Grand Prairie

Independent School District

Welcome To

Kindergarten 2018-2019

FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN Kindergarten students attending Grand Prairie Schools have the opportunity of attending full day

classes. These kindergarten classes offer an array of learning activities especially developed for the

five-year-old child.

Children develop quickly, especially after they enter kindergarten. They are explorers who make

sense of their world by talking about it, acting things out, and comparing new things with things

they already know. They write with pictures, scribbles and all sorts of invented spelling. They listen

eagerly to new stories and explanations, and they learn to recognize that print represents the stories

we read to them. Before the end of the year students should be able to recognize letters and sounds

and begin to read independently.

Your child will experience activities developed to teach and enrich through many learning

experiences. Mathematics and science become an exciting part of each child’s day with counting,

numeration, scientific discovery and problem solving activities integrated through "hands on"

learning centers. Technology will be used as a learning tool to access new ways to learn. Cultural

studies and citizenship will be an integral part of each learning experience. Developmentally

appropriate activities will be provided to enhance motor skill development, musical explorations and

artistic capabilities.

The kindergarten year will be one of the most important school years for your child because it

establishes the importance of lifelong learning. It will also be a special experience for the entire

family as most activities are child and family centered.

Attendance is very important to your child’s success in school. The State of Texas has a

Compulsory Attendance Law which states:

Every child who resides in the State who is as much as six years of age, or who is

less than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in the first grade, and who

has not yet reached the child’s 18th

birthday shall be required to attend school in the

district in which he resides or in some other district to which he may be transferred

as provided.

Once enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, a child shall attend school. At the beginning of each school year an Elementary School Student Handbook is provided

online. Additional information on attendance as well as other important topics is found in the

handbook.

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All registration must be

completed online.

Please contact the

campus for additional

information.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING In kindergarten language arts, your child will learn:

LISTENING/SPEAKING. Students:

listen to information, rhymes, songs, conversations, and stories

listen and talk about experiences, customs, and cultures

make announcements, give directions, and make introductions

act out plays, poems, and stories

clearly request, retell, and/or describe stories and experiences

listen responsively to contemporary and classic stories and other texts read aloud

learn the vocabulary of school such as numbers, shapes, colors, directions, and categories

READING. Students:

recognize that print represents spoken language and conveys meaning, such as their own

name, and signs such as Exit and Danger

recognize upper and lower case letters in print and understand that print represents spoken

language

manipulate sounds in spoken words (phonemic awareness)

decode simple words using letter-sound knowledge

identify words that name persons, places or things, and words that name actions

identify each letter of the alphabet

learn new vocabulary words through selections read aloud

retell or act out important events in a story

gather important information and ask relevant questions

know that print moves from left-to-right across the page and top to bottom

recognize how readers use capitalization and punctuation to comprehend

recognize that different parts of a book: (cover, title page, and table of contents) offer

information

WRITING. Students:

write their own name and each letter of the alphabet

write messages using their knowledge of letters and sounds - words are separated by spaces

record or dictate questions, ideas, and stories

write labels, notes, and captions for illustrations, possessions, charts, and centers

NOTE: Students of limited English proficiency (LEP) enrolled in Spanish

Language Arts and/or in English as a Second language will be expected to

learn the same knowledge and skills for this grade level; however,

students in Spanish Language Arts will learn the skills through their

native language, and students in English as a Second Language will apply

these skills at their proficiency level in English. 2 2

MATHEMATICS In kindergarten mathematics, your child will learn:

MATHEMATICAL PROCESS STANDARDS. Students:

apply mathematics in everyday situations

use a problem-solving model with guidance

represent and communicate mathematical ideas

explain and justify mathematical ideas and arguments

NUMBER AND OPERATIONS. Students:

count forward and backward to at least 20

identify and represent quantities to 20

recognize instantly the quantity of a small group of objects

generate a number that is one more than or one less to at least 20

compare sets of objects up to at least 20 in each set

compose and decompose numbers up to 10 with objects and pictures.

solve word problems to find sums up to 10 and differences within 10

identify U.S. coins by name

ALGEBRAIC REASONING. Students:

recite numbers up to at least 100 by ones and tens beginning with any given number

GEOMETRY AND MEASUREMENT. Students:

identify and describe two-dimensional shapes by their attributes

identify three-dimensional solids in the real world

classify and sort a variety of two- and three-dimensional figures

identify and compare measurable attributes, including length, capacity, and weight

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DATA ANALYSIS. Students:

collect and use data to create real object and picture graphs

draw conclusions from real object and picture graphs

PERSONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY. Students:

identify ways to earn income

list simple skills required for jobs

distinguish between wants and needs

SCIENCE

In kindergarten science, your child will learn: SAFETY. Students:

demonstrate safe science practices in the classroom and field

use and conserve resources

SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND CRITICAL THINKING. Students:

use their senses and common tools such as hand lenses, balances, cups, and bowls to make

observations and collect information by asking questions, gathering information,

communicating findings, and making informed decisions

use computers and information technology tools to support their investigations

PATTERNS, SYSTEMS, AND CYCLES. Students:

describe patterns including seasons, growth, day and night, and predict what happens next,

using charts and graphs

learn how systems have basic properties that can be described in terms of parts, such as those

in toys, vehicles, and construction sets

understand structures, interactions, and processes found in systems that, when put together,

can do things they cannot do by themselves

CHANGE. Students:

observe, describe, and record changes in systems, cycles, and models

record changes in size, mass, color, position, quantity, time, temperature, sound, and

movement by observing weather changes and life cycles of organisms in their natural

environment

LIVING ORGANISMS AND NON-LIVING OBJECTS. Students:

identify organisms and objects and their parts

explore the basic needs of living organisms and give examples of their dependence on each

other

identify how the Earth provides resources for life

UNDERSTANDING THE NATURAL WORLD. Students:

observe and describe properties of rocks, soil, and water

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SOCIAL STUDIES In kindergarten social studies, your child will learn:

HISTORY. Students:

learn about patriotic holidays

identify contributions of people, such as George Washington

place events in chronological order

GEOGRAPHY. Students:

locate and describe the relative location of places

identify physical and human characteristics of places

ECONOMICS. Students:

identify basic human needs and explain how they can be met

identify jobs and why people have them

GOVERNMENT. Students:

identify rules and reasons for having them

identify authority figures

CITIZENSHIP. Students:

identify U. S. and Texas flags

recite the Pledge of Allegiance

CULTURE. Students:

identify similarities and differences among people

identify family and community customs

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND SOCIETY. Students:

identify examples of technology and describe how they meet people’s needs

SOCIAL STUDIES SKILLS. Students:

obtain information from a variety of oral and visual sources

sequence and categorize information

identify main ideas

express ideas orally and visually

use problem-solving and decision-making processes

SOCIAL SKILLS

In kindergarten your child will learn to:

work and play well in a group

work independently

accept responsibility for own actions

respect self and others

follow directions

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complete work on time

use time wisely when work is completed

follow classroom/school safety rules

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POINTERS FOR PARENTS

1. Help your child to attend regularly except when he/she is ill.

2. Teach your child self-reliance by encouraging him/her to do things for himself/ herself.

3. Know your child’s teacher.

4. Show an interest in the school and whatever your child brings home.

5. Take time to listen to your child’s daily experiences and discuss them with real interest.

6. Build up in your child a wholesome, friendly attitude toward the teacher and the school.

7. Report any upsetting experience which you think will help the teacher understand the

child better.

8. Help your child to anticipate happy experiences in relation to the school.

9. Put your child’s name on each article of outside clothing and supplies.

10. Teach your child to walk on the sidewalk when one is provided and how to cross the

street when not accompanied by an adult.

11. Teach your child to be considerate of others; to know simple rules of courtesy; to

assume a place in group activities.

12. School bus safety rules should be discussed with your child if a bus will be ridden

regularly to school.

13. It is highly desirable that parents be active in PTA. We welcome your participation in

school affairs. We are happy for you to take part in school/class functions.

14. Keep parent contact information current at all times.

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WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP

1. Read to your child frequently. Children need to hear the language of books and to know that

their parents value reading. Include nursery rhymes, labels on household articles, even signs

and billboards.

2. Talk to your child. Discuss what you see, hear, smell, think, remember and feel. Children

need to know that their parents are genuinely interested in what they say.

3. Writing with your child is another means of encouraging growth. You might write stories as

your child dictates them and bind them into simple books. Let your child participate in

writing letters and thank-you notes. Allow your child to help write shopping lists or fill out

orders for merchandise.

4. Broaden your child’s experiences by taking him/her to various stores. Numerous learning

experiences are possible in barbershops, hardware stores and plant nurseries, as well as in

grocery stores, zoos, and airports. Libraries and museums are other community resources not

to be overlooked.

5. Help your child achieve by helping him or her to solve problems and be responsible.

6. In doing homework, read directions together with your child, monitor your child's progress

and check completed homework.

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SCHOOL NURSE NOTES FOR PARENTS

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN!

Please review the following information:

IMMUNIZATIONS: Immunizations must be up to date before the child can be enrolled. Immunizations required by Texas Law are listed in the Kindergarten Handbook. A child who is catching up on late immunizations can begin school as long as necessary immunizations are given as soon as medically feasible. Upon enrollment, your child’s immunization record may be reviewed by non-medical staff. The school nurse will review the immunization record at the beginning of the school year. At that time, it may be determined that further immunizations are required. PHONE NUMBERS: Please keep the secretary and campus nurse informed of any changes in phone numbers or emergency contacts or address. It is very important that we are able to reach you in the event of illness or injury.

MEDICATION

Medication should be given at home if possible. A school medication

permit shall be completed and signed by a health care provider and parent for

medication to be administered at school. The first dose of any medication must

be given at home (this includes over the counter medication).

Medication must be in the original container with a prescription label.

All medication will be kept in the clinic in a locked cabinet.

Medication will not be sent home with a student. Parents must pick up medication from the clinic.

If medication needs to be given at school, ask your pharmacist to label an empty bottle for school.

ILLNESS

Please keep ill children at home. A child must be free of fever (less than 100 degrees

without the use of Tylenol, Motrin or Ibuprofen) for 24 hours before returning to school.

VISION AND HEARING SCREENING The TEXAS LAW REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING HEALTH SCREENING:

Vision screening

Hearing screening

The school nurse will screen your child for a possible vision or hearing problem within the first semester

of school attendance. If your child has a known vision or hearing problem, please notify the school nurse

or the teacher. Your child’s weight and height will also be recorded on the health record. School Nurses

follow best practice guidelines in performing dental, height and weight screening.

ALLERGIES and HEALTH CONDITIONS

Please notify the school nurse if your child has any food, insect or environmental allergies or health

conditions upon enrollment.

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Immunization records by a physician or public health clinic will be required for entering school.

THE TEXAS STATE LAW KINDERGARTEN REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING

IMMUNIZATIONS:

VACCINE REQUIRED DOSES for 2018-2019*

*Please check the district website in August for any changes for the 2018-19 school year.

DTaP/DTP/DT/ Tdap 5 doses with one received after the 4th birthday or

4 doses with one received after the 4th birthday

POLIO 4 doses with one received after the 4th birthday or

3 doses with one received after the 4th birthday

MMR 2 doses with 1st dose received after 1st birthday,

HEPATITIS B

3 doses, given at any time after birth. “At Birth” for the first date is not

acceptable. A date must be provided with a health care provider signature

or clinic stamp

HEPATITIS A 2 doses required with 1st dose received after the 1st birthday

VARICELLA

(Chicken Pox) 2 dose after 1st birthday or history of disease verified by parent signature.

Vaccines given four days before the minimum age or interval are acceptable.

All immunizations records must be validated by a health care provider signature or a clinic stamp.

Foreign vaccination records (except Mexico) must be translated by Dallas County Health

Department and a copy of the translated record returned to the school before enrolling.

Please see the GPISD webpage at www.gpisd.org for further immunization information.

Exemptions from immunization requirements may be granted on a medical basis or for reasons of

conscience. A medical exemption, signed by the physician, is required annually if not otherwise stated by

the physician. Exemption for reasons of conscience must be submitted on an affidavit provided by the

Texas Department of State Health Services. Exemption for reason of conscience is granted for two years.

Exemptions are not recognized in time of epidemics. Students will need to be immunized or cannot

attend school in case of an epidemic declared by the Commissioner of Health.

Upon enrollment, your child’s record may be reviewed by non-medical staff. The school nurse will

review the immunization record at the beginning of the school year. At that time it may be determined

that further immunizations will be required.

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GRAND PRAIRIE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Health Services

GUIDELINES FOR SENDING ILL STUDENTS HOME FROM SCHOOL

(Information for Parents)

Please notify the school nurse or school personnel of any illness or medical condition for which your

child is being treated or monitored.

A parent, guardian or designated contact will be notified immediately to pick up a child from school who

presents any of the following conditions:

➢ Signs or symptoms of a communicable disease that cannot be contained at school; ➢ Localized rash causing acute discomfort or systemic rash of undetermined origin as a sign of

potential illness; ➢ An oral temperature greater than 100 degrees. All students must be fever free for 24hours

without the aid of fever reducing medication before returning to school.

➢ Signs or symptoms of acute illness, serious accident/injury;

➢ Vomiting (not related to a single event such as gagging, positioning, mucus, running after eating,

or eating spicy food); ➢ Diarrhea of two or more loose watery stools;

➢ Asthma symptoms that do not respond to prescribed medication or no prescribed medication is

available for treatment of asthma symptoms; ➢ Diabetes with a blood sugar greater than 400 and positive ketones or inadequate supplies to treat

diabetes at school;

➢ Uncontrolled coughing; ➢ Pink eye or purulent conjunctivitis (defined as pink or red conjunctiva with white or yellow eye

discharge). The student must receive treatment for 24 hours before returning to school or provide

a note from a health care provider stating that the condition is not contagious and the student may

return to school.

According to the assessment of the School Nurse, if staying in the classroom is counterproductive to the

student’s education, or the safety and wellness of others, a decision may be made to send the student

home.

The parent will be expected to come for the child within an hour or a reasonable time agreed upon with

the nurse or school personnel. In the event the parent, guardian or designated contact cannot be reached, a

parent conference may be held at the earliest opportunity to establish correct contact numbers, school

district expectations and parental responsibilities.

Any additional guidelines necessary for special needs students will be addressed in the Individualized

Health Care Plan.

In the event of a student medical emergency, school personnel may call 911, and the student may be

transported to a medical facility via ambulance. The cost of services provided by ambulance, private

physician, clinic, hospital, or dentist remain the responsibility of the parent/guardian and will not be

assumed by Grand Prairie Independent School District or school district personnel.

The Texas Education Agency requires school employees to report any issues of child abuse including

medical neglect to Child Protective Services.

It is our goal to provide a safe, healthy environment that promotes learning for all students.

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MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

School Policy

Prescription and nonprescription medication can be given at school with a written request from the

parent/guardian and physician. If your child must have medication in order to remain in school, we

request that the parent/guardian, and your child’s physician complete the GPISD Medication

Permit. Please return the permit to the office or school clinic.

Only one week supply of medication may be brought to the clinic in the properly labeled original

container. Please request pharmacist to dispense two labeled bottles for medicine: one for home

and one for school. We request that all medication be brought to school by the parent or an adult

for reasons regarding safety. Therefore, please do not send medication of any kind to school with

your student. Also, we cannot send any medication home with your child. It must be picked up by a

parent or designated adult.

Please contact your school nurse for further information if you have questions or concerns.

All medication should be given by the parent outside the school hours if at all possible. For

example – three times a day medication should be given before school, after school, and at bedtime

(every 8 hours) unless otherwise prescribed by your health care provider.

Over the counter medication may be given at school if it cannot be given at home. Written

permission from the healthcare provider and the parent/guardian is required.

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COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES

Introduction

Recess and unstructured play outdoors is vital to our goals of increasing physical activity for children. Most

children can participate in vigorous play in an outdoor environment if properly clothed. Weather

precautions are necessary while students wait outside for school to begin and wait for transportation

home from school. Hypothermia can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. Due to our rapidly

changing weather, students are frequently unprepared in wearing enough clothing to provide adequate

protection. Because of this unreliability, our district must take extra caution to provide a safe environment

for all students during inclement weather.

Temperature and Wind-chill Factor Recommendations

Temperature plus wind velocity or wind chill is a prominent factor in determining cold weather safety. As

the speed of the wind increases, it carries heat away from the body more quickly. The effective

temperature is the air temperature multiplied by the wind velocity; commonly know as the wind chill

factor (see the following chart). Conditions in the shaded zone make it dangerous for time spent outside.

Wet weather and wet clothing create more rapid heat loss from the body, therefore increasing the risk for

hypothermia even in cool temperatures (above 40 degrees). Also, 50% to 60% of the body’s heat loss

takes place from the head and hands. Children cool more rapidly than adults due to their relatively greater

surface area to body mass ratio.

The decision for students to be outside is determined by the campus administrator. If the weather is

questionable for an outside activity such as recess, these websites report the temperature and wind chill

factor: www.weather.com website or the www.srh.noaa.gov

It is the recommendation of the Grand Prairie ISD School Health Advisory Council that during a

temperature or wind chill factor of 45°students will wait indoors with supervision for school to begin.

Students with clothing appropriate for cold weather shall be sent outside to wait for transportation home

for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, they shall be allowed back into the building. Students without

appropriate clothing for cold weather shall remain inside the building. During inclement weather of rain,

snow, lightening, or an approaching storm, students will remain inside.

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HEAT AND OZONE POLICY FFA-R

Ozone Guidelines:

In an interest to protect student health, faculty and staff should follow the protocols below on ozone action

and heat advisory days. Students will be allowed outside for Physical Education, recess, or extracurricular

activities using the following guidelines:

Level

PPB

Ozone

Color

Designation Action Recommended

Good

0-50 Green No health effects are expected, no special action needed

Moderate 51-100 Yellow Students with a respiratory illness such as asthma,

bronchitis, pneumonia, and emphysema should limit

prolonged exposure.

Unhealthy for

Sensitive

Groups

101-150

151-200

Orange

Red

Student with a respiratory illness such as asthma, bronchitis,

pneumonia, and emphysema should limit exposure entirely.

High-energy activities for elementary age children should be

limited. All other students should be allowed adequate access

to water and shade. For every thirty minutes of high-energy

activities, students should be allowed ten minutes of rest.

Students involved in outdoor extracurricular activities such as

athletics, band, drill, or cheerleading., should also follow the

guidelines as stated above.

Very

Unhealthy

Hazardous

201-300

301-500

Purple

Maroon

Exposure for students should be limited entirely. Students

involved in outdoor extracurricular activities such as athletics,

band drill, or cheerleading, should engage in indoor practice

on the days designated very unhealthy or hazardous.

Sensitive groups are defined as children who are active in outdoor activities, people involved in high-energy

activities, and people with respiratory disease. Students with respiratory disease should follow the advice of

a doctor or guardian.

In order to help keep the campus informed, designate a person on your campus to be responsible for

notifying you of ozone action days. This person should follow ozone colors posted on the following website:

www.airnow.gov for the hourly air quality index.

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In addition, you can use one or all from the following methods for notifying your campus:

1. E-mail alerts to the teaching staff 2. Use color coded flags in easily visible areas. 3. Include ozone levels in the morning announcements 4. Include a definition of the ozone level for the day, temperature (high expected) and

precautions.

Heat guidelines:

During times of excessive heat, the following precautions will be taken for all outdoor physical activity

including, but not limited to: recess, physical education classes and /or outdoor field trips.

• Start slowly getting students acclimated to hot-weather exercise.

• Use a 1-to 2 ratio of exercise to rest schedule. Example: 5 minutes of vigorous exercise to

10 minutes of rest and fluid replacement.

• Students should be hydrated prior to outdoor activities and drinking water shall be easily

accessible.

• During extended periods of outdoor activity (> 30-35 minutes) periodic drinking should be

enforced.

• Students should not have recess or Physical Education classes outside during extreme heat

>90 degrees.

• Teachers are advised to use precaution on days when the temperature or heat index is high.

Limit outside activity to no more than 15 minutes and ensure that students have access to

adequate water prior to and/or after outside play. Be aware that hot playground equipment

may cause burns.

See Coaches and Trainers regarding outdoor activity during Athletics.

In order to help keep the campus informed, designate a person on your campus to be responsible for

notifying you of heat action days. This person should follow the listed heat index posted on the following

website: www.weather.com for the hourly temperature and heat index readings.

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KINDERGARTEN SUPPLY LIST

2 box/pkgs. 12 or more pencils (#2 lead with attached eraser)

2 boxes of 24 Crayola crayons

1 box of 8 Crayola broad tip markers (classic colors)

4 .32 oz. glue sticks

1 4 oz. non-toxic glue (plastic squeeze bottle, NO paste/gel)

1 pair of scissors (Fiskars for Kids)

1 school supply box (plastic)

1 pkg. of asst. colored construction paper (heavyweight, 50 sheets, 12x18, approx.)

1 pkg. of manila drawing paper (heavyweight, 50 sheets, 12x18, approx.)

3 Polyfolders – folders with brads and pockets

1 Tub Play Dough (any color)

1 pink pearl eraser

4 composition books

1 box of quart, and gallon Ziploc freezer bags (boys - quart, girls - gallon)

2 box tissue (200 ct, Kleenex/equal)

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