Mrs. Robert's Classroom
Welcome to Pre-k
St John has a full day pre-k program. This is a structured program with time for learning and play. The school hours are 8am-2:15pm and before and aftercare is available for those families that need this service. Our program implements the curriculum from the Office of Catholic Schools which includes: mathematics, literacy, art, music, motor skill development, social-emotional skill development and religion. The program is primarily for 4 year olds, but 3 year olds that demonstrate readiness are often accepted. Open House is January 29, 2012 (1-3pm). The Pre-Kindergarten Program follows the regular school calendar, September to June.
Pre-K- Frequently Asked Questions
Transportation
What is the morning drop off procedure?
Teachers are available for drop off at 7:45am. If you need 'before care', please register your child and drop off at the 'big school', and your child will be walked to the 'little school' by a teacher. On good weather days, teachers will wait on the black top for the children. On days of inclement weather, please bring your child directly to the classroom door.
What is the parking procedure?
Please drive around the back of the church and park in lines facing the street. This allows for clear visibility of children in the parking lot and eliminates the need to back up. Hold your child's hand when leaving your vehicle.
What is the dismissal procedure?
Half day dismissal is at 12:15pm and full day is at 2:15pm. Children will be brought out to the black top area by a teacher after the school bus has left. Please wait near your car, for safety reasons until this time. A teacher will call each child’s name to dismiss them directly to their pick up person. Aftercare children are walked by a teacher and student helpers to the 'big school'.
What if my schedule warrants a change in pick up time or person?
Please send a note regarding any change in regular routine to the teacher. A driver’s license is needed for identification when a new pickup person is designated to pick up your child.
Communication
How can I reach Mrs. Robert?
Via email-drobert@stjohnwtn.org
Via phone- 860-274-9208 and leave a message at the office
Via note in folder
How will I find out what is going on in class?
Memos and newsletters will be sent by email this year. Check your child’s folder daily for projects going home.
Curriculum
What will my child learn?
The Office of Catholic Schools creates a framework of standards by subject area. These can be viewed online by visiting the Office of Catholic Schools website http://www.catholicschoolshartford.org/
Click on the link for Quality Catholic Education, then to Standards, and Early Childhood Curriculum. Kindergarten and pre-k standards are listed together. The pre-k section begins on p. 76. Each teacher takes these standards and creates lesson plans that meet the needs and interests of the students. The St. John School Pre-K program is a very well rounded program introducing each child to math, language/literacy skill development, science, religion and social emotional skill development.
Daily Schedule
What is a typical Pre-K day like?
Our typical day includes structure and some free time for exploring activities and socializing. Activities occur around the same time each day. Music, art and outdoor play are an important part of our day. There is a balance of teacher directed learning times and free play time. There is a 30 minute rest period after lunch to allow for quiet time.
Growth and Development
How will I know how my child is doing at school?
Always look in the folder for the projects and ask your child to tell you a story about their work. Talk about their accomplishments and praise them! Each child has a portfolio to document growth and a teacher will review the portfolio with you during conference time in November. Progress reports go home in January and June. Notes will be sent home telling you what your child enjoyed, needed help with, or excelled at.
Fears
My child is afraid to be dropped off!
Breathe! If you have a positive attitude about school and emphasize the good points, it will get better. There may be tears, and that’s ok. Remember we are all in this together. Remind your child how much you love them and that you’ll be back later. Gradually, your child will overcome this fear. Mrs. Robert will keep you updated on this progress. Please communicate your concerns to a teacher, as well.