FAQs
Frequently asked questions
My child suffers from separation anxiety. How do I handle this on the first day?
This is hard one, but I recommend walking your child to the classroom, taking a picture, saying goodbye and walking away... even if your child is crying. Please know that within minutes your child will settle in. Lingering will only make the situation worse for your child. It will also help your child if you go over the routine of the morning before the first day. (That way your child will know what to expect.) I know this can be a very stressful morning for children and parents. I have been there myself. Don't worry!
Can I eat lunch with my child?
Yes, but please allow at least 2 weeks for your child to get adjusted to the school routine. Sometimes students with separation anxiety will relapse when he/she sees a parent during lunch.
Will it be possible to warm my child's lunch?
No. With 20+ students and only 30 minutes to eat, it is recommended that students bring food that is at room temperature and kept in a lunchbox.
How do I deposit money into my child's account?
Please go to the Great Oaks webpage and register your child through PayPAMS. You may also bring a check to school on Monday mornings to be deposited into your child's account. Please note that if you pay online through PayPAMS, it will take several days for the payment to register.
Where do I put my child's snacks?
Please find a place in your child's backpack for snacks. Make sure your child's knows where to look and be able to open his/her snack independently.
Can my child bring a water bottle?
Yes, absolutely! Please put your child's name on the bottle and make sure he/she is able to open and close it independently.
Can my child bring juice for snack?
It is not recommended. A water bottle will do just fine!
What is appropriate for my child to wear to kindergarten?
It is recommended that students wear closed-toe tennis shoes for recess and wellness activities. Girls are also to wear shorts under dresses or skirts at all times. Please pack a jacket on cool days because we go to recess daily.
Is it ok that my child is not yet able to tie shoes?
Yes, but please continue to help your child at home. I will do the same here.
Can I walk my child to the door of the classroom?
Yes, for the first week or two of school. After that it is recommended that your child walk independently to the class to promote responsibility and confidence! Your child will also be expected to put his/her daily folder away independently. There is a "hug zone" at the end of the kindergarten hallway where parents can say goodbye and watch their child walk to the classroom.
Can I come to classroom after school to pick up my child?
No. For safety reasons there are designated areas for pick-up.
What do I do if I need to get my child early from school?
Please go to the school office and sign your child out. Someone from the office will call me and I will send your child down.
My child is already reading. Will he/she be bored in kindergarten?
Absolutely not! There are many differentiated activities and skills that we teach in kindergarten. The curriculum is fun, exciting and there are many opportunities for all children to learn. Kindergarten is about learning social skills and also academic skills. We strive to make each child learn to the best of his/her ability!
Can I bring cupcakes for my child's birthday?
Unfortunately no. You may make a party bag (no food) for each student in the class but it's not necessary. We will have a small celebration in the classroom.
Is there a rest time in kindergarten?
Unfortunately, no. New policies state that there is no longer a rest time in kindergarten.
Can parents come visit the classroom during the school day?
I recommend that parents first contact me if they would like to visit the classroom. I will give you an appropriate time in our schedule that would cause the least amount of disruption of learning.
My child suffers from separation anxiety. How do I handle this on the first day?
This is hard one, but I recommend walking your child to the classroom, taking a picture, saying goodbye and walking away... even if your child is crying. Please know that within minutes your child will settle in. Lingering will only make the situation worse for your child. It will also help your child if you go over the routine of the morning before the first day. (That way your child will know what to expect.) I know this can be a very stressful morning for children and parents. I have been there myself. Don't worry!
Can I eat lunch with my child?
Yes, but please allow at least 2 weeks for your child to get adjusted to the school routine. Sometimes students with separation anxiety will relapse when he/she sees a parent during lunch.
Will it be possible to warm my child's lunch?
No. With 20+ students and only 30 minutes to eat, it is recommended that students bring food that is at room temperature and kept in a lunchbox.
How do I deposit money into my child's account?
Please go to the Great Oaks webpage and register your child through PayPAMS. You may also bring a check to school on Monday mornings to be deposited into your child's account. Please note that if you pay online through PayPAMS, it will take several days for the payment to register.
Where do I put my child's snacks?
Please find a place in your child's backpack for snacks. Make sure your child's knows where to look and be able to open his/her snack independently.
Can my child bring a water bottle?
Yes, absolutely! Please put your child's name on the bottle and make sure he/she is able to open and close it independently.
Can my child bring juice for snack?
It is not recommended. A water bottle will do just fine!
What is appropriate for my child to wear to kindergarten?
It is recommended that students wear closed-toe tennis shoes for recess and wellness activities. Girls are also to wear shorts under dresses or skirts at all times. Please pack a jacket on cool days because we go to recess daily.
Is it ok that my child is not yet able to tie shoes?
Yes, but please continue to help your child at home. I will do the same here.
Can I walk my child to the door of the classroom?
Yes, for the first week or two of school. After that it is recommended that your child walk independently to the class to promote responsibility and confidence! Your child will also be expected to put his/her daily folder away independently. There is a "hug zone" at the end of the kindergarten hallway where parents can say goodbye and watch their child walk to the classroom.
Can I come to classroom after school to pick up my child?
No. For safety reasons there are designated areas for pick-up.
What do I do if I need to get my child early from school?
Please go to the school office and sign your child out. Someone from the office will call me and I will send your child down.
My child is already reading. Will he/she be bored in kindergarten?
Absolutely not! There are many differentiated activities and skills that we teach in kindergarten. The curriculum is fun, exciting and there are many opportunities for all children to learn. Kindergarten is about learning social skills and also academic skills. We strive to make each child learn to the best of his/her ability!
Can I bring cupcakes for my child's birthday?
Unfortunately no. You may make a party bag (no food) for each student in the class but it's not necessary. We will have a small celebration in the classroom.
Is there a rest time in kindergarten?
Unfortunately, no. New policies state that there is no longer a rest time in kindergarten.
Can parents come visit the classroom during the school day?
I recommend that parents first contact me if they would like to visit the classroom. I will give you an appropriate time in our schedule that would cause the least amount of disruption of learning.