The ABC's of Kindergarten

Attendance
We keep an accurate record of each child’s attendance. Students who are absent or tardy are required to bring a note of explanation when they return to school. Absences and tardies will be recorded on the report card. Please call the office everyday of your child's absence. Please send a written note in your child’s daily folder when he/she returns to school and a doctor's note, if applicable. Excessive absences and tardies hinder a child’s progress, so please make every effort to have your child at school everyday.
Assessment
We use several instruments to assess students in Kindergarten. Throughout the year your child will be informally assessed during the regular school day in all academic areas. We will use the iStation assessment tool as a formal reading assessment. This assessment helps identify student needs and helps set learning objectives and develop instructional plans on an individual basis. Report card assessment is done every nine weeks.
Backpacks
Each child will need to bring a backpack to school DAILY. Much of his/her work is sent home each day and it is important for you to take the time to check the backpack for work or information.
Belongings
Please label all of your child's belongings with a permanent marker.
Birthdays
Birthday parties are not permitted at school, but you may send a non edible treat (stickers, pencils) to be passed out to all students in the class.  Birthday invitations are not to be passed out at school unless EVERYONE in the class receives one. We are not permitted to give out phone numbers or addresses, but by joining the PTA, you will receive a school-wide directory. It is important to return the directory information form back to school if you would like to be included in the directory.
Book Orders
Throughout the year you will receive an order form from a book club. These book clubs offer quality books at a reasonable cost. Each order enables the teacher to order additional books for the classroom. You are under no obligation to participate, but even one new book per month sends the message to your child that books are important and reading is fun! We cannot accept cash for book orders, but paying online is an easy and convenient way to purchase books. By paying online you can order from ANY book club, not just the one sent home and you will receive special incentives such as coupons and free books at times. If you prefer not to pay online, please send a check made payable to the book club named on the order form and staple it to the book order or place them together in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on the front. Orders usually arrive in two to three weeks.
Change of Address or Phone Number
It is very important that the information we have on file is current. If your address, phone number, or place of employment changes throughout the year, please send a note to school notifying us of the change.
Clothing
All students are to dress according to the Dress Code guidelines outlined in the District Student Handbook It is important to practice tying, buttoning, snapping and zipping. This makes restroom time much smoother!
Communication Between Home and School
Communication between home and school is very important. If you have any notes, or questions, please put them in your child’s daily folder. Also, feel free to call or email if you have questions or concerns. The number at school is 817-251-5750. Kindergarten conference time is 1:05-1:55. You may also email your child’s teacher using [email protected]
Cooking/Project Notes
Throughout the school year we will be doing several projects which will require extra materials. You may receive a note in your child’s folder requesting a particular item by a certain date. If you cannot send the item, please let the teacher know so she can arrange to ask someone else.
Closed Campus
All GCISD campuses will have the outside doors locked for the safety of all of our students. When you come to the school, you will ring the bell and the office will let you in. When you come to school you will be asked to present your Driver's License, so please be sure you have it with you each time you visit the school.
Daily Folder
Your child will be bringing home a folder daily. Please make sure you check it each day to remove your child’s work and for important information. Returning the folder DAILY is part of your child’s homework and developmental skill of responsibility.
Dismissal
Dismissal is at 2:55 P.M. For the safety of all children, your child will be dismissed by the teacher and will go to the designated pick up locations with a teacher. Children who ride in a car will be dismissed from the gym at the back of the school. Children who go to KidzU will be dismissed into the cafeteria. Children who ride a bus or daycare van will be dismissed to the front of the school. If your child walks or rides a bike, he/she will be dismissed to you at the front side door of the school. If you are picking up your child in a car, please use your car sign and follow the pick-up procedures given to you on Unpack Your Backpack Night.
Early Arrival
School begins at 7:30 a.m. If your child arrives before this time (no earlier than 7:15 a.m.),he/she will need to go to the school cafeteria. Breakfast may be purchased at this time.
Early Pickup
If you need to pick up your child prior to 2:55, please report to the office. Teachers cannot release a child without permission from the office. It is helpful to send a note in your child’s folder if he/she will be leaving school early. The office will not be releasing students after 2:25, as this is too close to our normal dismissal time. If you have an appointment, you must pick up your child prior to 2:25.
Field Trips
We will take educational field trips during the year. A permission slip will be required anytime we go on a field trip. If we do not receive a permission slip, your child will not be allowed to go with the class.
Fire/Tornado/Lock down Drills
We will be practicing fire, tornado and lock down drills periodically throughout the year so we will be prepared in case of an emergency. Please discuss the importance of performing these drills quickly and quietly to ensure the safety of each child.
Fund Raisers
Silver Lake participates in fund raisers throughout the year to raise money for our school. We hope that everyone can participate, but it is not required.
Guidance
Our school counselor will conduct classroom guidance once a month and is available for individual guidance as needed.
Handwriting
We use the Zaner-Bloser handwriting style at Silver Lake Elementary. You will receive a handout of Zaner-Bloser handwriting strokes in the homework folder. Please practice the correct strokes with your child.
Homework
Your child will have homework in Kindergarten. He/she will receive a Homework folder on Mondays with homework assignments for the week. All homework should be returned to school on Mondays. Occasionally your child may have a special project for homework which will be explained in a separate note sent home. Your child will also be taking home a reading folder regularly with books to be read at home and returned to school.
I Can Read Notebook
Your child will have a folder containing poems which we will learn to read and recite throughout the year. Each week we will learn a new poem. We will search for letters, rhyming words, high frequency words, etc. Your child will bring this folder home on Thursdays to read to you for homework and return it to school by Monday. Your child should "read" you the new poem for the week as well as the previous poems studied.
Illness
Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature.  Your child needs to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come and get your child. We need at least two working phone numbers at all times in order to contact you in case of illness or emergency.
Journal/Notebook Writing
We will keep interactive journals this year in Kindergarten. We will use these journals to record our learning and refer back to them when needed.
Key Words
This year we will teach your children specific "key words" which will help trigger their memories when recalling letters and letter sounds when reading and writing. We will use these at school on a daily basis and you may request a copy to keep at home, as well.
Kelso
Kelso is our mascot for conflict resolution. We teach children to try two ways to resolve a small conflict with a friend before coming to the teacher for help. We also teach students if they are ever hurt, feel threatened or frightened, they should tell an adult IMMEDIATELY. You will be receiving these strategies to work on at home too.
Library
We will go to the library as a class every week to check out books and listen to a story or have a digital lesson with the Librarian. Kindergartners will be allowed to check out one book at a time. Please help your child learn responsibility by taking care of the books checked out and returning them to school on time. Our school librarian will also have a reading program throughout the year in which we hope everyone will participate.
Lunch
Each child should bring a lunch from home or purchase a lunch at school. The cost of school lunch is $2.70. If you would like to see if your child is eligible for reduced-price or free lunch, be sure to fill out the paperwork and return it to school. Your child may pay for lunch daily, but to avoid confusion or lost money, we suggest you pay for several meals at a time. The amount you pay will be kept on the computer in your child’s account. Each child will be issued a 4-digit code to purchase lunch. We will help your child to punch in this code on a keypad by the register. You may put money in your child’s account before the school day begins, send a check in your child’s folder, or pay online. When your account is running low, your child’s hand will be stamped to notify you. Milk is included with lunch; however, it can be purchased for .75 for students bringing lunch from home who need to buy a drink. Additional drinks, chips, ice cream and other snacks can also be purchased and range from .50-$1.00. This is in addition to the regular lunch price. If you want restrictions on these items (no snacks, or snacks only on certain days) you will need to complete the form in the back of the lunch menu calendar.
Medication
All medication including cough drops, eye drops, topical skin treatments, Tylenol, etc. must be taken directly to the school nurse with a note. Only the nurse can administer Rx medicine in the original, labeled container. A new note must be sent for each new illness or medication. Please NEVER send medication in lunch boxes.
Newsletters
A weekly email will be sent to inform you of upcoming events, units of study and reminders. Please make a note of special events on your calendar. Additional emails will be sent as needed.
Nurse
We have a school nurse on campus each day. Her job is primarily to dispense doctor-prescribed medication, take care of minor injuries and take care of children too sick to return to class until a parent can pick him/her up.
Outside Recess
Kindergartners need to run and play. We will be going to recess everyday unless it is raining, below 36 degrees, or above 100 degrees. If the temperature is very cold or hot (below 40 or above 90), or an ozone alert day, recess will be shortened. Please check the weather daily so your child is wearing the appropriate clothing for playing outside. If your child is unable to participate in recess, please send a note. If your child is unable to participate for an extended time period, please provide a doctor’s note.
Parties
There will be two parties during the year. A Winter Holiday Party and a Valentine’s Day Party will be planned and hosted by the homeroom parents. Your child is proud of your help and participation in these parties, so any time or supplies you can offer are greatly appreciated!
PTA
Our PTA does wonderful things for our school! Our goal is to have 100% membership this year. Please consider joining at the low cost of $5. The PTA works extremely hard to make Silver Lake a great place for your child to learn, so we hope you can support them in their efforts.
Questions
Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. She will make every effort to meet with you and discuss your concerns.
Reporting to Parents
A report card will be available for digital viewing at the end of each nine week reporting period. Grades are given based on teacher observation and assessment using a 3,2,1 rating scale. 3 (Mastery of the standard at the currently expected level), 2 (Approaching the expected level of mastery), or 1 (Below expectations for the expected level of mastery). You may contact your child's teacher at any time to schedule a conference regarding your child's progress.
Restrooms
We have a restrooms either in our classroom or in close proximity to our classroom. Your child is allowed to go when needed. We will also make several trips a day to the restroom as a class. Unfortunately, accidents will happen and we will make sure that your child is sent to the nurse’s office for a change of clothes. Please be sure to wash any clothing borrowed from the nurse and return it to school as soon as possible.
School Supplies
Our school supplies are well-used in Kindergarten. Sometimes we run out of certain items and we may ask you to replace supplies during the year.
Shoes
It is very important to wear comfortable shoes. Your children will be going to recess everyday and attending P.E. three times a week where students are required to wear tennis shoes.
Star of the Week
Each child will have an opportunity to be the Star of the Week which will help us learn more about your child. A note will be sent home before your child is to be the Star. Please complete the information and return it to school.
Tardies
Please make sure your child is at school on time. Good habits begin early! When your child is late, he/she must go to the office before coming to class to receive a tardy slip. The first bell rings at 7:30. Your child is tardy after the 7:40 bell.
Toys
Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. Occasionally we will have special days when your child may bring a toy. You will be notified in writing of these days.
Transportation
If there is any change in the way your child is getting home from school, you must send a note with your child or call the school. This protects your child and the school. It puts the teacher in a very difficult position when a child insists he/she has different transportation arrangements when the teacher has no notification from an adult. Please DO NOT send a transportation change in an email. Often we are not able to check emails in enough time to receive the message before school is over.
Units and Themes
We will be studying various topics throughout the year. Refer to our weekly emails or Kindergarten website to see what we are studying.
Volunteers and Visitors
Anytime you are visiting or volunteering in our school, you MUST sign in at the office and receive a visitor sticker. We will be looking for this sticker when you come to the classroom. You must also fill out a Volunteer Background Check on the district's website. This will keep our school as safe as possible.
Words of the Week
Each week your child will learn new high frequency words. He/she will practice learning to read and spell these words at school. Please make flash card of these cards at home to reinforce your child's hard work at school.
Website
We have a Kindergarten website for you to access from home. You will find lots of information there and we hope you find it useful. The address is www.gcisd.-k12.org. Click on 'Select a school' in the upper left-hand corner, then 'Silver Lake', 'Directory' and the teacher's name.
eXciting
Kindergarten is an exciting and special time for you and your child. We will make every effort to make this a fantastic year for your child!
Yearbook
You will have a chance to purchase a yearbook in the Spring. What a great way to capture precious memories of your child’s first year in school!
Zero the Hero
Zero the Hero will come and visit us every 10th day of school to teach us about the patterns we see in numbers. We’re sure you will hear stories about him from your child!
Zzzzzzz
Your child should get plenty of rest each night. Kindergarten students require 10-12 hours of sleep a day. It is so important for your child to be alert and ready to learn each day. Set a bedtime and be consistent.

We are looking forward to a wonderful year with your children!