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Dear Parent,

We are delighted to welcome you and your child to St. Mary School. That first day at school will be one that you and your child will always remember. It is the first step of a joyous adventure into a world filled with exciting and interesting things to do and learn.

Now you and the school are partners jointly dedicated in helping your child grow into a healthy, happy, and fully aware person.

Thank you for your cooperation and your support!

Sincerely,

Mr. Gary Campione

Principal

St. Mary School Early Childhood Program

Philosophy of Education

St. Mary School, a Catholic education community, is an integral part of St. Mary Parish Community embracing the values and traditions of the Catholic faith.

St. Mary’s Early Childhood program strives to nurture young children in Christian love and to foster an awareness of being a child of God. We work to create a happy and positive environment for each child to explore and experience their surroundings in order to achieve a positive self-concept.

We believe that the teachers, in partnership with the parents, who are the primary educators, recognize the uniqueness of each child. We seek to provide an atmosphere where students develop a wholesome self-image so that they may reach their full potential.

GOALS

St. Mary’s will strive to:

Help children realize the special people they are through participation in activities centered around love for God and others. Teach the Sign of the Cross, daily meal prayers, and other simple prayers which are a part of the day.
Develop self-expression through language skills. Language skills include listening, speaking, pre-reading, and pre-writing.
Develop math concepts based on experiences.
Develop social skills through group interaction with emphasis on thoughtful, courteous behavior.
Develop find and gross motor skills.
Provide an opportunity to expand concepts and ideas about the world.
Develop independent problem solving skills.

THE DAY

Gathering time includes prayer, pledge, simple calendar activities and preview of the day

Center activities:

Dramatic play

Blocks

Quiet area - books and puzzles

Writing center

Manipulatives

Special projects

Music and story time to promote movement, creative expression, listening skills, language development

Large motor activity to promote physical development

Snack time to encourage socialization and good manners

Literacy: Our goal is to develop and enhance early literacy through reasoning and logical thinking. Children will learn that oral language can be written and written language can be read. They will learn that a group of letters can be arranged to make a word. Children will develop an appreciation and enjoyment of literature.

Snacks: Your child will be asked, on a rotating basis, to bring a simple treat to share with the class. You will be notified in advance when it is your child's turn. Milk may be ordered or you may provide a juice box. Soda is not permitted.

Birthday Treats Birthdays will be celebrated at school. Your child may bring a simple treat to share with classmates.

Parent Communication A weekly bulletin will keep parents informed of classroom activities. A monthly newsletter from the principal will be sent home with updated school information.

Clothing: Uniforms will not be worn by preschool children. Children should bring a complete set of clothing including underwear and socks in their backpack each day. No sandals! Shoes and socks must be worn at all times, except for special days.

SUPPLY LIST FOR PRESCHOOL:

These supplies are necessary for the first day of school:

Paint smock with name clearly printed on it. (Mom or Dad's t-shirt makes a good paint smock).

School bag large enough to hold art projects and an extra set of clothes.

Roll of paper towels.

Box of Kleenex

Container of baby wipes

Please do not send crayons, pencils, scissors, glue sticks and erasers. These will be supplied to the children through the materials fee.

CLEARLY PRINT YOUR CHILD'S NAME ON THE SUPPLIES AS WELL AS CLOTHING.

Parents provide valuable experiences and learning opportunities which prepare their child for school. Familiarity with some of the skills listed below will give your child a good start.

Personal Information:

Full name, first and last
Address, including city or town and state
Phone number

Self Help Skills:

Dressing self
Buttoning, snapping, zipping clothing
Totally caring for toilet need
Taking care of personal items
Proper use of eating utensils

Social Skills:

Greeting others in an appropriate manner
Using "please" and "thank you"
Listening to others
Sharing and taking turns willingly
Playing appropriately with another

Speech:

Using language to express feelings, ideas, wishes and fears
Learning songs and poems from memory
Being listened to when speaking

Large Muscle development through various activities:

Running
Jumping
Climbing
Throwing and catching

Morning Drop Off

Children are to be dropped off at the main door. Please make sure you park by the new church if you plan to walk your child to the door.

Cars must use the Buffalo Grove Road entrance and exit onto church Road. Children will be dismissed at the main door.

Report Absence: If your child will be absent from school, a call must be made to the school office in the morning.

Vacation: Please notify the teacher prior to vacation. Important mail and communication will be saved for your return.

Conferences: Parent/Teacher conferences are held in November and February. Progress in various developmental areas will be assessed and discussed. If you wish to meet with the teacher at any other time, please contact the teacher for an appointment.

Medical Records: Each incoming student is required to have a completed medical exam on file prior to the first day of school. These are to be mailed to the school during the summer.

PRESCHOOL MILK PROGRAM

Milk will be available to the children. 1% white milk will be served. On Friday, chocolate milk is available. All milk is ordered through the Archdiocesan School Lunch Program. If your child prefers, he/she may bring juice daily.

The orders for milk will be taken by semester. Because this will be a blanket fee, there will be no refunds if your child is absent. Once the milk count is given, orders cannot be canceled for any individual.

Please attach check made payable to St. Mary’s and mail to:

St. Mary School Lunch Program

50 North Buffalo Grove Road

Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089