GOALS AND CURRICULUM

 

GOALS

 

TO DEVELOP A LOVE OF GOD AND OTHERS

 

TO HAVE EACH CHILD ACQUIRE AN EXCITEMENT OF SCHOOL

 

TO PREPARE EACH STUDENT FOR KINDERGARTEN

 

CURRICULUM

 

The curriculum will offer introductory activities based on the child’s age and mental maturity in the following areas:

            Religion                                                   Science Physical      Music/Art

            Emotional/Social Readiness         Reading Readiness Math

            Language Arts                                     Social Studies

Religion – The goal is for students to explore the catholic faith and the special gifts that God has given us.  We learn the following prayers:

            Blessing Before Meals                   Glory Be                                    Our Father

            Hail Mary (Introduce)                    Sign of the Cross                 (Introduce)

Students will also gain knowledge in some of the basic stories of the Bible and do activities in regard to the seasons of the Church.

Emotional/Social – The goal is to promote self-esteem and self-worth.  Students will do the following:  Be comfortable walking from the school door into the classroom by him/her self; be responsible for his/her personal items such as coats, bags, mittens, etc; be responsible for the care of classroom materials; become more comfortable talking and volunteering during circle time; get the sense that he/she is competent at what they are doing, by positive reinforcement.

Language Arts – The goals are to encourage a love of books and to practice listening and speaking skills.  We will do the following activities:

            a.  Whole language activities

            b.  Having story time every day

            c.  Flannel board stories

            d.  Puppets

            e.  Play acting

Science - The goal is to explore science in our world by providing activities that promote:  (a)  observing,  (b)  classifying, (c)  predicting, (d)  experimenting, (e)  exploring, (f) discovering, (g)  measuring.

Math – The goal is to give the students the skills they need to be successful in the field of Mathematics.  The students will:

            a.  Rote count to at least 10 without mistake.

            b.  Correctly identify the numerals 0-10.

            c.  Be able to match quantities to their respective numbers (0-10).

            d.  Identify, compare, and classify shapes.

            e.  Match objects one to one.

            f.  Classify objects on the basis of one common attribute.

g. Understand and use simple comparative mathematical vocabulary (big, bigger, same as,            

     more, less).

            h.  Recognize parts of a whole, using concrete objects.

            i.  Determine whether simple mathematical statements are possible or impossible.

            j.  Measuring.

Music/Art – The goal is for the students to appreciate art and music.  The students will do activities including:  coloring, cutting, songs/rhymes, fingerplays, pasting, painting, drawing, and using rhythm instruments.

Physical – The goal is to enhance and improve each child’s physical development.  We will do activities to:

            a.  Improve the students’ balance and flexibility.

            b.  Improve gross motor skills such as running, throwing, tumbling, catching, hopping,                             skipping, etc.

            c.  Develop fine motor skills through activities with play dough, stringing, puzzles,                                         manipulatives, etc.

Reading Readiness – The goal is to give the students the skills needed for them to meet success in Kindergarten.  Students will:

            a.  Identify A-Z as well as a-z.

b.  Practice the skills of perception, patterning, sequencing, classifying, matching and

     rhyming, left-to-right, and top-bottom movements.

            c.  Recognize ones own name.

            d.  Correctly recite his/her name, address, phone number and other personal                                  information.

            e.  Be able to write his/her own name without assistance.

            f.  Make an association between letter and their sounds.

 

POLICIES

 

INTRODUCTION:  St. Patrick’s Catholic preschool is committed to providing a Christian atmosphere where children will grow in their faith, as they progress in academic and social skills.  In this environment the children will be encouraged to progress at their own pace.  Basic concepts will be presented as a foundation for Kindergarten.

ABSENCES AND ILLNESS:  Please call the office before class time each day your child will be absent. (431-4020)  Do not send your child to school if he or she had a fever or vomiting within the previous 24 hours.

ADMISSION AND IMMUNIZATIONS:  A child must be at least three (3) years of age by August 31 in order to enter preschool.  A certified Birth Certificate from the state, a Health assessment form and Certificate of Immunization form MUST be presented on or before the first day of school.

APPOINTMENTS:  Parents who need to have children dismissed at an irregular time are to send a note in advance stating the date, time, reason, and the name of the authorized person who will pick up the student.  This note is signed by the principal giving the child permission to leave.  Students must check through the office when leaving from or returning to the school for any reason.

BIRTHDAYS:  We observe the children’s birthdays throughout the year.  We encourage you to come and celebrate your child’s birthday with us.  You are welcome to bring a special treat for the children to enjoy at snack time!  If you would like to bring a treat please make prior arrangements with Mrs. Luebbering.

CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER:  When inclement weather prevails, listen to KKOY after 6:00a.m. If U.S.D. 413 cancels classes because of weather conditions, St. Patrick’s Preschool will also be closed.  Parents will be notified by SchoolReach-Instant Message.

PAYMENT:  Checks to the school for payment of tuition, etc, should be made out to “St. Patrick Catholic School”.  Any check returned for insufficient funds will be assessed a $10.00 fee. Payment is due the last week of the month prior to the next month class.

CLASS SESSIONS:  The half day sesson will run from 8:00 AM-10:30 AM.  All day students have the option to stay until 5:30 PM and attend the afterschool program.

DELIVERY AND DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS TO SCHOOL:  Preschool students are to be dropped off and picked up on the south side of the CHURCH parking lot.  The front drive on Malcolm is to be used by the school aged children. Please be prompt when picking up your child.  Notify the school office if you will be late and also if anyone else will be picking up your child.

DIOCESAN HANDBOOK OF SCHOOL POLICIES:  St. Patrick’s Catholic Preschool is bound by the Diocesan Handbook of School Policies.  Policies contained in the diocesan handbook will be adhered to by St. Patrick’s Preschool.

DISCIPLINE:  Discipline is approached in a positive manner, using guidance to help children develop self-control. Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited.  “Time Out” will be used when needed.  Parents will be contacted if more serious problems develop.

PRESCHOOL DRESS POLICY;  Comfortable clothing is important.  Shorts are permitted during the warmer months.  For both boys and girls, slacks or jeans are appropriate dress.  Tennis shoes and socks are required because they provide good traction and do not present a safety hazard.  No flip-flops or high heels will be allowed. Please mark sweaters and coats with your child’s name.  Please, only clothing your child can handle in the bathroom alone.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION:  In case of emergency each student is required to have on file at the school office a current emergency card.  Please notify the school of any change in any of these items.

ENROLLMENT:  Enrollment will be held during February or March for the up-coming school year.  The registration fee is due at this time.  

FIELD TRIPS  Parents will be notified as field trips are planned.  A signed parental permission slip is required before any child will be allowed to participate in a field trip. 

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS:  Children and teachers will take part in regular fire and tornado drills throughout the school year.  Fire drills are held  monthly and tornado drills three times a year.  Drills will be handled so as not to induce fear in  the children.

GUM, CANDY, ETC:    Our school has a policy which governs the use of gum on school grounds.  NO GUM!  Candy is only allowed at classroom parties.

HOURS AND ARRIVAL:  The classroom door will be open ten minutes before each session.  Do not bring your child any earlier.  Please escort your child to the classroom door on arrival, until they are able to do this on their own. Morning sessions start at 8:00am and end at 10:30am for the morning students.   

LOST AND FOUND:  The lost and found will be located in the office.  Small items may be kept in the office.  Items unclaimed after two weeks will be disposed of.

MEDICATIONS:  If a student needs to be given a prescription or non-prescription medicine at school, the parent MUST have a signed medication form by the parent and physician. Medication must be in the original container. Forms available in  school office.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:  Our policy is that of the diocese.  The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Wichita admit students of any sex, race, color, and national or ethnic origin.

OFFICE:  School office hours – 7:45 a.m. – 3:20 p.m.  The phone number is 431-4020.   

OPEN HOUSE:  A preschool open house will be held in the latter part of August.  This will give everyone the opportunity to view the preschool facility, meet the teacher, classroom peers and other parents.  All paperwork and payment of fees will be finalized at this time.

PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION:  You are invited to contact us concerning your child’s progress at any time.  Parent-teacher conferences will be held in the fall and spring.  You may request a conference at any other time with the teacher.  It is very important to keep the lines of communication open.

PARTIES:  The students will have three classroom parties during the year to be determined by the teacher.  Any parent wanting to volunteer to help organize these parties should contact the teacher.  We appreciate help on party days.

PETS:  No pets are allowed at school unless the parent has obtained permission in advance.  Generally the pet should be brought to school by the parent and taken home immediately after showing/displaying the pet.

RECESS:  The preschoolers will have recess.  When the weather permits,  we will go outside to the playground .  During bad weather we will use the school gym. Please dress your child appropriately for outdoor play and/or walking to the gym.  Many children are coming without jackets on cool and/or rainy days.

SUPPLIES: All school materials will be purchased by teacher for class use.  Each student should bring a back pack and one (2) boxes of Kleenex, (1) bottle of hand sanitizer, one box of wipes, and a nap mat for the all day students.

TARDIES:  If your child is going to be absent or late, please call the school office by 8:15 AM.

TELEPHONE CALLS:  Parents may call St. Patrick’s office during regular hours when they need to speak to/make an appointment with the teacher.  A message can be left for the teacher to return your call.  The school secretary will usually be able to answer routine questions.

TOILET TRAINED:  Every child must be toilet trained.  Please let us know if your child has any problems when it comes to using the bathroom.  We realize that they’ll all need help at one time or another.

TOYS:  Please do not let your child bring toys from home to school.

TUITION AND FEES:   Fees are determined by the administrators of  St. Patrick’s school.  Registration is $80.00 per child. A tuition agreement will be signed by each family.  A refund is only given if the family moves from the Chanute area.  First payment is due by the first day of school.  Subsiquent payments will be due by the agreed upon date in the tuition contract.  There will be no refunds given for student absences. Weeks where school is scheduled for less than a full week, the week will be prorated accordingly.

VACATIONS:  Our preschool schedule will NOT follow St. Patrick’s Catholic school calendar.  You will receive a monthly calendar from the office listing special events.

VISITING SCHOOL:  Parents are welcome to visit our preschool during the school day.  Parents are welcome to attend assemblies for special events at school.

VOLUNTEERS:  Parents may and are encouraged to volunteer to help in the preschool.  Contact the school office or the teacher if you are interested. Volunteers on a regular basis will need to complete the Virtus Training Program.

IN CONCLUSION:   It is in the family that the child first forms values, self control and the desire to learn.  The family’s fundamental gift to the child  is stability and the assurance of love.  We recognize that the cooperation of parents, teachers, and administration is essential to develop the total environment needed for each student’s continued educational and faith journey.

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