Dear Parents,
Let me start by saying how happy I am to be with your child for the 2015-2016 school year! We survived our first week of getting schedules set, learning where we’re going and what we’re doing during our busy day, so now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
There are a few things I would like to inform you about as we get started:
1. Changes from last year…
Since all parents are encouraged to have open lines of communication with me, I have found that most of you prefer to use text messaging in lieu of the handwritten communication books. Of course, if you ever have a question or concern, feel free to put a note in your child’s bookbag or give me a call. But text messaging is my preferred method, as well. My number is: (630) 935-3912.
Chicago Public Schools has changed their policy on naps. We are encouraged NOT to have a naptime in full-day preschool. This is negotiable, as a “30-minute rest period” can be followed, but I find that in doing so, many children fall asleep and then it is difficult to wake up and transition back into classroom activities. If you find that this becomes an issue, please let me know. So far, this last week without naps, the children have seemed to go through the day without any problems.
2. Two folders for each child…
I will provide each of the children with two folders. Just as last year, the Friday Folder will be sent home on Fridays with work finished during the week for you to keep. Please make sure to empty the folder and send it back on the following Monday! A second Homework Folder will go home daily (except on Fridays) with homework to be done and returned the following day. I plan to give at least one worksheet for homework every day. Please go over this work with your child. My goal is to have what they are learning in school extended to home, plus it is a good habit to establish early, as Chicago Public Schools requires homework as students are promoted at each grade level in their school career.
3. An extra set of clothes…
As with last year, I would like to keep an extra set of items for each child at school, should a bathroom accident or spill occur. Please send at least one pair of underwear, socks, pants and two shirts (one long-sleeve and one short sleeve) for your child. They will have individual bins to keep their “spare clothes” in. If the spares are needed to be used along the way, I will let you know so that we can replenish their “spare clothes” bin for the next time.
4. Focus on Language…
Since Ray is an “oral-focused” Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, we emphasize language in every activity in our day. I plan to read lots of books and have the children “read” independently. Reading can include talking about the story by looking at the pictures, even if they can’t identify the printed story words. I encourage you to read to your children at home, even if it is just talking about something you see together on the internet, the newspaper, in a magazine… even identifying street signs they know!
5. Daily Schedule…
Now that our first week has passed, I have a tentative schedule set for our class. I enclosed it with the newsletter I sent home, individualized for each child, as we work toward the minutes and requirements outlined by Chicago Public Schools and their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). You are welcome to visit anytime. Please check in at the front security desk and sign in when you do so.
THANK YOU! And I look forward to a GREAT year!
-Mrs. Ready
At Ray, we are RESPONSIBLE, we are SAFE, and we LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!
Remember: It is a GREAT day to be a Ray Warrior!
Let me start by saying how happy I am to be with your child for the 2015-2016 school year! We survived our first week of getting schedules set, learning where we’re going and what we’re doing during our busy day, so now we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
There are a few things I would like to inform you about as we get started:
1. Changes from last year…
Since all parents are encouraged to have open lines of communication with me, I have found that most of you prefer to use text messaging in lieu of the handwritten communication books. Of course, if you ever have a question or concern, feel free to put a note in your child’s bookbag or give me a call. But text messaging is my preferred method, as well. My number is: (630) 935-3912.
Chicago Public Schools has changed their policy on naps. We are encouraged NOT to have a naptime in full-day preschool. This is negotiable, as a “30-minute rest period” can be followed, but I find that in doing so, many children fall asleep and then it is difficult to wake up and transition back into classroom activities. If you find that this becomes an issue, please let me know. So far, this last week without naps, the children have seemed to go through the day without any problems.
2. Two folders for each child…
I will provide each of the children with two folders. Just as last year, the Friday Folder will be sent home on Fridays with work finished during the week for you to keep. Please make sure to empty the folder and send it back on the following Monday! A second Homework Folder will go home daily (except on Fridays) with homework to be done and returned the following day. I plan to give at least one worksheet for homework every day. Please go over this work with your child. My goal is to have what they are learning in school extended to home, plus it is a good habit to establish early, as Chicago Public Schools requires homework as students are promoted at each grade level in their school career.
3. An extra set of clothes…
As with last year, I would like to keep an extra set of items for each child at school, should a bathroom accident or spill occur. Please send at least one pair of underwear, socks, pants and two shirts (one long-sleeve and one short sleeve) for your child. They will have individual bins to keep their “spare clothes” in. If the spares are needed to be used along the way, I will let you know so that we can replenish their “spare clothes” bin for the next time.
4. Focus on Language…
Since Ray is an “oral-focused” Deaf and Hard of Hearing program, we emphasize language in every activity in our day. I plan to read lots of books and have the children “read” independently. Reading can include talking about the story by looking at the pictures, even if they can’t identify the printed story words. I encourage you to read to your children at home, even if it is just talking about something you see together on the internet, the newspaper, in a magazine… even identifying street signs they know!
5. Daily Schedule…
Now that our first week has passed, I have a tentative schedule set for our class. I enclosed it with the newsletter I sent home, individualized for each child, as we work toward the minutes and requirements outlined by Chicago Public Schools and their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). You are welcome to visit anytime. Please check in at the front security desk and sign in when you do so.
THANK YOU! And I look forward to a GREAT year!
-Mrs. Ready
At Ray, we are RESPONSIBLE, we are SAFE, and we LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!
Remember: It is a GREAT day to be a Ray Warrior!