HOOT2

We are excited to be starting our adventuring around town.
This week we are going to go on two field trips.
Chaperones are welcome. Please let me know by Monday if you are planning on joining us.
Tuesday: Library -- leaving school by 10:40 -- returning by 12:30
Wednesday: Brass Project (concert at TCA at 9:45) -- leaving school by 8:45 -- picnic and play at Kit Carson playground after concert -- return to school by 1:30pm

Field Trip checklist:
backpack
water bottle
plenty of food in lunch box
long sleeves
walking shoes
sun protection
library card (whenever you can get it made)
please double-check that your phone number is correct on the kinder roster in case I need to reach you

HW:
do on Monday due on Tuesday: bring something (no larger than your head) that starts with the same sound as your first name and/or last name
do on Tuesday due on Wednesday: bring a favorite book
do on Wednesday due on Thursday: draw your room (or the room that you share) -- what shapes can you find in your room?

Extra clothes -- please bring them if you haven't yet -- better safe than sorry!

And for this week's photos -- the children got started with the writing workshop, created "selfies" and portfolio cases, counted, estimated, and worked on patterns. In science we lookted at transformations and life cycles in nature. Everyone tried jumproping too (the record is 5 so far)! What a great group of eager learners!

Please stay tuned for our upcoming September calendar.

HOOT1

WELCOME TO KINDER NEWS!

      I have much enjoyed getting to know the children and you all during the first week of school. 
HOOT! is the kindergarten newsletter I publish weekly on this blog. Please request a paper copy if you need one.

COMMUNICATION
The fastest way to reach me is via text (779-1952) or email (jutka@tisataos.org).

WHAT TO BRING ON MONDAY
all school supplies (please check the list on the kinder blog)
extra clothes (two sets, if you anticipate needing it)
an extra long sleeve shirt/top/sweatshirt to leave at school (in cubby)
office paperwork (please return the income form and the last page of the parent handbook)

VOLUNTEERS PLEASE
Classroom set-up/repairs (this is our priority at the moment!)
Volunteers are needed with the following classroom functions:
Sign-up is on a monthly basis. Please see the sign-up sheet in class or email me with information (what function and which month) if you'd like to sign up.

Providing drinking water (bottles or fountain)

Doing laundry (placemats, smocks, and pillow cases)

Eco-friendly hand soap and table wipes

Prize box goodies (small size but not too small to swallow)

Playground work (Mr Greywolf filled the sandbox with 1,500 lbs of sand. The basketball backboard and net have been replaced.)
Chaperoning on field trips (field trip #1: to public library - Aug 30)

Classroom helpers (in-class activities -- starting Aug. 29))

P.E. (coaching outdoor gym activities) and clubs 

Kinder PTA/Friends of TISA representatives

Clarifications:
Drop-off and pick-up:
drop-off: 8:15-8:30 (early care: 8:00-8:15)
kinder starts at 8:30
tardy: 8:35
pick-up: 3:20-3:30
aftercare: 3:30-5:30
Food: To ensure that we all get the most out of our school day, we will not be serving sugary snacks in kindergarten this year (except for Miss Jutka's coffee). When packing snack and lunch for your child, please avoid sugary treats. (No cookies, cake, chocolate pudding, chocolate milk, doughnuts, chocolate covered almonds, candy, marshmallows, licorice sticks, etc. Fruit leather, dried fruit, jam, and flavored yogurt are fine.) If a sugary treat is packed, I will ask your child to save it for the end of the day and offer a different choice (granola bar or an apple) from our class snack provisions. The choice beverage is water. 
So, what to do about that sweet temptation? Perhaps an enticing treat can be something for your child to have on the way home, awaiting in the car?
Clothing: Please bring a long-sleeve top/sweatshirt that your child can leave in their cubby for any unexpected weather chills.
Toys: Bringing toys to school is discouraged. Books are fine to bring (labeled with your child's name).

SHARE-WARE
I hope you have a chance to explore our class blog (tisakinder16.blogspot.com) at least once a week (I usually post updates on weekends). I will be emailing you links to each student's individual electronic portfolio so that you can watch them grow and celebrate their learning at home this year.

SHARED SNACK and SHOW AND TELL
Your child will be responsible for bringing in snack for the whole class one day each month. That will also be the day that they can bring a show-and-tell item. A snack/show-and-tell calendar will be sent home at the beginning of each month starting with the month of September. If your child's birthday falls in that month, their snack day will coincide with their birthday (or the closest day after). On their birthday, you may send in a sweet birthday snack AND a morning snack for the class.
Shared snack ideas:
Here are a few healthy snacks you may consider bringing: popcorn (ready to pop or already popped in the bag), pretzels, cheese sticks/cubes, crackers, bagels+cream cheese, granola+yogurt/Gogurt tubes, mini sandwiches, apple slices+nut butter, chips+salsa, rice cakes+spread, grapes/cut fruit.
If you are sending a snack that requires utensils/cups, please send them along as well. Also, please keep in mind that one adult will be serving snack to the whole class, so the snack must be ready to serve without any further preparation.

CONVERSATION SEEDS (= hints that may help you connect with your child and find out more about the wonderful days they have at school) 
Did you meet a new friend at school? Do you know their name?
What do you do when Miss Jutka blows the whistle?
Do you know the names of the children who sit next to you in circle? at the table?
Do you know where to put your lunch box?
Were you able to open your food containers?
Do you know your teacher's names (Miss Jutka and Miss Laurie)? 

HOMEWORK: 

Please read 20 minutes with family every day/evening.
Practice: opening/closing lunch containers, water bottles, putting on/taking off shoes, counting up (I would love to know how far you can count up without help from your family!)
Homework by the day (usually there won't be homework for the weekend)
do on Monday, due on Tuesday: Draw/paint/collage a family photo (would love to meet your pets too!)
do on Tuesday, due on Wednesday: bring/make an object that has mostly straight shape/lines
do on Wednesday, due on Thursday: bring/make an object that has mostly curvy shape/lines

UPCOMING EVENTS:
Field Trip: to Taos Public Library -- Aug 30 (11am)
Each child will check out one book
needed by Aug. 29: child's library card (done by parent), chaperons (2 volunteers)

THE FIRST WEEK IN PICTURES

We got crowned, waved our wands, and made our royal wishes for the year.

We had fun with our third and sixth grade reading buddies. Here are a few of our new friends.

 

Miss Laurie loved reading "I am 5!" to us.

Our raccoon friend, Chester (from The Kissing Hand) had come to our class to talk about making new friends and how learning happens at TISA. We all made an adorable character puppet from the story.

Parent Questionnaire

TISA KINDERGARTEN PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE 2016/17

Child’s FIRST Name _____________   LAST Name______________  Nickname: ____________

Date of Birth ________________________  Place of birth _______________________________

Parents’ Names___________________________________    ______________________________

The information I am requesting below will help me understand your child better. It will be kept confidential.

Please share what led you to enroll your child at TISA.

What’s your child’s school experience so far?

schedule: 5 / 4  / 3 / 2 / 1 / 0 days a week    full day/half day         regular / occasional attendance  

Play-based program        academic program

How do you and your child feel about entering kindergarten?

What does your child most enjoy doing?

Favorite game

Favorite book

Place to visit

Best friend/s

Sport/s

Family pastimes

What are some activities that your child can most sustain focus with?

Are there any recent life events/changes that have occurred in your family?  Please check any that apply:

Move  _____ New Sibling/Family member  _____ Divorce/Separation _____  Illness_________ Trauma______ Accident/injury/surgery___________     Death_______________  Other:

Does your child have brothers of sisters? 

NAME: _____________________natural / adopted / step   Age:     _______

              ________________________  natural / adopted / step                   _______                     

              ________________________  natural / adopted / step                   _______                     

             

Is your child a member of a ___ two parent family?    ___ single parent family?   ___ step or remarried family?

Parents live in same/different households. (please circle)

What language/s do you speak in your home? _____What language is spoken where you were born?_______

What is your child’s reaction to stress/conflict?  Please check any that apply.

____Crying     ____Headache     ____Stomach Ache      ___ Biting/kicking/hitting ___Withdrawing      ___Acting out    ____throwing    ____spitting   Other? ______________________  __________________

Does your child tend to use his/her right or left hand?                     Right or left foot?

Does your child rest/nap during the day?

What is your child’s usual bedtime?

Do you know of any friends your child might have in his kindergarten class at TISA or in other grades?

Does your child have any illness, allergies or follow a special diet?  Frequent nose bleeds? Blood sugar to watch? Gets sunburnt easily? Wears glasses?

What exposure does your child have to media (TV, computer games, e-books, tablet, cell phone)?

none           couple times a week                1   2   3 hours a day            

Please share your comments on the use of media at home and at school.

How long will it take for your child to get to school in the mornings?

Your child's health history (please circle all that apply).

Premature birth/birth injury          Head injury/concussion        broken bone        stitches         hospitalization         surgery       toothache           nosebleeds            fainting         night terrors

Any fears your child might have?

Is there anything else you feel we need to know about?

Please be advised that your child may be photographed or video-taped at various school-sponsored events.  I ______ give permission       _____do not give permission to have my child appear in a photograph or video on TISA's blogs, TISA's web site, TISA's Facebook page or other public forum (such as the Taos News).

You, as parents are the backbone of our class community. We welcome your participation and hope we can find meaningful ways for you to be part of our learning expeditions this year.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire. I look forward to working together with you and your child.

Jutka

WELCOME

Dear TISA Kindergarten Families,

WELCOME TO A YEAR OF NEW ADVENTURES AT TISA!

If this is your first message from me, welcome, welcome, welcome to our kindergarten class community at TISA! Hope you are enjoying the last bit of summer. Please read this message attentively as there is much to share.

First off: CELEBRATE!

There will be many milestones and moments to cherish on your child's path. This rite of passage from cradle to kindergarten is a teary-eyed one for many families. To ease into this transition, why not make it a precious memory for all? 

How about 

• going on a special walk/hike 
• making first day jitters-away goo 
• looking at your old school photos and sharing an (upbeat!) school story
• starting a scrap book of kindergarten
• tucking in a special note for the first day
• planning on a fun activity after the first day of school
• taking an "off-to-kinder" photo

THE NIGHT BEFORE ...

• Prepare lunch box together (include utensils and washcloth/kitchen towel/cloth napkin)
• Set out first day of school clothes+shoes together
• Relax with a favorite book/bath
• Tuck in early! For a happy first day, get a good night's sleep (my prescription: start bedtime routines by 7:30, snuggle in bed by 8:30pm, get 10 hours of shut-eye)

COMMUNICATION
cell: 779-1952 (Please text me and I will respond as soon as time allows.)
email: jutkatisa@gmail.com 
Kinder blog: tisakinder.blogspot.com (This is your hotline. Kinder newsletters and announcements will be published here in "Hoot." I suggest that you bookmark it right now.)
TISA home page: http://tisataos.org/
Follow us on Facebook: TISA on Facebook
Please let me know if you would like to have a paper copy of the kinder news. 

TISA'S TWO CAMPUSES 
Lower elementary: K-3 campus (building by DRAGON FOUNTAIN downtown)
119 Manzanares St, Taos, NM 87571  
Middle school and main office: 4-8 campus
212 Bendix Dr, Taos, NM 87571

MONDAY 

• drop off: 8:30 (Grown-up folks are welcome to stay until 9:00am on the first day. On a regular day thereafter parents will be most welcome if they pre-arrange it with me to volunteer with activities.)
• pick up: 3:30
• aftercare: 3:30-5:30 (free of charge)

WHAT TO BRING ON MONDAY

• DO NOT BRING all school supplies yet 
• we will only need crayons and sketchbook (see specs on blog supply list) -- please label
• full set of extra clothes and long sleeves in backpack (and tuck in a wash cloth too)
• lunch, snack, big water bottle! (label)
• clothing for rain/shine, sunscreen/sunhat (we'll be spending lots of time outdoors)
• contact information on a piece of paper to leave with me (phone, email, emergency contact, pick up folks contacts)
• any paperwork you might have for the office
• photos of your family/adventures to share 
• your schedule/calendar so you are ready to sign up for classroom help -- THANK YOU!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS: I am setting up our brand new classroom and need volunteers to help. Please devote a few hours this week and sign up. Your support will make a world of difference.

CONVERSATION SEEDS (= hints that may help you connect with your child and find out more about the wonderful days they have at school) 
Did you meet a new friend at school? Do you know their name?
Did you learn a new game to play? Can we play that at home?
Were you able to open your food containers?
How do you know that it's time to line up at the end of recess?
Was there anything that happened at school today that concerns you? Does Miss Jutka know?
Do you know your teachers names? 

CURRICULUM to kick off a fabulous year:

• welcome to our new TISA family 
• "Me," and my new friends
• life cycle of a butterfly 
• nursery rhymes and traditional stories
• art/elements of design: self-portraits 
• small motor skills: prewriting and using lines
• literacy: working with names and letters in child's own name
• math: sorting, measuring and comparison

Aftercare and Friday Enrichment Programs

Many Parents have inquired about the Programs TISA offers. We are happy to announce that children who participate in the Aftercare Program and Friday Enrichment will be able to do so at no cost. Yes, these programs will be free to students who need to utilize them, all we ask is that you send an extra snack for your child for the Aftercare Program and a lunch with snack for the Friday Enrichment. The Aftercare Program will run Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5:30 and the Friday Enrichment Program will run from 8:00-5:00. Both programs will be held at the Manzanares campus where the kids can utilize the playground equipment. No, we do not have transportation to get students from the Bendix campus to the Manzanares campus. In the past, we had parents carpool. If you are interested in carpooling, please reply to this email so that I can help find a parent who travels to the Manzanares campus.

TISA Clubs

We are currently working with teachers to come up with a schedule of clubs. Clubs will start after Labor Day, and will be at both campuses. Once a schedule is in place, an electronic copy will be sent out.

HOMEWORK: Practice independence! 

• opening/closing lunch containers and water bottles 
• putting on/taking off shoes 
• doing regular chores at home (feeding pet, setting table, watering plants)

Read 20 minutes with family every day/evening.

See you on Monday!

Miss Jutka  (say: you-t-kah) 

(However, I will respond to just about any name you come up with, not excluding "Miss Onion!")

TISA Kindergarten Supply List

Items pooled by class:

* 1 box of Crayola Washable Markers, Broad Point, Classic Colors, 8/Pack 
* 1 packet of Post-It note pads (size: 3”x5”)

* 1 packet of BLANK Index cards (NOT spiral bound)

* 2 containers of play dough (any color)

* 1 roll of masking tape (any size and color)

* 1 box of quart size Ziploc bags

* 1 plastic shoe box (will not need the lid)

* 1 bag of pipe cleaners (any color/assortment)

* 1 packet of Dixon Ticonderoga Beginners Primary Size #2 Pencils WITHOUT ERASERS (they are yellow -- I think there are 4 in one packet)

* 2 square boxes of Kleenex​

* 1 box of healthy snacks for a class of 20 (granola bars, trail mix, apple sauce, small crackers, sea weed, microwave popcorn etc.)

Items to be used individually -- PLEASE LABEL!

1 box Faber-Castell 12ct Beeswax Crayons by Faber-Castell (usually available at Twirl or at Amazon.com) LABEL box PLEASE (with your child’s first name) Oil Pastels - 12 ct.
1 spiral sketch book (around 8"x11"size - 80-100 unruled and unperforated pages, 8” x 11” or similar) at Target, Walgreen's, Walmart, etc. LABEL PLEASE
1 complete set of extra clothing (LABELED in a Ziploc bag -- please also include a small cotton washcloth) 

1 lunch box (I recommend opting for lunch box that your child can handle independently.)
1 water bottle (Recommended: large (12-14oz) spill proof bottle with a strap, so your child can carry it on his/her shoulder on walking field trips)

1 backpack (large enough to fit sketch book)
optional: thermos (we are not able to heat up meals at school)

1 small kitchen towel or bandana

1 pillow case (regular size)

a photo of your sweet family

Kindergarten Questionnaire (please look for it on the blog)

Please LABEL all highlighted items with your child’s first name.

Items with a * will be pooled by the class.

There will be a monthly sign-up sheet for year-around help with eco-friendly soap, eco-friendly disinfecting wipes, class pet care, laundry, extra snacks, chaperoning, etc. 

KINDER WISH LIST (There is no obligation to provide any of the items below.)

If you decide to help build a creative classroom with a purchase, we greatly appreciate it.

Please click on the following link to see the book list: TISA Kinder Books -- WISH LIST

In addition, we are happy to use donations of any art materials (fabric/clothing to repurpose/cut/collage/sew, yarn, specialty papers) and headphone sets.

Remember! New Mexico Tax Free Weekend, August 5-7, 2016.
Please feel free to email me with questions at jutka@tisataos.org

Thank you in advance for your contribution and support. I look forward to a creative year with your child!

Miss Jutka