Welcome to Room 4!

Sonya, Usha and Andy welcome you to our online journal of the 2007-8 school year. Each new school year brings a new group of friends eager to experiment, explore and expand their understanding of their world and themselves.

We feel privileged to guide and participate in their endeavors. This will augment our daily announcements so you will have an idea of what we do and how we learn. We will also post books, stories, photos, observations and important announcements here. It's a fun way to recap your child's day at home. The children love seeing photos from their day that often stimulate discussions, observations and lessons learned.

The prevalent theme of September will be "Getting To Know You."
The primary focus will be socialization, learning names and all about our classroom.

GROUPS
Parts of our day will be all-inclusive, while activity periods will be with primary groups of 8-12 at a time. These primary groups will remain intact, though all three teachers will alternate between them to expand their friendships and social development. Each week, teachers will rotate responsibilities for art/science activities, literacy development and sensory/movement activities.
Groups are determined by social dynamics and development as observed by the teachers in the classroom.

ENRICHMENT PERIODS
Trapeze Arts, Gymnastics, Music Class and Art Studio are enrichment activities we are fortunate enough to have, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Parent committee. Being the oldest class on the main level, we are first to go, at 9:00. Please be prompt. If you are late your child may miss a session. In this case, simply report to the classroom. Accommodation will be based on attendance.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
• Please arrive early enough to say goodbye before 9:00. A SHORT routine (a book, playdough, etc...) makes it easier. We will help your child transition into the daily routine. If your child requires more than 5 minutes to separate, arrive a few minutes early to compensate.

• Be sure to make contact with the teacher in the morning and in the afternoon when picking up your child. Please communicate any information that may be relevant to your child's mood (e.g...he saw something scary, she didn't sleep much last night, parent out of town, housegueasts, etc...) so we can provide needed support.

• Keep the following items in your child's cubby at all times:
2 pairs of socks
2 pairs of underwear
1 pair of pants
1 extra undershirt
1 sweatshirt or fleece pullover.
(Please, no costumes or superhero clothes, except underpants)
Remember, they grow fast, so check sizes in 2-3 months.

• Your child may bring a soft, quiet toy for security at rest time. During play time and activities it will remain in the cubby. No other toys, dolls, or play jewelry are permitted. Be especially aware of coins, which usually get lost and pose a hazard for younger children who share our facilities.

CONFERENCES
Watch the info board next to the classroom door for a conference sign up sheet next week. Once we have a few days to work with the children, we will offer conferences to compare notes, exchange ideas and establish goals for your child for the school year.

We are excited to begin our new school year together!