•         Welcome to Kindergarten Room 121!

                                      Feel free to contact me at: alison.vandeberg@dvusd.org and 623.376.5038
                                                      *Please visit our kindergarten website for more information

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    Daily Schedule:

    8:45 - School Begins

    9:00 - 11:30 - Math and Reading Block

    11:30 - 12:15 -  Lunch/Recess

    12:15 - 1:15 - Writing Block

    1:15 - 2:00 - Specials

    2:00 - 2:45 - Social Studies/Science

    2:45 - 3:30 - Flex

    3:30 - Dismissal

     

    Specials Schedule:

    Monday- PE

    Tuesday - PE

    Wednesday - Art

    Thursday - Music

    Friday - PE

     

    Library 12:30pm Wednesdays!

     

    I am looking forward to a fun-filled learning experience and hope you and your child are as well. You will be amazed at just how much your child will grow this year. Most likely, your child has had the seeds of reading and writing planted, and in Kindergarten, those seeds will grow and blossom, making your child an accomplished reader and writer! You will see changes in your child's thinking as he/she becomes familiar with abstract concepts and symbols.

    I believe education is a very critical part of success in life. Along with that, I believe that all children can learn and succeed. With the right support and tools, I plan to help your child not only master this year's content, but be highly prepared for next year. In order for this to happen, I encourage you to be as involved as you would like to be this year. Parents are a child’s first educator and I believe if we work together it will help your child to strive for success. You can expect open communication and understanding from me. I will also be willing to assist you and your child with any education concern or conflict you may have. 

    I feel my students need an environment that is organized, stimulating, and comfortable in order for them to learn effectively. To create such an environment I have arranged a practical physical layout to encourage a sense of belonging and ownership within the students. Your child will sit in classroom tables. He/she will be required to work well in a group. I support the fact that students need constant peer interaction and socialization. Peers become a support system.  We are required, as adults, to work with our co-workers and children should learn to work well in teams.

    In my classroom your child will become a part of the classroom community. As a family we will work together. When problems arise, students are expected to work through their issues with kindness and respect for one another. Based on Gardner’s Quality classroom, we will follow The 7 Caring Habits: Supporting, Encouraging, Listening, Accepting, Trusting, Respecting, and Negotiating Differences. In my classroom I will give out a lot of intrinsic rewards such as positive reinforcements, compliments and freedom of choice.

    With our strong management plan, the students will be involved in creating the classroom rules and maintaining our positive, happy classroom climate as a team. I feel Kindergarten is a “growing year”, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun in the process. To create the fun environment students must respect one another and show kindness and caring.

    I am very excited and looking forward to a great school year with your child. Feel free to contact me any time with questions or concerns.

    Sincerely,
    Ms. Alison VandeBerg

    alison.vandeberg@dvusd.org

     

    Food Policy:

    Due to the increased numbers of students with severe allergies to various food and nut products and health conditions such as diabetes, West Wing School has instituted a new policy regarding student Birthdays and Parties. While parents will still be able to share small bags and non-edible “treats” such as pencils, erasers, note pads, rulers, etc., there will no longer be any edible treats or food items of any kind permitted to be consumed or opened in the classroom except as planned and executed by teachers and room parents.  Teachers can plan a menu and purchase items for class parties with knowledge of food allergies.

    In the past, we as parents looked forward to celebrating the birthdays of our children by bringing cakes or doughnuts to share with classmates, but unfortunately those types of celebrations will have to take place at home. Even a brief exposure to some of these allergens could render a susceptible child unable to breathe in minutes.  We value the health and well being of all WW students and will do everything in our power to safeguard your children.  That is the reason for instituting this policy and we appreciate your support and understanding.