold Martin School once again won the Blue Ribbon Award for volunteerism from the New Hampshire Partners in Education  due to our exemplary program. We were recognized along with many other schools in the state on October 26. Arlene McGrath, Amy Licata, and Julie Morris were the directors last year and they deserve big kudos along with all of you who have lent your time and talent to the cause of our students.

The 3 B’s

The 3 B’s are our school wide rules:
* Be safe
* Be respectful
* Be responsible

I  have a recording of the song online, on our podcast page. You can access it here. In fact, our kindergarten children came home earlier this year with a flyer regarding the 3 B’s after learning the rules and song from our School Counselor Jackie Kleiner, Behavioral Specialist Holly Patterson, and me.  I hope you’ll have a chance to review this with your children.

Hopkinton School District Preschool Program

Hopkinton School District Preschool Program

The Hopkinton Preschool is an integrated preschool setting where children with special needs are included in a classroom with typically developing children.  In an integrated classroom, children with special needs have the opportunity to observe typically developing children, who serve as positive role models by demonstrating the skills the teachers and therapists are trying to teach. Typically developing students also gain an appreciation for diversity

A preschool/special education teacher and instructional assistant provide a developmentally appropriate environment that fosters all areas of early childhood development. Students spend time each week at Art and Music taught by the specialists at the school. A variety of therapists (occupational, physical, speech & language) spend time in the classroom too.

IMPORTANT FAMILY INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE

Preschool will follow the Hopkinton School Calendar

Class time for Monday, through Friday classes, 8:00—11:20

• Please try to bring your child to school on time and pick up on time. Parent pick-up and drop off is at the school parking lot door entrance (outside the preschool room). If your child arrives too early we will still be busy setting up, and a very late arrival means missing part of the “free choice” period, which is important to your child’s socialization. If you do arrive late please go to the office to check in before coming to class.  The district does not provide transportation for preschool.

• Our daily schedule includes a morning meeting, choice time, snack and story time. We do try to go outside at the end of the day so, please dress your child for the weather.  Please Label your child’s clothing. A backpack or school bag is also a helpful way for your child to carry home school projects, to bring home important notices and to store a change of clothes for emergencies.

• Preschool does participate in art class in the art room and music in the music room weekly.

• Snack time is part of the preschool day where children will practice their socialization skills. Bringing one healthy snack to school is always encouraged.  Milk, and juice can be purchased at school and we encourage parents to pay for the school year rather than week-by-week.

• Please encourage your child to leave personal possessions at home. It is difficult for young children to share their own things, and fully use school materials when they have brought playthings from home.

• Separation from parents is a breeze for some children, and for others, not so easy. If your child seems unusually concerned about the start of school, please call and leave a message (746-3473) or email bhouldsworth@hopkintonschools.org. We can work on ways to make it as stress-free as possible.

• In addition to the parent/teacher conference, which is scheduled during the year, I am always happy to set up a time to speak with you should you have a question or concern. Sometimes it’s hard to talk at the beginning of the school day, so please leave your name and phone number or email me and I will contact you as soon as possible.

• Parents will receive a copy of the monthly preschool newsletters as well as the weekly “Parent Flash” which is the Harold Martin School Newsletter.

• If your child is absent from school please call the school absence line (746-4030) and leave a message.

• Monthly preschool payments should be made to the office and are due the first of every month.

• Preschool orientation days (September 1^st to September 9th).

• REMINDERS: Your child’s registration packet with the health form and emergency information form must be returned to school by the first day in order for your child to attend school.

WELCOME TO THE PRESCHOOL!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOON.

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