What is a typical schedule? How much recess do they get? What happens when it rains? What is curriculum night?

Rest assured, your kindergartener will be exhausted after school, for at least the first few months.

Approximate Daily Schedule

A typical day looks something like this (times rather approximate - you'll get specific info from your teacher):

• 9:00-9:25  arrive at the playground, run around like a maniac, play soccer, climb on equipment
• 9:25-9:30  line up in class line at first bell and go inside by second bell
• 9:30-11:00  class time + mid-morning snack
• 11:00 recess
• 11:15-12:00  class time
• 12:00  lunch for 15 minutes + 15 minutes of recess (see previous post on the 'eat lunch in 5 minutes to get more recess' issue)
•  12:15-2:00  class time
•  2:00  recess
•  2:15-3:35  class time
•  3:35  end-of-school bell 

...so, quite a lot of outdoor playtime.  

Classroom learning includes reading, writing, math, science, social studies, learning to play nicely with each other, circle time, free-choice activities, etc.  Your teacher will give you some info at Welcome Night (September 6), and more info at Curriculum Night (September 15).

In addition to regular in-class time, there are a variety of other activities including:

• Health & Fitness: 2x/week, 35 minutes each (www.gobeehive.com)
• Art: 2x/week, 35 minutes each
• Music: 1x/week (only if funded or volunteers are available)
• Computers/Technology:  1x/week, 35 minutes (projected)
• Monday Morning Meetings:  1x/week first thing on Monday, all-school, in the lunchroom
• Field trips
• Special assemblies

Rainy Day Recess

Rainy day recess occurs as a last resort when it is really way, way, way too wet to be outside, so pack boots and coats (LABELED! There will be contributions to the Lost & Found!) as appropriate.   

If it is uber-rainy, kids go straight to their classroom after drop-off.  If it is still rainy at recess, they will stay in the classroom.   Be extra nice to teachers on those days.  

Even if it is pouring, pickup is outside the front doors at 3:35.  Bring your umbrellas.

Lockers

Every kid has his or her very own locker outside the classroom, so there is a place for backpacks, extra changes of clothing, and raingear.  Do check it occasionally to avoid nasty surprises at the end of the year.

Curriculum Night, Welcome Night, PTA Meetings and more...

The first few weeks of school are a tad hectic.  Here are a few of the activities (connect to the google calendar to stay updated: http://www.danielbagley.com/happening_calendar.htm).

Welcome Night, the evening before school (September 6), gives families a chance to make some friends at the playground social, meet their teacher, see their desk, locker and classroom, familiarize themselves with the school, and get some guidance from the PTA.  It's a bit of a whirlwind; not much chance to delve into specifics about academics.

First Day Coffee & Flag Ceremony (September 7), 9:30am - usher your kid into his or her classroom (you're allowed to escort them to the classroom door on Day #1), then stick around to meet other parents and participate in the all-school first-day flag ceremony!

Curriculum Night, September 15 this year, is an opportunity to find out more about the school's academic focus, your child's daily schedule, learning topics, field trips, evaluation including MAP testing, and so on.  PTA volunteers will be there to offer wisdom (and Bagley t-shirts and scrip cards), and to inform you of the many extracurricular activities we have at Bagley.  **Parents only, but limited childcare is provided.

PTA Meeting #1 is September 20 at 6pm (they are monthly, on Tuesdays).  This is the best way to find out what is happening at Bagley now, or planned for the future.  A lot of the stuff that happens at school is championed by parents, and this is where you'll find out about it.  p.s.  Volunteers wanted!  There will be plenty of opportunities to sign up for as much or as little time as you can contribute.