Kindergarten

Parent Handbook

Hale Kula Elementary

School Year 2015 2016

Dear Parents,
Welcome to Kindergarten! Were looking forward to working with you
so that together we can help your child have a successful first year
experience.
Kindergarten is one of the most crucial years in your childs life. This is
where we build a strong foundation for your childs education, which will
greatly affect his/her schooling for years to come. Together, if we work as
a team, we can provide this foundation for your child. We strongly encourage
you to become involved in your childs education at home, as well as at school.
Please read the following information carefully. It should provide
answers to common questions or concerns, and will reduce beginning of the
year confusion. You may refer to the handbook throughout the year to help
answer any questions you have. If you have any questions or concerns that
the handbook does not address, please feel free to send a note to your
childs teacher.
We look forward to a wonderful year as we watch your child learn and
grow. Together, we can make your childs first year of school successful!
Sincerely,
Kindergarten Teachers

Important School Info:

Names & Numbers
School Address:

Hale Kula Elementary School

Waianae & Ayers Ave.
Wahiawa, HI 96786

School Office Phone #:

(808) 305-3400

Administration Office
Principal:
Vice Principal:
Vice Principal:
Special Services Coordinator:
Counselor:
PSAP Aide:
Health Aide:

Mrs. Jan Iwase

Mrs. Agnes Leinau
Mrs. Yuuko Arakawa
Mrs. Teri Taguba
Ms. Jenny Dyer
Mrs. Debbie Oliveros
Mrs. Janet Arneson

Resource Teachers
Librarian:
Librarian Assistant:
P.E. Teacher:
Tech. Coordinator:
Media Resource Coordinator:

Mrs. Michelle Colte

Mrs. Leah Stone
Mr. Ted Enoki
Mrs. Megan Cummings
Mrs. Rachel Armstrong

Kindergarten Teachers
Mrs. Michelle Lau (G-1)
Mrs. Jaymie Destura (G-2)
Mrs. Dina Lee (G-3)
Mrs. Beth Araki (I-1)
Ms. Yuri Goto (I-2)

Mrs. Vera Yamanaka (I-3)

Ms. Angela Huntemer (I-4)
Mrs. Nicole Sinnott (I-4)
Mrs. Jerilynn Schaefer (J-3)
Mrs. Chelsea Villar (J-3)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PTO President:
PCNC:

(Elections Pending)
Mrs. Ellen Petry

2015-2016 Kindergarten Bell Schedule

Hale Kula Elementary School
School Hours:
7:55 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. (M, T, H, F)
7:55 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. (W)

M, T, H, F

7:55-8:00

Check-in

7:55-8:00

Check-in

8:00-9:15

Language Arts

8:00-9:15

Language Arts

9:15-9:30

Recess

9:15 9:30

Recess

9:30-10:30

Language Arts

9:30-10:30

Language Arts

10:30-11:00

Lunch

10:30-11:00

Lunch

11:00 12:20

Math

11:00 12:15

Math

12:15-12:30

Recess

12:15-1:00

Instruction

12:30-2:00

Instruction

1:00 1:10

Community Circle

2:00 2:10

Community Circle

Instruction includes interdisciplinary units, music, physical education,

technology, library, Hawaiian Studies, art, character education, and
other learning activities.

Special Kindergarten Activities & Field Trip Dates

Quarter 1 (July 29th October 2nd)

K Screening: Aug. July 29 - 3

Mandatory K Parent Orientation: Aug. 4th
Group A (Half class): Aug. 5th, 7th
Group B (Half class): Aug. 6th, 10th
First Day of full class: Aug. 11th
Walking Field Trip Evacuation Practice (TBA)
Field Trip to HTY Anime Alice: Sept. 23rd

Quarter 2 (October 14th December 17th)

Field Trip to Kapolei Fire Station & Pumpkin Patch (TBA)
Halloween Parade: Oct. 30th
Gingerbread House Parent/Child Activity: Dec. 4th

Quarter 3 (January 7th March 15th)

Field trip to Honolulu Zoo: (TBA)
100th Day Celebration: Feb. 11th

Quarter 4 (March 29th May 26th)

Field Trip to HTY: (TBA)
Field Trip to Polynesian Cultural Center: (TBA)

Field trip dates are tentative till we receive confirmation from each venue.
As soon as each field trip is finalized, your teacher will inform you of the
field trip date.

Kindergarten Philosophy
We believe in the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
education of the child. It is our goal for students to
develop a love for school and an enthusiasm for learning as
they:
Learn:
- through thematic units.
- using a multisensory approach.
- using a variety of media.
- to appreciate literature.
- by acquiring reading, writing, and computation
concepts and skills.
- an awareness of the world around us.
Develop:
- a positive, nurturing self-concept.
- self discipline.
- mutual respect for peers and adults.
- independence.
- responsibility.
- curiosity and creativity.
- complex thinking.

Kindergarten Homework Policy

We encourage parents to read to their child daily.
Homework activities are directly correlated to the
units studied in class.
Homework may also be given for extra practice or
review of the alphabet letters or numerals. Time
spent on these types of homework should not exceed
20 minutes.
Parents are encouraged to assist their child on all
assignments. The process of completion is as
important as the final product. Emphasis should be on
the development of neatness and completeness of
assignments.

Kindergarten Curriculum
Social/Emotional Development
I can:

1. socially interact with respect for peers and adults.

2. show self discipline and independence in learning.
3. use conflict resolutions and problem solving skills.

Reading
1. Phonological Awareness
I can:
a. hear and name beginning, middle, and ending sounds.
b. listen to and decode (CVC) words.
c. listen to (CVC) sounds and make a word.
d. listen and recognize rhyming words.
e. count, pronounce, blend, and segment syllables.
2. Phonics
I can:
1. name lower/upper case alphabet letters and say their primary sounds.
b. say the long and short sounds for the 5 major vowels.
c. blend and decode (CVC) words.
3. Reading Activities
I can:
a. recognize my first legal name
b. show the concepts of print.
c. make predictions.
d. read in a group. (group reading)
e. read by myself. (independent reading)
f. read emergent-reader texts with understanding.
g. retell a story using beginning, middle, and end.
(retelling and sequencing)
h. answer questions about the story; name characters and
setting in a story. (comprehension)

Vocabulary
I can:
1. identify and apply new meanings for familiar words.
2. sort common objects into categories (shapes, food).
3. identify common verbs and adjectives and their opposites (run-walk, hotcold).
4. read common sight words.
Writing and Grammar
I can:
1. write my opinion about a topic or book.
2. write information/facts about a topic.
3. write a sequence of events in order.
4. write a phonetic sentence.
5. make changes and add details to my writing.
6. participate in shared research and writing projects.
7. recognize and name end punctuation.
8. capitalize the first word of a sentence and the pronoun I.
9. use sentence concepts when I write (nouns, verbs, adjectives).
10. spell simple words phonetically.
Handwriting
I can write:
1. my legal name.
2. the numbers 0-20.
3. the lower and upper case alphabet letters.
Oral Communication
I can:
1. follow agreed upon rules for small and large group discussions.
2. ask and respond appropriately to basic questions.
3. speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly when
presenting.
4. listen and follow directions.
5. listen for information.
6. listen to the speaker and use eye contact.

Math
I can:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

count to 100 by ones and tens.

recognize and write numbers 0-20.
compare and count objects to 20.
use a variety of strategies to add and subtract to 10.
solve addition and subtraction word problems.
fluently add and subtract to 5.
break down numbers 11-19 using place value.
describe attributes of an object (length, weight, capacity, area, and
volume).
9. compare two objects by their attributes (taller, shorter).
10. use position words to describe an objects location.
11. compare 2D and 3D shapes.
Social Studies
I can:
1. learn how to build friendships.
2. identify and explain the reasons for rules in different locations.
(classroom, school, community)
3. identify right and wrong choices and their consequences.
4. learn about community helpers.
5. recognize different cultural, patriotic, and seasonal
holidays/celebrations.
6. recognize how people from different countries celebrate
differently from me.
7. recognize land, air, and water on a map.
8. explain change using calendars and simple timelines.
9. explain peoples basic needs and how they fulfill them.

Science
I can:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

name the 5 senses.

make observations and ask questions about the world around me.
learn how living and non-living things are the same and different.
classify objects by their properties (wood, plastic).
compare plants and animals.
learn how babies animals are almost the same as their parents.
understand the changes in weather and seasons throughout the
year.
8. name celestial objects in the day/night sky.

Physical Education and Health

I can:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

learn about personal space.

develop loco-motor skills.
learn how to throw, catch, and kick. (skills)
participate in physical fitness activities.
keep my body healthy and clean. (personal hygiene)
learn about safety. (school, home, community)

Technology
I can:

1.
2.
3.
4.

name the parts of the computer.

operate computer programs. (applications)
use the computer to learn about other subjects. (integration)
can create a project using technology. (communication)

Art
I can:
1. communicate my thoughts and feelings through drawing and
painting.
2. use art tools safely. (scissors, paint brush, markers)
3. recognize and use line, shape, space, and color in my artwork.
4. show appreciation and respect for all kinds of art.
Music
I can:

1.
2.
3.
4.

show confidence singing a variety of songs.

learn about rhythm and melody.
show the concept of pitch by singing on, high, and low.
listen and identify the sounds of instruments, voices, and other
sounds.

Kindergarten Interdisciplinary Units (IDUs) for the Year

Quarter 1:
All About Me
Rules and Responsibilities
Five Senses
Weather and Seasons (Quarters 1-4)
Quarter 2:
Living and Non-Living
Community Helpers
Buyers and Sellers
Quarter 3:
Plants and Animals
Celestial Objects
Quarter 4:
Our Universe
Children Around the World

Resource Schedules
Your childs teacher will notify you of resource dates and
times.
Library:
Return your childs book at 8:00 am on the day before your
library day or your child will not be able to borrow a new
book.
Your child may not borrow a book without their school ID
card.
Have a special place for your library book at home.
Please review book care with your child.

Physical Education:

Have your child wear athletic shoes and comfortable cool

clothes.
Put sunscreen on your child before they come to school.
Bring a water bottle.

Computer:

Your child needs headphones to ensure a quiet learning

environment in the lab.
Please review computer etiquette with your child at home.
Drama:
Have your child wear comfortable clothes to move around in.
Bring a water bottle.

Drop-Off Procedures
School begins at 7:55 am.
Unsupervised students arriving before 7:45 am are to wait by
the cafeteria until the bell rings.
Prior to this is preparation time for teachers and there is no
supervision.
Students are not allowed to wander around the school and are
not permitted to play on the playground before and after
school without supervision.
At 7:45 am the 1st bell will ring. Parents must leave the
classroom before 7:55 am so class can begin on time.
At 7:55 am the tardy bell will ring.

Pick Up Procedures
School ends at 2:10 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Fridays.
School ends at 1:10 pm on Wednesdays.
When you come to pick up your child, wait in the hallways or on
the side of the building.
Do NOT stand in the doorway because it becomes a distraction
to the students and they need to listen and participate in the
end of the day discussion.
If you are late to pick up your child, you may find them in the
front office.
Please remember we are to abide by military base laws
regarding age-limit pick ups. Ten year olds may walk home
alone. Twelve year olds may pick up younger siblings and walk
them home from school.

Absences
Please call the office to notify us of your childs absence
due to illness or any other reason or send a written
explanation for the absence when your child returns to
school.
A child is considered absent if they are not in school for
half the day.
After 4 absences you (the parent) will be contacted.
Tardies
Students arriving after the 7:55 am bell are considered
tardy. If a child is late, please have him/her report to the
office.
Attendance/Tardy System:
3 tardies-teacher contacts parent.
5 tardies-teacher sends home absent/tardy
report to be signed and returned by parent.
7 tardies-counselor contacts parent.
10 tardies-administration contacts parent.
Early Release
Notify your childs teacher in the morning so they can
prepare for early dismissal.
At pick up time, report to the office and fill out an early
release form.
Keep the Student Pass with you in the event that you get
stopped by the police for truancy.
The office will call to inform your childs teacher that you
will be walking down to the classroom.

Health Room
Keep your phone numbers updated with the Health
Aide so she may contact you in case of an emergency.
If your child has an accident and borrows clothes
from the health room, please return them washed.
Please make sure your childs shot records are
current and all paperwork is turned in to the Health
Aide on time.

Change of Clothes
Each student must have an extra set of clothes at
school to be placed in their cubbies.
Clothes that are sent home to be washed must be
replaced.
Please place clothes in a Ziploc bag labeled with
your childs name.

School ID/Lunch Card

This card is used for lunch and library.
It costs $5.00 to replace a lost or damaged card.
Lunch is $2.50 and breakfast is $1.10.
Reduced lunch is $0.40 and breakfast is $0.30.
If you would like to come and eat lunch with your
child, adult lunch is $5.50.
When you put money in your childs lunch account it is
not available until the next day.
If your child brings home lunch and would like milk, it
is $0.60. Your child may bring change or charge the
lunch card unless the account is in the negative.
Free or reduced lunch is also available through
application.




Kindergarten Field Trip Policy


Kindergarten field trips are planned to enhance and reinforce our curriculum. We
generally take two parent chaperones unless the visitation site requirements state that a
certain adult-student ratio is necessary for the safety and well being of our students.


Parents who are interested in volunteering for field trips will need to attend the
chaperone training class. We try to give everyone who is trained an opportunity to
accompany the class at least once. Please be aware that parent chaperones may be
asked to pay for their own admittance or program fees on field trips.

Field Trip Procedures:
Both parent/guardian signed permission form and payment is to be given to your
childs teacher at 8:00 in the morning on the due date. Please honor this
procedure to ensure fairness to all.
The exception to the rule is the new incoming students who missed the due date
for the upcoming field trip.
Cash ONLY is acceptedno personal checks.
Please put the permission form and money in an envelope or Zip-loc bag. Label it
with your childs name and the title Field Trip Money.

Chaperone Rights and Responsibilities:
Please check the area on the field trip form if you would like to chaperone on the
field trip. This doesnt guarantee you a spot. Your childs teacher will contact you.
Chaperones need to ride the school bus to and from the field trip. If you want to
take your car, you are not allowed to chaperone.
Chaperones are not allowed to buy food on the field trippack a lunch.
Please take initiative to help manage the students on the field trip.
If you have questions, dont be afraid to ask!
We would appreciate 24 hour notice if you are unable to go on the field trip.


Parents who are not selected to accompany the class for a particular trip are
encouraged to plan a family visit at a later date. Revisits are wonderful opportunities for
children to share their knowledge with their families.

Volunteers and Visitors

Please remember we are a school community that needs to
work together to ensure safety on campus. We would
appreciate if you would follow the procedures below:
-All adults must sign in at the office and obtain a badge.
-Schedule visitations and meetings with your childs
teacher when you have concerns.
-If you do not get a response to a written note, please call
and leave a message.
We would love to have parent volunteers help with various
activities: field trips, parties, art, etc. A sign-up sheet is
forthcoming once the students are accustomed to our daily
classroom routines.
Celebrations
There will be various classroom celebrations throughout the
school year and there will be a sign up sheet as it
approaches.
You are more than welcome to bring healthy snacks, goodie
bags, etc. for your childs birthday. However, please check
with your childs teacher regarding food allergies in the
class.
Let the teacher know 2 days in advance when you would like
to bring in treats for your childs birthday.
Please NO sheet cakes as it is time consuming to cut and
distribute.
If you choose to pass out birthday invitations at school,
please make sure you have one for every child in class.

Report Card
Report card will be sent home at the end of each
quarter.
Please review and keep the report card.
Sign and return the envelope as soon as possible.
Kindergarten has a new/different report card from
the other grade levels.
See attached copy.

Graduation Policy
Here at Hale Kula, we do not have Kindergarten graduation.
We understand your children will grow leaps and bounds and
Kindergarten is a huge milestone for them. We feel it is
inappropriate to have a formal graduation when students are
staying at the same school and going down the hallway to
first grade. It can also be emotionally hard on students who
will be continuing on in Kindergarten and not going on to first
grade with their friends.
In Kindergarten, we will have end of the year activities
planned. Please talk to your childs teacher about what they
will have in mind. If you are very interested in the end of
the year activities, you might want to volunteer your
services.
Thank you for being understanding and supportive of our
decision.
-The Kindergarten Teachers