Dear Kindergarten Families,
I hope everyone is well. Thank you Room Parent team, Mrs. Pineda, Mrs. Gomez, Mrs. Le and Mrs. Vasquez for all your planning, care and support and thank you to all the families who were able to join us! I am grateful and blessed to be a part of the St. Anthony community.
Here is all the information that you and your child will need starting with tomorrow’s Family Mass and for this week, 9/18-9/22.
Catechetical Sunday and Family Mass, Sept 17
Please join us on Catechetical Sunday mass at 11:00 am. All families welcome! Students must wear their complete formal mass uniform to get a free dress pass from their teacher.
Communication
As we kick off this school year, I want to emphasize the importance of open and honest communication between us, the parents and teachers. Your input and feedback are invaluable in ensuring your child’s success and creating a positive learning environment.
If you ever find that your child is struggling to meet homework deadlines or facing any personal concerns that may affect their academic performance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I understand that life can be unpredictable, and I am here to support your child’s educational journey. Together, we can find solutions to address any challenges they may face.
I want to express my gratitude to the parents who have already reached out to me regarding their concerns and questions or when personal emergencies affected their ability to meet deadlines. Your proactive approach to communication is greatly appreciated.
Additionally, I encourage you to share any comments or feedback you may have about me. Constructive feedback helps me continuously improve my teaching methods and ensures that I provide the best educational experience for your child.
It is always beneficial to start with positive presumptions towards each other. Building a foundation of trust and collaboration will lead to a healthier parent-teacher relationship, benefiting your child’s overall development.
Homework
Please continue to work on the monthly packet that was sent home September 1st. Homework assignments are assigned Monday – Thursday via the Seesaw app.
Picture Day- Thursday, Sept 21st
On Thursday, we will have our picture day. Students MUST come to school wearing complete FORMAL MASS UNIFORMS, CAMERA READY. Make sure their uniforms are complete and that hair is combed as you want it to be photographed.
Glassware Containers
Recently, we have noticed an increase in the use of glassware for packing snacks and meals. While glass containers can be convenient and eco-friendly, they can also pose a significant risk of breakage and accidents, especially in a school environment.
To ensure the safety of all our students, I kindly request that you avoid packing snacks and lunch in glass containers. Instead, please use plastic, metal, or other non-breakable materials for your child’s meals. This simple change can help prevent accidents and potential injuries, as well as reduce the risk of shattered glass in common areas.
Hands, Feet, Objects (HFO)
In our efforts to create a safe and inclusive learning environment, I kindly ask that you remind your child about the following guidelines daily:
- Keep Hands, Feet, and Objects (HFO) to Themselves: It’s crucial that students refrain from touching or handling objects that belong to others without permission. This includes maintaining physical distance and not engaging in physical contact like hugs or holding hands.
- Stay in Their Bubble: Encourage your child to respect the personal space of their classmates. I want everyone to feel comfortable and safe in our school, and this begins with respecting one another’s boundaries.
As their teacher, I will do my best to reinforce these reminders regularly in the classroom. However, your support at home is invaluable in reinforcing these essential lessons.
Kindly refer to my email sent on 9/12 which incorporates our school-wide Tribes Agreements and in Kindergarten, Safety First. I love how students are getting used to “air hugs”, “air high fives” and the lessons we’ve been learning from Listening Larry.
Coughing and Sneezing
Parents, I need your help reminding our students of the importance of practicing good health habits, especially during this season when we have seen an increase in illness among our students.
First and foremost, I kindly request your support in emphasizing to your child the importance of covering their coughs and sneezes at all times. This simple yet vital habit can significantly reduce the spread of illnesses within our school community. Encouraging them to use a tissue or their elbow/shoulder when they cough or sneeze can go a long way in preventing the transmission of germs.
Additionally, please reinforce the importance of avoiding putting objects in their mouth and touching their face with their hands. These habits can help minimize the risk of infection.
Furthermore, if your child is experiencing symptoms like colds, runny noses and coughs, I kindly ask that you keep them home until they are feeling better. It is essential that we prioritize the health and well-being of all our students. If you decide to send your child to school while they are recovering, we strongly recommend having them wear a mask to prevent the potential spread of any contagious illnesses.
Playground Usage
Kindly refer to my email sent on 9/3 regarding playground usage. On Friday, we practiced using the playground safely and at our Family Social, I had the anchor chart with Playground Rules outside the play structure.
As a reminder, most of my emails can also be found by clicking here, our class blog on the school website.
Birthday Policy
We wanted to remind you of our school’s birthday policy to ensure that all students can enjoy their special day while maintaining a healthy and inclusive environment.
Please note the following:
- No cupcakes, donuts, pizza, or ice cream is allowed to be brought into school for birthday celebrations.
- We will continue to recognize your child’s birthday in the classroom, making it a special and memorable moment.
- You are welcome to send goodie bags with healthy snacks that do not contain hard candies and are peanut-free. We encourage nutritious alternatives. We have 26 students in the class.
- These goodie bags will be distributed to students before dismissal, adding a touch of celebration to the end of the school day.
- You may also send out-of-school party invitations as long as everyone is invited. Simply hand them to me in the morning, and we will ensure they are placed in each student’s homework folders.
Mosquitos
I wanted to bring to your attention a recent concern at our school that involves an increased presence of mosquitoes. As we strive to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment for all our students, we wanted to keep you informed about this issue and the steps we are taking to address it.
In recent days, some students have reported being bitten by mosquitoes while on school premises. We understand that this can be uncomfortable and potentially distracting for the students. Please rest assured that we are actively working on a solution to resolve this problem as quickly as possible.
In the meantime, I kindly request your assistance in ensuring the comfort and well-being of your child while at school. To help protect your child from mosquito bites, I recommend the following precautions:
- Use Mosquito Repellent Spray: You can apply mosquito repellent spray on your child’s exposed skin before they come to school. Please make sure to choose a repellent that is safe for children.
- Mosquito Repellent Bracelets: Consider having your child wear mosquito repellent bracelets, which can provide an additional layer of protection against mosquito bites.
Rest assured that our school administration is actively working to address the mosquito issue. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.
Parent-Teacher Conference Oct. 2-5:
If you signed up during Back to School Night, your time slot is reserved.
If you still need to sign up or would like to make a change, please use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508094DA9A628AA8-44379775-kindergarten
Please choose only 1 slot per family, each family has a 15 minute slot. If you have two students in the class, please sign up for 2 slots. The Sign-Up Genius will be locked on September 20, 2023.
Bookmark Contest at Gardena Mayme Dear Library
Gardena Mayme Dear Library would like to invite your students to participate in LA County Library’s 44th Annual Bookmark Contest, an annual program that encourages a love of books and reading while also promoting creativity, artistic expression, and community engagement. Students will have the chance to see their bookmark designs featured at their local library and throughout Los Angeles County. Participants compete in the following age categories:
- Kindergarten – Grade 2
- Grade 3 – Grade 5
- Grade 6 – Grade 8
- Grade 9 – Grade 12
Last year, one of our own Kindergarten students won! Entry forms will be sent home in your child’s green folder on Monday, 9/18. If you would like to submit a bookmark entry, please return completed bookmarks by Friday, September 29, 2023 or submit your entry directly to the Gardena Public Library.
UPCOMING EVENTS
School calendar can be found (clicking here)
- Sept 17 – Catechetical Sunday, all families welcome! 11am Family Mass. Wear your Mass uniform and receive a Free Dress pass.
- Sept 21 – FALL School Picture Day 8:30-10:30 Kindly wear your complete Formal Mass Uniforms with white blouses and Oxford shirts, cardigans, vests, and ties for Yearbook photos. No PE sweaters or windbreakers. We are hoping for a uniform look for the yearbook and student ID photos.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I will try my best to respond as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education. I look forward to another wonderful week of learning and growth.
Thank you & God Bless!
Warmly,
Mrs. McCabe
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