St. Bernadette Preschool's goals are to enhance the intellectual and social development of children, to build a positive self-image based on an awareness of self-worth, and to nurture the spiritual life and religious development of children. Based on these objectives, the program will provide a full range of activities from those which systematically reach defined objectives, to those whose purpose is simply creative expression and free interaction with the environment. Child-initiated learning will augment teacher-directed activities. The following is a guide for parents so that their child's first formal learning experiences will be enriching and pleasant. Place: Preschoolers meet in Room 201 of St. Bernadette School. Parents or Caregivers are to walk the child/ren up to the classroom. On days that "separation" is difficult for your child, it is important that the parent say your "good-bye" reassuring the child that you will be back at dismissal. The teacher or aide can take the child to the lookout window to wave "good-bye". Eligibility: Children must be 4 years old by September 1. Class size is limited to twenty students. Additional registrations are accepted and children will be admitted to the class when space is available during the year. Admittance will be in the order in which registrations are received. Transportation: Parents must provide transportation. The school will not assume responsibility for the transportation or safety of a child. When bringing children to school, park in the upper lot and take your child up to the classroom. At dismissal, drive around the school and wait in the driveway behind the school. Children will be brought down to the cars. Please do not leave your car unattended in the back drive. Please caution children about moving vehicles in the parking area. Under no circumstances will your child be permitted to leave the school with a driver that you have not designated on the transportation card. Send a note to the teacher if an undesignated person is to pick up your child. In case of an emergency, please call the school office to give the name of the substitute driver. Specialists: Parents are invited to share their occupation or a vocation with preschoolers. Social Studies concepts on this level center around community helpers. Policemen, firemen, nurses, secretaries, sales clerks, etc. are valuable resources. Individuals with hobbies and special interests can also provide valuable learning experiences. Parent's Committees: Volunteers are needed who will plan with the teacher or arrange holiday parties. Parents may send a treat for a child's birthday. This should be pre-arranged with the teacher. August birthdays will be celebrated in September. June and July birthdays will be celebrated in May. To emphasize the familial aspect of a birthday celebration, parents are encouraged to spend the last hour of that particular session with the class. Parents of preschoolers are invited to join the Parent-Teacher Guild of St. Bernadette School. Withdrawal: Notice of a child’s withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the principal. Withdrawal is effective the date official notice is received in the school office or an advance date indicated. Absences: A child does not need to present a written excuse upon return to school after being absent. An infectious or communicable disease should be called into the office as soon as it has been diagnosed. Lateness: A child will not be marked tardy. If a child arrives after the starting time of 9:00 a.m. a parent is to bring him/her to the room. Parents should minimize the stress and anxiety of lateness. However, please be considerate of both the children and teacher by making every effort to be on time. Personal Items: All clothing and individually owned items must be clearly marked with the child's name. Each child will need a school box with his/her name on to keep in school and also a bag/sack to carry work and school communications home safely. When snacks are sent in a paper bag, please mark the child's name on the bag. Snacks: There will be a mid-class snack during each session. Children may bring a thermos of milk from home or purchase milk from school for 30 cents per half-pint (white or chocolate) every Monday on a weekly basis. The children will take turns being the "snack person" for the class throughout the year. Appropriate snacks are nutritious items such as cheese and crackers, a piece of fruit, 1/2 of a sandwich, etc. Candy, cake, donuts and ice cream are permissible only for birthdays. Parent Observation: Parents are invited to observe children while school is in session. Arrangements must be made through the school office at least two days in advance. Calendar: Preschool will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Classes will be held three times weekly. NEXT PAGE [BACK TO HOME] [BACK TO PRESCHOOL PROGRAM] |