•  

    Kindergarten Class Syllabus

    Oak Grove Elementary School

    Mrs. Kathleen Wilson

    2024-2025

    Room 3

     

     

     










    Course Description:  Listed below is a brief description of each curriculum area.  This information can also be accessed through my teacher webpage.

    Reading:  

    • Reading is conducted in a workshop format following Units of Study by Lucy Calkins. Students receive instruction whole group, individually, and in small groups.  Wilson Fundations Program is used to teach phonics, spelling, and handwriting.  Students will also participate in guided reading, shared reading, and read alouds.

    Units of Study:

    • Unit 1: We Are Readers

    • Unit 2: Shared Reading

    • Unit 3: Super Powers: Reading with Phonics and Sight Word Power 

    • Unit 4: Boosting Reading Power

    • Unit 5: Becoming Avid Readers

    Writing:  

    • Writing is conducted in a workshop format following Units of Study by Lucy Calkins. Students receive instruction whole group, individually, and in small groups. 

    Units of Study: 

    • Unit 1: Launching the Writing Workshop

    • Unit 2: Show and Tell Writing

    • Unit 3: Writing for Readers: Writing Readable True Stories,

    • Unit 4: Persuasive Writing of All Kinds: Using Words to Make a  Change

    Math:  

    • Math lessons are conducted using a hands-on approach.  This includes math fluency drills and practice of skills within the curriculum.  I-Ready Math program will be used to focus on the topics listed below.  Tang Math may be used as a supplemental resource.

    Units of study:

    • Unit 1: Position, Length, Height and Sorting 

    • Unit 2: Numbers to 5, Shapes and Weight

    • Unit 3: Addition & Subtraction within 5 & Shapes

    • Unit 4: Numbers to 10 & Shapes

    • Unit 5: Numbers to 100 

    • Unit 6: Addition & Subtraction within 10

    • Unit 7: Teen Numbers and Shapes

    Science: 

    •  Students will be investigating science using the BOCES Science 21 Program.  This program is an inquiry approach that uses hands-on and student-driven investigations which reflect the authentic nature of science.  The topics explored this year are:

    • Weather and Climate

    • Pushes and Pulls

    • The Environment

    Social Studies: 

    •  Social Studies lessons through Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES are integrated with language arts.  The topics explored this year are:

      • Myself and Others

      • How Can I Be a Good Citizen

      • Understanding Economics and Geography

      • Holidays and Celebrations

    Textbooks, Handbook(s) and other resources

    • Fundations workbook 

    • Science 21 journal

    • I-Ready Math Workbook 1 & 2

    • Tang Math

    • Math Manipulatives

    • I-Ready Program

    • Other resources include decodable & leveled books 

     

    Classroom Expectations: 

    • Students are expected to come to class prepared.  This includes completing homework from the night before, having their red take home folder in class everyday, bringing a nutritious snack and being well rested.

    • Students are expected to follow Oak Grove Classroom Expectations which means being respectful, responsible and safe in our school.  See expected behaviors below.

    Respectful:   Voice Level 0-2, Use kind words, Follow all adult directions

                 Responsible:  Be prepared to learn, Try your best, Keep it clean

     Safe:   Walk & Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

    • Caught being good tickets, stickers, notes, prizes, special activities or privileges are rewards for good behavior.

    • I do many different rewards for students: secret student, mystery walker. Where students can earn a prize at the end of the day for following directions.

    • If the classroom rules are broken, consequences may include a verbal warning, minutes away from recess and/or contacting parents.

    Homework

    • Part of daily homework is to read for 10 minutes a day and practice sight words.

    • Homework packets will be sent home each Friday and are due the following Friday.  

    • Incomplete class work will be sent home to be finished for homework.

    • All Science and Social Studies home projects are part of your child’s report card grade. 

    Activities/projects unique to this class

    • All activities and projects reflect the New York State Standards for Kindergarten.

    Recommended/required materials for class

    •  Students need crayons, pencils, scissors, glue sticks, erasers, headphones, 1 folder (with prongs), dry erase markers, and an art smock.  Please see the class website for a complete list of supplies.

    •  

    Grading Procedures

    • Reading: Reading grades are based on reading conference notes, running records, Phonics Skills/Assessments, daily guided reading sessions, mastery of sight words and comprehension skills.

    • Math: Math grades are based on daily work, teacher observation, and end of unit assessments.

    • Language Arts: Language arts grades are based on listening and speaking during class discussions, writing conference notes, handwriting, writing sentences, spelling, and writing benchmarks.

    • Science and Social Studies:  Grades are based on students’ ability to work cooperatively in groups, teacher observations, classwork, and end of topic assessments.

    Academic  Performance Levels

    4         Exceeding Grade Level Standards

    3.5        Progressing Towards 4.0 Content  

    3.0 Meeting Grade Level Standards

    2.5 Progressing Towards 3.0 Content 

    2 Partially Meeting Grade Level Standards

    1.5 Progressing Towards 2.0 Content 

    1 Far Below Meeting Grade Level Standards

     

    Special Schedule

    Music*           Day 1 & Day  4  - on these days our schedule is a little different, look at the block schedule        

    P.E.                 Day 2 & Day  5

    Art                  Day 3 & Day 6

    Library           Day 3

    Computer      Day 2 & Day  5




    Classroom Birthdays

    • Students are welcome to bring in a store bought snack such as brownies, cookies, cupcakes etc. to celebrate their birthday.  

    • Please make sure the snacks are all the same to prevent any tears.  

    • A note at least a day in advance would be appreciated.  

    • We have 14 students in our class (11 boys & 3 girls).  

    • No Goody Bags or juice please. 

    •  Plates OR napkins are needed for birthday treats.  

    Snack

    • Please send in one small snack daily and a water bottle.  

    • Sharing snacks is not allowed. 

    • If your child has a snack that requires a spoon or fork, please provide one. 

    • We have snacks from 1:20-1:30 p.m.

    Lunch

    • Children’s lunch account checks should be sent  in an envelope with your child’s name and school identification number on it if not paying online. 

    Medication

    • Children may not bring any medication (including cough drops and sunscreen) to school. 

    • All medication must be brought to school by parents or caregivers. 

    • Please call the school nurse if you have any questions. 

    Recess

    • Please dress your child appropriately according to the weather in the event we go outside. 

    • Please refrain from sending children to school in flip-flops, open-toed sandals, and high heels, as they can be a safety hazard on the playground. 

    • Toys, cards, games, and electronics from home are not allowed. 

    • In addition to being a distraction, they can be broken, stolen or lost.

     

    Teacher Contact Information:

    Email:  kathleen.wilson@wcsdny.org     

    School Phone Number: 845-298-5280

     

    The best ways to get in contact with me are to send an e-mail or a Bloomz message. I check my email and Bloomz multiple times throughout the day. If you would like me to call you, please call the office and let me know the best time (and phone number) to contact you.  I usually return phone calls while the children are at special (1:35-2:15),  in the morning before school or afterschool.