Getting Ready for Kindergarten!

 It's an exciting time knowing we will begin a new year very soon!  

This year will start in a different way, because of the restrictions in our community, but we are determined it will still be a great year. You will be getting lots of important information from the BLS office and from us as the start date approaches.  Please read all your emails and let us know if you have questions.  Our school is doing everything they can to provide a safe learning environment.

Meanwhile there are some things you can be working on at home:

• Purchase the supplies as listed in your summer letter. (a regular size backpack, non-spill water bottle,  a lunch box, 1 box of Kleenex, 4 canisters anti-bacterial cleaning wipes*, child size headphones, velcro fastened gym shoes) Please label the backpack, lunchbox, water bottle, gym shoes and head phone with your child's name! *We know these are hard to find!  If you have them, please bring them in.  If you can't find them, no worries!
• Purchase several cloth masks (preferred) or face shields that your child is comfortable wearing.  Have them practice wearing them at home often.  Help them to learn to put them on and off independently.
• Prepare a set of clean clothes including underwear to store in your child's backpack in case of an accident. Include clean, extra face masks.
• Help your child practice using the bathroom independently, emphasize good hygiene and thorough hand washing and drying.
• Pack your child's lunchbox as if they were taking it to school.  Help them practice managing their lunch materials and food independently.  Work toward the goal of eating their whole lunch in about 20 minutes. Then have them put their lunch materials away independently.  Many children need help and practice with opening and closing zip lock bags, plastic containers, packaged foods and zippers. *Note: our classroom will be a no peanut, almond and sesame nut zone due to severe allergies.  If your child likes peanut butter, try Sun Butter made from sunflower seeds.
• We will have a daily snack time, even on early release days.  Add a quick and healthy snack to your child's lunchbox every day.  (example: granola bars, cheese sticks, fruit leather)
• Teach your child to put on a sweater, sweatshirt or jacket independently.  Practice how to handle buttons and zippers.
• Please buy school shoes your child can manage independently.  If they are not experts at tying shoes, have them wear slip on or velcro fastened shoes to school.  

You probably noticed a common theme here...independence!  It is age appropriate for five year olds to manage their clothing and materials if they've been taught how and practice at it.  We are very happy to help students learn at school, but it helps us so much more if they are able to do these tasks on their own.  Then there is more time for learning and fun! 

Thank you for helping us from home.  We can't wait to meet all our students and start learning together!

Mrs. Luoma