Picture Day!

Dear Families,

Just a friendly reminder that Monday, September 23rd is Picture Day!
Individual and Class Pictures will be taken on this day.  I have scheduled our class and individual pictures to be taken tomorrow morning, before our morning recess.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend with this beautiful weather, and remind your child to get a good night's sleep and come to school tomorrow with their brightest smile!:)

Mrs. Gouzie

Look Out Kindergarten, Here We Come!

Dear Families,

Welcome to Kindergarten! This is such a wonderful time for you and your child.  Your child will grow tremendously during the course of the school year, and will participate in so many exciting and interesting hands-on activities that will enhance his/her learning experience.  Your child will have unlimited opportunities to express him/herself, while interacting in a child-centered learning environment that fosters positive self-esteem, creativity, collaboration, kindness and respect for others.  My goal is to create a classroom community where children are comfortable, happy, enthusiastic and actively engaged in playing and learning!

This year will be my 28th year of teaching at Steward School, where I have had the opportunity to work as a Kindergarten teacher, Math Specialist, Reading Specialist and First Grade teacher.  Teaching Kindergarten has always held a special place in my heart. It is so rewarding to watch as Kindergarteners make new discoveries, and encounter many firsts as they explore, learn, and grow!

The beginning of the school year is always a busy time as we get ourselves organized.  Here are a few points of interest that I would like to share with you:

• Please have your child wear his/her bus tag for the first few weeks of school.  It will help to make sure everyone gets home safe and sound.

• Please have your child bring a small NUT FREE snack to school every day.  Please pack this in a separate bag from their lunch, labeled with their name.

• Please have your child bring a full size backpack (in order to fit boots and other outdoor clothing in the winter) and their home/school folder to school each day.

• It is always a good idea to label personal items, as clothing, lunch boxes, water bottles, and backpacks will sometimes get lost.

• Children who attend after school activities will need a note stating their destination, including Steward Station and car riders, unless you have sent a permanent note stating the days your child will be going to Steward Station or the days your child will be a car rider throughout the entire school year.  A note is also needed if your child is going home with a friend on a different bus, or is getting off at a different bus stop. Please refer to the instructions on the Dismissal Plan document in your child’s take home folder.

• The best way to contact me is by email at kgouzie@topsfieldps.org.

• The Steward School hours for children are 8:45am-3:10pm.  Our phone number is 978-887-1538. My extension is 3405 if you need to contact me after school hours.

• Your child may be coming home from school very tired.  It usually takes a few weeks for children to adapt to the full day schedule.  Often a small, healthy, nut free snack will give them the extra energy needed to make it through the morning until lunchtime.  Also, please feel free to send your child with a water bottle to keep in the classroom throughout the day.

• A copy of our Specialist Schedule (Art, PE, Music and Library) can be found on the back of your child’s Take Home Folder.  Please have your child wear or bring sneakers on PE days.

• Our Parent Seminar is scheduled for September 19th from 7:00-7:45pm in our classroom, Room 305.

Once again, welcome to Kindergarten! I am so excited to embark on a wonderful year of learning and exploring with your child and cannot wait to work alongside you on this adventure!

Sincerely,

Kathleen Gouzie