Welcome!

We are very happy to have you as new and returning families. Our Head Start, GA. Pre-K, and Special Needs programs will help your child learn important skills needed for a successful kindergarten transition. Mrs. Donna Adams Principal

LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF A PRINCIPAL

A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PRINCIPAL IS ABLE TO..
1 Make decisions based on the students needs first 2 Highly visible to parents and students as the schools representative 3 Approachable by staff and parents . 4 Communicate in a timely manner with all stakeholders 5 Be an active listener to staff, parents and students 6 Problem solve in all situations 7 Rally staff and parents to convey school pride 8 Foster good relationships with staff and community 9 Be a role model through character and integrity 10 Be accountable and dependable

GA. PRE-K/PARTNERSHIP/SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT CALENDAR

August 5, 2013 September 2, 2013 September 16 20 , 2013 November 5, 2013 November 25 -29, 2013 December 23- January 3 January 7, 2014 January 20, 2014 February 17 21, 2014 March 31-April 4, 2014 May 26, 2014 May 30, 2014

First Day of School for Ga. PreK/Sped. Students Labor Day Holiday - Center closed Fall Break - Center closed No Preschool Class Thanksgiving Holidays - Center closed Christmas Holidays - Center closed First Student Day after Christmas Break Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - Center closed Winter Break-Center Closed Spring Break-Center Closed Memorial Day-Center Closed Last Day of School for Ga. PreK/Sped Students

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE PLANS

See Center Handout

*car rider tags *No car pool line for arrival on first day. Students may be walked to their classroom. *Car pool will begin at departure time on the 1st day of school.

Center Drop-off Times

Head Start/Ga. PreK & AM Half Day Special Needs Students :

7:30-7:45

PM Half Day Special Needs Students: 10:45-11:00

Center Pick-up Times

Full Day/PM Half Day Special Needs Students: 1:45-2:00 Head Start/Ga. PreK Students: 2:00-2:15

School is a good experience to help your child become more self confident and independent.

Daily Absences
Please call or e-mail us when your child is going to be absent. We are required to contact you when your child is absent for 3 or more consecutive days. Excessive absences

could result in removal of your child from the program.

TARDIES
On time arrival is a school readiness skill.
If you have extenuating circumstances, please see administration to discuss

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
All medications must be brought to the center by a parent or guardian in their original container with prescription label. Parents are required to sign a medication approval form before the nurse can administer medication.

ILLNESS
school.

To insure the health of all children, if your child has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea, you MUST keep him/her home for 24 hours. Your child should be symptom free before returning to

Helpful Information
1. Please mark your childs name on all personal items. 2. Children MUST have two current emergency phone numbers on file. 3. Parents be contacted to pick their child up when school is dismissed early unless alternate transportation has been approved by the district. 4. Parents should follow the Cherokee County Preschool Calendar.

5. Children should wear comfortable, washable clothes that are suitable for outside play.

HELPFUL INFORMATION CONT.

7. Breakfast and lunch are provided

8. Parents may provide an alternate food for a child who is diagnosed with a food allergy.

9. All allergies MUST be documented by a physicians note.

10. A child who gets sick or runs a fever will need to be picked up immediately by the parent or guardian.

11.Children are NOT allowed to bring toys to school unless the teacher requests the items in a note, newsletter, etc.
12.All children must participate in outdoor activities.

13.Students should have a change of clothes in their bag each day in case of accidents. Change of clothing should be seasonally appropriate. 14. Students will not be released to anyone other than those listed by the parents on file.
15. Parents should keep staff informed of any changes of phone numbers, address, place of work, or baby sitters.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Teachers recognize each childs birthday We prefer that you celebrate the birthday outside of the school day Please contact your childs teacher if you want to provide a birthday snack or treat

Parent Communication
Parent Handbook will provide valuable information regarding center procedures. Teacher Newsletters- newsletters will be e-mailed or provided in paper format, if requested, to parents every other Thurs. and will focus on information regarding your childs upcoming activities. Center Newsletter-newsletters will be e-mailed, or provided in paper format if requested, to parents every 2 months and will focus on information regarding upcoming center activities. Web Site (www.cherokee.k12.ga.us)-The Preschool website will have information regarding the Preschool Centers and will be updated on a consistent basis.

7:30 A.M. 2:15 P.M.

7:30-7:45 ..Student Arrival 10:45-11:00 ........Mid Day Special Needs Student Arrival 7:45 12:00 Breakfast/ Classroom Activities

11:30 2:15 .Lunch/ Classroom Activities

1:45 - 2:00 Special Needs Student Dismissal 2:00-2:15 .Head Start/Ga. Pre-K Dismissal

Children are considered TARDY after 7:45 A.M.

Preschool Curriculum
My World and Me
Community Helpers Childrens Literature Transportation

Taking Care of Our World Senses

Birds

Nutrition

Animals / Animals Homes

Seasons

LENDING LIBRARY

RB/LR: Lending Library- parents may check out books for their child to take home and read/enjoy together.

LR: Students visit LRE media center 2 xs per month for story time.
OG: Students check out books from the OGE media center 2 xs per month after story time.

TEACHER CONFERENCES
Teacher Conferences are expected by the program and are very important to your childs educational success. Parents are expected to work with their childs teacher to participate in conferences throughout the year.

LENDING LIBRARY

RB/LR: Lending Library- parents may check out books for their child to take home and read/enjoy together.

LR: Students visit LRE media center 2 xs per month for story time.
OG: Students check out books from the OGE media center 2 xs per month after story time.

VOLUNTEERS ARE IMPORTANT

Complete Volunteer Coordinator Information Form

VOLUNTEER FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS Bulb Planting Lending Library Needs Community Partnerships Parent Information Sharing
(Coffee with the Principal, etc.)

Spirit Nights Festivals Special Projects (building/grounds beautification, Male

Involvement emphasis Jan.-March, etc.)

*Please complete volunteer information form

PARENT INFORMATION CALENDAR

TRAINING SESSION Orientation PROPOSED DATE RB: 8-1 LR: 8-2 OG: 8-2 WORKSHOP LEADER/AGENCY Mrs. Adams

Pedestrian Safety
Developmentally Appropriate Practices

See above RB- 9-4 OG: 9-5 LR: 9-6

Discipline/Positive Techniques in Guidance See above RB: 10-2 OG: 10-3 LR: 10-4 First Aid/Safety Practices at Home TBD Community Resources Selection of Foods/Safety in Food Preparation Financial Literacy Basic Nutrition/Developing Positive Eating Habits Financial Literacy Transitioning into the Next Educational Setting School Readiness Family Literacy Parent Suggested Topics:
1

Jo Morris Wanda Bruce/Patsy Rollins/Jennifer Fowler Wanda Bruce/Patsy Rollins/Jennifer Fowler

RB: 10-2 OG: 10-3 LR: 10-4 Health Dept. /Dentist RB- 2-5 OG: 2-6 Community Chefs LR: 2-7 RB- 11-5 OG: 11-6 LR: 11-7 Jovanka Morris See above See above RB- 11-5 OG: 11-6 LR: 11-7 Jovanka Morris RB-3-11 OG: 3-12 LR: 3-13 Local Principal / Mrs. Adams See above RB: 4-29 LR: 4-30 OG: 5-1 See above Local Principal / Mrs. Adams

2
3

Male Involvement Activities:

1 Donuts w/Dudes 2 Male hobbies/careers presentations 3 Make N Take w/Males

SCHOOL READINESS COUNCIL

Meet 4 times throughout the year, or as needed, and discuss needs of the center
Develop plan for assisting transitions to Kindergarten

DONATIONS

Please see the supply/wish list in your childs classroom for materials needed throughout the year.

DISLAYS
Heath Dept. Table Dentist Table Head Start Table Preschool T-shirt

Ga. Pre-K and Special Needs Parents Dismissed

HEAD START STUDENTS WILL BE IN THEIR CLASSROOMS AFTER THE MEETING

Head Start Program

Parent/Volunteer Handbook 2013-2014

HEAD START CALENDAR

August 5, 2013 September 2, 2013 September 16 20 , 2013 November 5, 2013 November 25-29, 2013 First Day of School for Students Labor Day Holiday-No Preschool Class Fall Break-No Preschool Class No Preschool Class Thanksgiving Holidays No Preschool Class

December 23- January Christmas Holidays No Preschool Class 3 January 6, 2014 January 20, 2014 First Student Day after Christmas Break

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday No Preschool Class

February 17 21, 2014 Winter Break-No Preschool Class March 30-April 3, 2014 May 16, 2014 Spring Break-No Preschool Class Last Day of School for Head Start Students

HEAD START FAMILY PARTNERS

What is a Family Partner? Family Partners are here to assist Head Start families with any needs that may arise throughout the year. Please call or e-mail them with any needs you might have. RB-Ludi Allen LR-Elizabeth Green

OG-Jo Morris

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Parents are expected to work with their Family Partner to develop a Family Partnership Agreement and will assist you with resources needed to successfully meet your goal.

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CONTD)

Family Partners will check with parents periodically to follow their progress on meeting their goal. These conferences are very important to your childs educational success. Your cooperation in working with your Family Partner and attending scheduled meetings is expected.

HEALTH & DENTAL CARE

Health and dental exams must be completed by deadlines. Parents cooperation in meeting these deadlines is expected. Family partners assist parents with these needs. Dental care is available at the Cumm Health Center for students who dont have a care plan. Transportatio provided.

HEADSTART POLICY COUNCIL

Policy Council Representative: Attend Policy Council Meetings at NDO in Gainesville approximately 4-6 times per year Report Policy Council activities to Administrator Council will elect Policy Council representative at orientation

CURRICULUM
Head Starts primary curriculum is the research based High Scope Model a developmentally appropriate, school readiness curriculum with scope and sequence appropriate for 3 and 4 year olds.

CURRICULUM (CONTD)
Other programs and materials supplement this curriculum as needed Parents are encouraged to participate in our curriculum by supplementing activities and learning experiences which would complement our monthly unit topics

r.

This program teaches children how to handle emotions, daily situations, and how to be considerate to others.

Volunteering
Parents and community members

are encouraged to
volunteer.
Part of our Head Start budget requires us to document volunteer time throughout the year. This process is called IN KIND. Please remember we depend on YOU to help us meet this program requirement.

HEAD START PARENT INFORMATION CALENDAR

TRAINING SESSION Orientation PROPOSED DATE RB: 8-1 LR: 8-2 OG: 8-2 WORKSHOP LEADER/AGENCY Mrs. Adams

Pedestrian Safety
Developmentally Appropriate Practices

See above RB- 9-4 OG: 9-5 LR: 9-6

Discipline/Positive Techniques in Guidance See above RB: 10-2 OG: 10-3 LR: 10-4 First Aid/Safety Practices at Home TBD Community Resources Selection of Foods/Safety in Food Preparation Financial Literacy Basic Nutrition/Developing Positive Eating Habits Financial Literacy Transitioning into the Next Educational Setting School Readiness Family Literacy Parent Suggested Topics:
1

Jo Morris Wanda Bruce/Patsy Rollins/Jennifer Fowler Wanda Bruce/Patsy Rollins/Jennifer Fowler

RB: 10-2 OG: 10-3 LR: 10-4 Health Dept. /Dentist RB- 2-5 OG: 2-6 Community Chefs LR: 2-7 RB- 11-5 OG: 11-6 LR: 11-7 Jovanka Morris See above See above RB- 11-5 OG: 11-6 LR: 11-7 Jovanka Morris RB-3-11 OG: 3-12 LR: 3-13 Local Principal / Mrs. Adams See above RB: 4-29 LR: 4-30 OG: 5-1 See above Local Principal / Mrs. Adams

2
3

Male Involvement Activities:

1 Donuts w/Dudes 2 Male hobbies/careers presentations 3 Make N Take w/Males

APPROVAL OF HEAD START PARENT MEETING/TRAINING CALENDAR

Motion to approve the Calendar Second Show of Hands

*Head Start students will be in their classrooms after the meeting