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.

Tags:

HMS Podcast #38 for December 2011
A Photo History of the New HMS Playground (Click on the picture below.)

The New HMS Playground
The Harold Martin Minute 1-31-12
HMS Twitter Feed
The Principal’s Corner

Happy Holidays from HMS! I hope that the information on the HMS web site is clear and informative. Please let me know how we can improve the way we communicate.

There are some interesting features on the site: The latest pictures on this page are from the Holiday Concerts and much more. In fact, if you look just click just above this, you'll go straight to over 300 photos charting the history of the new HMS Playground construction. Also, if you have questions about MAP testing (results were just sent home) and how to read his/her scores, I've included a screencast just below that should answer your questions. Please click the icon the the right of the speaker icon to create a full screen presentation. In addition, click on the "Assessment" tab all the way to the left of this home page to read the "Parent Tool Kit" for MAP. I have also included our latest Podcast just above which is a retrospective on the last year or so of HMS Podcasts.

Don't leave the web site without checking out "Latest News" which is the area that is updated most frequently. Click here for "Latest News".

If you want to sign up for our email list, simply go to the top right of this site and click on the tab above: "Contact Us/Email List". The instructions are simple.

There are always other videos within easy reach. I also hope you'll check out my blog, "Principal Reflections". Click here to access it".

Please let me know how we can make your Harold Martin experience as positive as possible.

Sincerely,

Bill Carozza, Principal
What is MAP testing?
The 3B’s
HMS Playground Orientation