Mrs. Atherley's
A to Z Parent Information Guide
Absences
When you know in advance your child will be out for one or more days, please inform me in writing. When keeping your child home due to illness, call the school nurse in the morning. The office will call home if we have not heard from you and your child is absent.
Allergies
Please be sure the school nurse and I are aware of any allergies that your child may have.
Arrival
Students are supervised on the playground beginning at 8:10 a.m. The school bell rings around 8:22 a.m. signaling children to line up by class. School officially begins at 8:25 a.m. Children who arrive after 8:25 are marked tardy. Arriving on time helps your child get off to a great start each day.
Birthdays
Birthdays are very important to Kinders! We celebrate in class with a special crown and song. If your child would like to bring in a healthy snack to share at snack time on his or her birthday, please let me know a day or so in advance. Due to recently adopted health policies please no cupcakes, cookies or other sugary foods. I can recognize your child's summer birthday during the last few weeks of school or on their half-birthday, whichever you prefer. Either way just let me know.
Communication
Your child will bring home a take home folder each day. Please purchase an 8 ½ X 11 plastic 2-pocket folder for this purpose. Use this folder to send in any money, notes, permission slips, etc. I will use the folder to send home your child's daily work, weekly homework sheets, transportation calendars, lunch/snack menu and other school notices. Please check your child's folder daily.
I am available before school most mornings from 8:00 to 8:25 a.m. and after school until 4:00 p.m. Stop by, phone, or send a note whenever you have a concern or question. The school phone number is 863-1681, dial extension 36 to reach my voice mailbox during school hours. If you prefer email you may also reach me at jatherley@grantham.k12.nh.us. The GVS web site address is http://www.grantham.k12.nh.org/
Homework
Homework includes reading to your child for 10 minutes each night. I often send home classroom made big books for your family to enjoy for the evening. Looking at and talking about the completed papers and projects your child brings home each day is also important. Toward the end of September I will begin sending weekly homework sheets for you to record your nightly reading.
Lunch
Your child should eat a healthy and nutritious lunch each day. Children will eat in the cafeteria in a social setting so making good food choices will be important. When packing your child's lunch be aware that we are unable to heat up items from home at school. School lunch and lunch milk is also available daily, weekly, or monthly. You will receive a menu and order form from the GVS cafeteria at the beginning of each month. Please be sure to use your child's take home folder when sending in lunch orders and money.
Money
When sending in money for book orders, hot lunch, snack or snack milk, please use your child's take home folder. An envelope or small baggie marked with your child's name cuts down on confusion. Kinders often forget they have lunch money in their lunchbox or pockets!
Quiet Rest Time
Children rest for approximately 20 minutes in the afternoon. We provide quiet music, books and a mat for each child. If your child would like to bring a small pillow, blanket or stuffed animal for rest, the item can be kept in his or her cubby. Please do not send large items, as storage space is limited.
Recess
Recess is an important part of your child's day. We go outside in most weather for daily lunch recess. In inclement weather recess is held indoors. Appropriate and comfortable clothing and footwear make your child's recess safe and enjoyable. Please reference the GVS Family Handbook for additional guidelines on appropriate school attire.
Report Cards/Parent Conferences
Report cards are issued quarterly. For first and third quarters (November and April) we schedule parent conferences to review progress in person. Conferences are scheduled in the afternoons and evenings. We can make alternative plans when needed. Second and fourth quarter report cards contain additional narrative information on your child's progress so we do not usually meet. I will share a sample copy of the Kindergarten report card with you before the first conference.
School Supplies
Your child should bring a backpack and if needed a snack/lunch box each day. Please purchase a plastic 2-pocket folder to use as your child's daily Take Home Folder. The plastic holds up very well and should last the entire school year. Check on Parent Information Night in early September to see what other items we need on our "Giving Tree" which will be posted in the classroom. Donations of books and gently used educational materials are always appreciated, let me know if you have items that you'd like to contribute.
Snack
Your child should bring healthy and quick foods such as yogurt, fruit, cheese or crackers for morning snack. Snack is also available to be purchased from the cafeteria, along with snack milk. See the snack selection included on the monthly lunch menu. In warmer weather, you might send a water bottle in addition to juice or milk.
Specialist Schedule
We participate in the following weekly classes: Art, Music, Physical Education (2x) Library, and Health/Guidance. As soon as our schedule is set I will send home a copy for your information. Please remember to wear (or bring) sneakers on Physical Education day!
Toys
Throughout the year children will have opportunities to bring items from home for special events and learning activities. Unless I've requested an item, please do not allow your child to bring toys from home.
Transportation
Transportation calendars are sent home before the beginning of each month for you to fill out and return. Ideally, your child will have a consistent plan, going home or to after school care the same way each day. You should note any changes to the daily plan on the monthly calendar to ensure your child's safety and well being. Bus students are escorted to assigned buses at the end of the day. Car riders are dismissed from the main entrance to the school. Watch for a notice from the principal explaining this year's car rider procedures and listing bus stop times and locations. When picking your child up early for an appointment, please stop at the front desk. The office will call our room so we can send your child to the office to meet you.
Volunteering
There are many opportunities to volunteer at GVS. Parent help is often requested for school wide activities. Watch for notices from the Grantham Parent Teacher Group (GPTG) in your email. VINS is a wonderful nature/science program that takes place in our classroom once a month and is taught by volunteers. Occasional help is needed for material prep at home. Please let me know your interest and availability if you would like to volunteer in any way.