TK

Assumption School

Ms. Sarah Bartlett aka Ms. B

Ms. Evangeline Faaita aka Ms. Eva

Transitional KindergartenC

Our TK Class Goals:

Our goal is to provide the foundation for our children with the social emotional skills they will need to be successful and thoughtful as they move through school and beyond. We will work on being able to communicate with one another, make thoughtful choices, recognize their own needs and the needs of others.

We will work on self-regulation, social awareness, and building strong relationships amongst peers and others by practicing the tools necessary to be able to manage feelings and choices. We will encourage and develop the tools they need in order to help our learners flourish in their social and oral skills and provide a safe environment that fosters their faith formation.

We will support them in developing the essential tools that are needed to become writers (physical, language, cognitive, and social). Where we will create a classroom environment that helps cultivate our students to become lifelong learners. As we work together in order to nurture their academic success, start the foundation of their social emotional learning, and discover all of their gifts and talents.

We are excited to be your students' Transitional Kindergarten teachers and prepare them to be ready and successful in their Kindergarten year!

TK CURRICULUM

RELIGION

Text: Stories of God’s Love- & Other age appropriate worksheets

Subject Matter: Stories of God’s Love will help the children take their first steps on their journey of faith. A program organized for “children to learn about God’s love through developmentally appropriate Scripture stores and engaging stories of their own lives”

They will learn through:

-A scripture based approach, presenting the Bible as the source for learning about God

-Developmentally appropriate formation with story leaflets and seasonal leaflets

-A family focus that helps children and their families live Christian values

READINESS & WRITING

Text: Get Set For School -Learning Without Tears, 2020 & Starfall Learning resources.

Subject Matter: This program uses music, movement, and multisensory manipulatives to teach all the core readiness skills, including crayon/pencil grip, letter and number recognition, number and capital letter formation, and body awareness. Through play and explicit instruction, children develop early literacy skills in these six domains:

Phonological Awareness
Alphabet Knowledge
Concepts About Print
Comprehension
Oral Language
Writing

This program also teaches body awareness, cooperation, taking turns, and listening.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY

Text:Get Set For School-Learning Without Tears, 2020 & Other age appropriate worksheets and resources

Subject Matter: “This compliments our Readiness & Writing program. We use dramatic play, singing, finger plays, manipulatives, and movement to teach children to rhyme, clap syllables, make and break compound words, and identify the names and sounds of letters. Children are exposed to a variety of literature to foster a love of reading, words linked to content, build vocabulary (new words in spoken language), and learn how books work. They learn to use new words and develop oral language skills by listening, retelling, and narrating stories, which teaches them how to respond to simple questions, have discussions, and share ideas.”

NUMBERS & MATH

Text:Get Set For School-Learning Without Tears, 2020

Starfall Math & Other age appropriate worksheets and resources

Subject Matter: A natural extension to the Get Set for School readiness program, this helps children build number sense. Using manipulatives, music, and rhymes to teach counting, comparisons, spatial awareness, patterning, sequencing, matching, sorting, problem solving, and even Pre-K geometry skills. Hands on activities will help math become real and meaningful, they will begin to develop oral language that helps learn about and express math concepts.

*Parent resources for the Get Set For School series are available online for you at getsetforschool.com

Art: Mrs. Maureen Keeler

Please have your child bring an old t-shirt to school that can be worn over their uniform shirt as needed.

Subject Matter: The art curriculum for transitional kindergarten (TK) through 3rd grade is designed to nurture creativity, develop fundamental artistic skills, and encourage self-expression. The activities are designed to be age-appropriate and engaging, helping students to develop confidence in their artistic abilities while having fun. Here’s an overview of what you might expect in an art curriculum for these early grades:

Learning about famous artists and imitating various art styles
Appreciating diversity in art and understanding different perspectives
Encouraging students to express their own ideas and emotions through their artwork
Understanding and applying the elements of art such as line, shape, color, texture, and space
Using art tools effectively
Creating projects with mixed media and using materials like watercolor, oil pastels, and washable tempera paint
Focusing on process, not perfection

Science: Mrs. Maureen Keeler

Curriculum: Foss [hands-on program aligned to the new NGSS standards], Mystery Science, Generation Genius

Subject matter: Throughout TK-3, the focus of science is on fostering curiosity, developing basic scientific skills, and encouraging a love for exploration and discovery. Students will learn what science is and what scientists do. They will engage in engineering design. Concepts, subject matter, and expectations advance throughout the grades. Here's an overview of subject matter in each grade:

TK: Introduction to basic concepts such as the five senses, identifying patterns in nature (e.g., seasonal changes), living v. nonliving, animal parts/needs/habitats/behavior, plant & animal life cycles, water, sound, force & motion, magnets, color, outer space, and my body

Expectations: Students will be expected to fully participate in all hands-on and written science activities and discussions. They will be required to utilize higher level thinking skills as they learn to scientifically explore and discover the world around them. Students will be required to follow instructions carefully and practice safe procedures during all investigations.

Assessments: Assessments are designed to be age-appropriate and to provide insights into students' understanding and abilities in a supportive, engaging way. Examples of assessments include observation, work samples, written reflections, quizzes, and tests.

Cheers,

Motor Skills:

Mrs. Contreras

In addition to our school’s physical education curriculum, perceptual-motor activities are offered to students in grades TK-1. The perceptual-motor activities are conducted indoors and involve the use of basic equipment (bean bags, blindfolds, balance beams, tumble mats, etc.) In this program, students are presented with a wide variety of movement experiences designed to improve physical coordination, enhance basic sensory functioning, and promote a positive self image.

For the safety and maximum benefit of participants, it is required that all children remove their shoes and socks before a lesson begins. The clothing that children wear to school on the days that this program is offered is very important to successful, safe, and comfortable performance. It is recommended that girls wear pants or shorts to school on the days the program is conducted and that tights are not worn on these days. Tights are very slippery and lead to accidents. Long dresses or skirts are also especially hazardous.

SPANISH

Subject Matter

Students will:

- Recognize and recite classroom words

- Talk about wants and needs

- Recognize animals in Spanish

- Recognize food in Spanish

- Recite the alphabet, colors and numbers in Spanish

- Practice how to greet and introduce themselves

- Discuss in Spanish the things they need and want for their classes

- Discuss the calendar and weather

- Describe themselves and personality traits

- Describe the items in their rooms and in pictures

- Describe how they prepare themselves for school

- Describe extended family and family life in general

- Students will recite and translate prayers

New vocabulary, books, games, and music will be introduced around the theme of activities and personality traits.

Grammar: Students will learn vowels, gender, cognates, infinitives, negatives, structures to express agreement and disagreement, and adjectives.

Cultural Perspectives: Students will learn about several Spanish-speaking countries and cultural differences. They will also learn about Holidays (Independence Day, Day of the Dead, Christmas, Cesar Chavez and Cinco de Mayo, Children’s Day).

Physical Education: Mike Shimabukuro

Subject Matter: Students will learn the basic fundamentals of sports (football, baseball, kickball, basketball, soccer, hockey, Lacrosse, volleyball) along with team building activities in which they will be working in small and large groups. Students will also learn many life lessons that are created during class activities.

Expectations: Students will be expected to participate to the best of their ability while showing respect to their classmates as well as their teacher. They are also expected to have as much fun as possible during physical education!

Grading: Students will be graded based on effort, participation, and how they treat others during their physical education classes.

Music Class –

Welcome !!

Subject Matter: In music class, we sing, sing and sing. We prepare music for weekly Masses, the Fall Festival, and the Advent/Christmas and Spring Concerts. In the midst of all this singing, I train every student to become a cantor (if he or she wishes). We learn how to read music, learn about instruments and a bit about the story of music.

Expectations: Active participation through singing and memorization of the musical score in class is primary. In order to do this, good behavior in the classroom and church is a must. Attendance with an animated spirit at all school sponsored Masses, Christmas and Spring Concerts is mandatory.

Grading: Grading (a letter or number grade) will be based on assessments made at the time of a ‘performance.’ Along with these assessments, I also review behavior in the classroom and church, active class participation, and attendance at mandatory liturgies/concerts.

Materials: I will supply the students with musical scores and worship leaflets to learn music. Let’s get started!!

Mr. Bill Vaughan

Library

Breathtaking religious stained glass windows provide the perfect backdrop for an enriching library experience. Grades T/K – 3 check out books for [1] week; grades 4 and 5 get to check out books for [2] weeks.

In addition to providing students with a variety of reading adventures, the library hosts an annual book fair through Scholastic in the spring. This event sparks a lot of excitement and enthusiasm—it’s like having our very own bookstore for a week!

Expectations:

Students will be expected to adhere to the usual rules you would have in any other public library. Additionally, sometimes books do get lost or damaged. The policy for this school library is that in the event that this happens, the book would either need to be replaced with another book [in excellent condition] of equal value or remit a check made out to Assumption School that covers the cost of the book.

ZOOM NORMS *(if needed)

All classroom norms apply when in a Zoom session. In other words, if you wouldn't do it while in physical class, don't do it while in digital class. (see SLE’s)

Find a quiet, appropriate learning space, set up your device so that its camera is stable, stay there.

Use your camera, we need to see your face.

Join your class a few minutes early to ensure proper connection. (Early is on time, on time is late, late is unacceptable)

Use mute when you are not speaking

Have any supplies you might need for a given class ready and at hand. (textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils etc.)

Participate! Video meetings and classes are not meant to be passive, one way interactions, please ask and answer questions.

Try to speak clearly.

Speak one at a time, give time between speakers.

Use your first name and last initial when logging into zoom.

Do not share the Zoom link with anyone outside of your class. Those links are intended for your eyes/use only

Students should not record any part of the class, or take any screenshots, unless directed to by the instructor.

SLEs

Active Christian

Treat your classmates with respect and dignity. Follow the golden rule. Do not record or share any video, audio, or images from Zoom meetings.

Lifelong learner

Be on time for class. Be prepared for class, have any supplies you might need with you at your workspace.

Socially responsible citizen

Help us build community by participating in class activities. Pay attention when others are talking.

Effective communicator

Do not speak when others are speaking. Give a pause when someone else is finished speaking. Speak clearly.

HOMEWORK

Homework is not a part of the Transitional Kindergarten program. To the best of my ability, I will send out a daily folder letting you know what we will be learning and for communication. So, you can reinforce it at home. I am also happy to make suggestions on books to read with your child.

FOLDER

Each child should have a plastic folder to send any notes or paperwork that you may have for school. I will return and send any information from class or the school office to you in the folder. *Please check and empty the folder every day.

We believe that the parent-child-teacher connection is integral to success in school. We are here to support you and your child and will always be their advocate. We hope you let us know if you have any concerns about home or school life. Your child’s happiness and overall well being are priorities to us during their time in TK . We want them to feel safe and loved within the walls of our room and in our entire school!

Exceptional Needs Program : To ensure that the needs of all learners are met, Assumption School supports both students and their teachers. Student services include both individual and small group pullout or push in instruction. If you believe your student has special needs please discuss your concerns with their homeroom teacher.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is approached positively. Each morning we gather for prayer and the pledge of allegiance as a school. In the classroom we continue by saying our “Pledge of Kindness”. We are respectful, kind, safe and responsible. It is very important to us that the students in our classroom follow those rules.

We use a daily Treasure Box to monitor behavior. Students start with a coin every morning. Each day your child will have a personal goal to end the day with this coin. If they get it taken away they can earn it back. If for any reason they do not they will be sent with a written reason. Please sign it to acknowledge that you spoke to your child about their behavior. It is important to check your child’s folder daily so that you are aware of their classroom behavior! Where we will work as a team!

CLOTHING

Uniform and free dress clothing should be safe (especially shoes), functional and easy to unfasten so that your child will be able to use the bathroom independently. TK students should be in their full, standard school uniform daily, unless you are informed of a casual/free dress day. Please be sure to send a full change of uniform, including extra socks and underwear in a labeled ziplock bag. No “light up” shoes please.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Please label ALL items (backpacks, sweaters, etc.) with your child’s name. Children are NOT allowed to bring toys or games from home unless it is pre- approved for a specific class activity. For nap time, they may bring a small blanket or one favorite stuffed animal in their backpack to keep at school for the week.

DAILY SNACK & LUNCH

Students may bring a healthy, growing snack to eat. If your child is receiving a hot lunch, please be sure to send them with a morning snack. Please send them plenty of WATER to drink daily, they do get very thirsty! *HotLunch can be ordered through choicelunch.com in advance.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AT SCHOOL

We look forward to celebrating them! Due to food allergies please note that birthdays can be celebrated at school by donating a board game, book and/or other class resource to the classroom for their birthday. Thank you for wanting to celebrate your child with their class. We will also make and send home a special birthday complement book for your child.

DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP PROCEDURES

Students brought to school before 7:45 a.m. need to sign in to Extended Care. The first bell rings at 7:55 a.m and the second bell rings at 8:00 a.m., which starts our community assembly. TK dismissal is 3:00 p.m. daily and 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

ABSENCES

If your child is absent, please call and leave a message with the school office at 510-357-8772 by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the absence. You may also email the office at [email protected]. Please be sure to send a written excuse with your child when they return to school.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT/MEGAN’S LAW MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

In order to volunteer or participate in any field trips and activities on campus while children are present, all parents/guardians must complete Safe Environment Training. A copy of the Certificate of Completion must be on file in the school office prior to any school participation. Fingerprinting is also required and a copy of your certificate/receipt that you were fingerprinted must be on file in the school office. Please call Fingerprint services of America, INC at 510-293-9140 to make an appointment, walk-ins are also welcome. The location is at 225 W. Winton Ave., Suite 124, Hayward, CA 94544. All of this information is required by the Diocese of Oakland.

COMMUNICATION

I am on campus from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily.

The best way to contact us is through email. We do our best to respond within 24 hours.

We check each child’s folder daily so feel free to write a note to us there. Please also check your child’s folder each evening in case we write a quick note to you! Email is my preferred method of communication. There is also an Assumption school App you can use as a communication tool. If you ever have any questions, comments, concerns or would like to talk in person, I am available from 7:45 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you would like to have a longer meeting, please call or email in advance to set up a time that works for all. Please email anytime. You may also call on the Assumption School line, 510- 357-8772.

We are very excited to start this new year with each and every one of you. I am truly looking forward to growing and learning together this school year. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we work together to make your child’s first year of school a memorable and successful experience!

With Love & Blessings, Ms. B and Ms. E

Name: Ms. Sarah Bartlett
Position: TK Teacher
Email: Send email