In K-1...
"We are a box of crayons, each one of us unique, but when we are together our picture is complete!"

Remind 101 is a one-way messaging system that allows the teacher of your child's class to send reminders about K-1 in the form of text messages! It is imperative that you sign up as soon as possible! It's easy...
Just text @37kakd2 to 81010.
*Please note that you will not be able to reply through this messaging system.
Kindly message the teacher through a written note in your child's folder, email, or you may call the main office. 

My name is Mrs. Dyane Dowd. I am eager to begin my 14th year of teaching at Notre Dame School, and my 16th year of teaching experience. I graduated from Dowling College with a degree in Elementary Education (Grades Birth-6) and received a master's degree in the area of Literacy. I also have certifications in the areas of Student's with Disabilities and Early Childhood.  By working together as a team, we will ensure your child’s success inside and outside of the classroom! 

Be sure to view the K-1 Google Classroom to view current assignments/resources and a slide presentation all about Kindergarten and what to expect throughout this school year! More information about how to access the Google Classroom will be provided at our Meet the Teacher Orientation. 
Please contact me at [email protected] if you ever need.

ALL ABOUT K-1:
My classroom has a very structured daily routine, which all children benefit from. Our morning routine consists of un-packing independently, attendance, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, singing God Bless America and other patriotic songs, Calendar activities, morning message/problem solving activity, and counting/skip-counting to 100. The children will drill the Fundations “ABC Chant Chart” and complete letter work to build their awareness of the alphabet. Through fun and engaging activities, the children will learn Phonics, Reading, Poetry, Handwriting, Mathematics, Religion, Science, and Social Studies. The children will enjoy leaving the classroom for their special subjects which include library, technology, physical education, music, and art. The children will go to the cafe for lunch from 11:30-12:20pm. Each day they will enjoy Center Time and Stations, where they will learn through play and work in small groups. I align my teaching practices with the theory of the Multiple Intelligences so I provide a variety of opportunities for students to showcase their strengths through whole group, small group, partner work, and independent work activities. The children will learn to pack-up independently this school year, and all will dismiss promptly at 2:30pm. 

The location for Kindergarten dismissal (parent/guardian pick-up) is the North Gate.  During dismissal YOU ARE allowed to step inside the gate. We ask that you congregate with the other K-1 parents, near K-1’s line, in order to make dismissal run smoothly. 

If you will be having someone that is not a parent pick up your child, they will need to show identification. You must submit a copy of their license before they pick up your child. If there is no ID on file, they will not be dismissed with the rest of the children. Please be sure to provide the copy of the license AND permission for dismissal in advance in order to avoid confusion.

If your child is leaving on a bus, they will dismiss accordingly. 
If you plan on having your child attend after-care you must provide the necessary paperwork, registration fee, and a printed/written copy of your dismissal plan in advance. If you are running late for picking up due to an unexpected delay or emergency, please do not worry or rush! Your child will be sent to aftercare to wait for you and the Main office will call you/leave a message. We all want you to remain safe when traveling. *If your child is sent to aftercare and you are not signed up, you will be charged an additional fee for the service. If you have any questions/concerns regarding this you may find more information in the Parent Handbook.

Information regarding holiday/birthday celebrations...
Due to certain allerigies/dietary restrictions/preferences, we opt not to celebrate with food during any holiday/birthday celebrations. Instead, we are allowed to give small goodie-bags or wrapped treats to be sent home. Children are not to eat candy in school, and if we do celebrate with food (for example Thanksgiving-cornbread) we have to ask for parental consent through a "permission slip" or stating "if you prefer that your child not participate, kindly write a note ASAP". All special treats/holiday treats/goodie bags will be sent home unopened. 

**It is important to start and end the day on time. Kindergarten starts at 8:07am, and ends at 2:30pm. Kindly do your best to be prompt for drop-off as well as pick-up. 
*Please note that this year it is posted on street signs for the roads surrounding Notre Dame's "school zone". Be kind, courteous, and safe when you are driving slowly on the roads near our school. Although we prefer you arrive in a timely manner, there is never need to rush. If you are running late, kindly park and walk your child to the front doors. Do not block driveways, or enter any driveways leading to the school yards. *Please do not bring any pets with you when dropping off/picking up your child as there are teachers/students with allergies to consider.

Additional Important Information:

1. If you are a parent of a child with allergies (mild-severe) please let me know as soon as possible. If your child develops an allergy at any point in the school year, kindly let us know immediately and how it is treated. If your child requires an epi-pen as treatment for a potential allergic reaction, you MUST supply one for our school nurse. Any epi-pens will be labeled with the child's name and stored safely in the nurse's office.
2. Kindly remember to label EVERYTHING with your child’s name, especially all pieces of the school uniforms, jackets, lunches, snacks/drinks, backpacks, etc. 
3. Should you ever need to send in money to the school, please have it in a sealed envelope labeled with your child’s name, K-1, and the reason for the money. Please be sure to give EXACT change.
4. If you send in Milk Money (or any other money) please put it inside your child’s FOLDER. Please do not put any loose money inside their backpack or lunchbox as it will not be seen.
5. Should you plan to pick your child up from school early, kindly write a note and place inside the folder or call the main office. If a written note is received, there will be no confusion for any party involved. If your child is picked up by a person other than a parent, documented photo-ID is mandatory for the teacher and the office. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
6. If you have a change in schedule for any reason, and you need to change the dismissal procedure for your child mid-day, kindly call the office first as well as writing an email. Although every teacher tries to check emails often, there may be unforseen circumstances that disable the teacher from checking the email mid-day. Your child's safety and well-being is always our main priority.

If you are curious about the NY State Standards, you may peruse them at:
http://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-p-12-learning-standards.