
WELCOME
Welcome to all of our preschool families! We hope you had an enjoyable summer! We are excited to meet you and your children and we are looking forward to an exciting year. This notice is full of important information. Please read carefully and save! Please call us at 206-783-0337 or email us at preschool@st-johnschool.org if you have any questions.
Transition
The first few days or weeks can be a big change for your children. Adjusting to new teachers, classmates, and the new environment takes time. Separating from mom or dad can be difficult. Some children separate easily and others may resist or cry. These are normal behaviors for this age. For this reason we need you to make your goodbye short and sweet. If your child is upset we will take them at the door and comfort them until they are ready to join the rest of the group. Once your child gets involved in their day, anxiety subsides and there are lots of smiles.
Attendance
Please escort your children to the outside preschool door. We will check them in, assist them in hanging up their coat and finding an activity. As soon as the children arrive to the preschool they immediately begin socializing and engaging in many activities with their teachers and classmates. When you are on time you do not interrupt children learning. This is why we want to emphasize the importance of having your children to preschool on time! We open at 8:15 and want everyone present by 8:25. We open in the afternoon at 12:15 and will close the door at 12:25. If your children are not here by 8:25 or 12:25 you must go to the office to obtain a tardy slip. Also, if you are picking up your children early, you must go to the office to sign them out.
Dismissal
Please be prompt to pick up your preschooler. They are ready to be dismissed at 11:15 AM and at 3:15 PM.
As children are being dismissed from preschool, the remaining children are hearing a story, singing or working on the calendar. Please be as quiet as possible in the hallway so as not to disturb the activity.
Rugged Clothing/Toys
Please dress your children in rugged clothing. Sturdy soled shoes are the safest and most preferred for preschool. NO FLIPFLOPS, CROCS, OR SHOES WITH HEELS, PLEASE. As per the parent handbook, socks must be worn everyday. We go outside everyday so please send your child with the appropriate outside gear according to the weather. We go to P.E. every Friday and ask that the children wear gym shoes on this day.
Boots, jackets, sweaters, lunchboxes and backpacks should be labeled to prevent loss. If your child will be attending day care in the afternoons, please drop off all backpacks, lunch boxes, and naptime aids in XDC. We ask that children do not bring toys, stickers or valuable items from home to class.
Change of Clothes
On the first day of school, please send your children with a complete change of clothes in a large ziplock bag labeled with their name in case of an accident. Please include underwear, socks, a shirt, and pants (preferably sweatpants or leggings.) It is helpful to send clothes that are appropriate for any time of the year. When wet or soiled clothes are sent home, please replace them in a new ziplock bag the next day. Please label each item of clothing and the bag, and we will keep these all year.
Communication
Our preschool newsletter, “The Preschool Press”, will be posted online to keep you informed. Be sure to check the school website for important dates, activities, and to read the “News Views” (weekly all school newsletter) on Thursdays. IF YOU PREFER A HARD COPY OF THE PRESCHOOL PRESS PLEASE LET US KNOW. You may email us at preschool@st-johnschool.org with any questions or concerns. For emergencies please contact us through the office at 206-783-0337.
If your children attend daycare; all projects, letters, and important information will be placed in a file box and will be available for you to collect daily at XDC at pick up time. Children being picked up at the preschool need to take home the paperwork from their cubbies daily as well.
Scrip
Our school earns approximately $65,000 from Scrip each year. It is easy to use scrip as there are many merchants who participate in the program. Please take a minute to learn more about Scrip and how you can support St. John School in this convenient way. Please talk to Mrs. White to learn more about Scrip.
Shoe Box
We need shoeboxes for “My Own Little Book Box” project. Each child needs one shoebox. We will paint the boxes and make a special cover. The box will be sent home and will hold the small books the children will create in preschool. The box of books is helpful for “reviewing” what your child is learning in preschool. Please send in extra boxes if you have them.
Preschool Snacks
Our snack calendar and snack suggestion list will follow in a couple of weeks. Please be aware to check for products made with nuts or in a factory that may have other products made with nuts. We cannot serve these.
Earthquake/Disaster Comfort Kits
These will be necessary for all preschool students.
In addition to basic earthquake/disaster supplies at St. John School, the children are required to have a comfort kit that will be kept in the classroom. This kit is designed to calm your children and keep them comfortable while waiting to be picked up. Due to space constraints only the following items are to be included in the comfort kit (no deviations please):
Small working flashlight (please put the batteries loose in the bag)
Stocking cap
Small package of Wet Wipes
One or two photos not larger than 4×6
One page letter to your child to comfort him/her while awaiting your arrival
One pair of tube socks
One small plastic drinking cup 5 or 6 ounce size
Place all items in a one-gallon zip lock bag labeled with your student’s name. Your student should bring this kit on the first day and give it to the teacher.
We look forward to another great year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Castillo, Mrs. Flood, Mrs. Frazee, and Mrs. White