We are the SMART COOKIES in K-1, baking up recipes for success!

Remind 101 is a one-way messaging system that allows the teacher of your child's class to send you 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 @k12122 to 81010.
*Please note that you will not be able to reply through this messaging system.
Kindly contact the teacher through a note in your child's folder or email. 

My name is Mrs. Dyane Dowd. I am eager to begin my 12th year of teaching at Notre Dame School, and my 14th 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! 

On this webpage, you will find important information and great resources. 
I am looking forward to helping your child grow in wonderful ways this upcoming school year! Kindly visit the K-1 Google Classroom to view a slide presentation all about Kindergarten and what to expect this school year!
Please contact me at ddowd7211@ndsnet.org if you ever need.

ALL ABOUT K-1:
My classroom has a very structured daily routine, which all children will 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 sing the “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, gym, music, and art. The children go to Lunch from 11:30-12:20pm. Each day they will enjoy Center Time, where they will learn through play and work in small groups. The children will learn to pack-up independently and 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 give me 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/permission 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 inform me of your plans in advance. Kindly provide a schedule in advance for your child's dismissal.  

Information regarding holiday/birthday celebrations...
Due to certain 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". Most special treats will be sent home.

**It is important to start and end the day on time. Kindergarten starts at 8:00am, and ends at 2:30pm, so please 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. 

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. 
2. Kindly remember to label EVERYTHING with your child’s name, especially uniforms, jackets, lunches, snacks/drinks, backpacks, etc. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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-common-core-learning-standards. 

If you have any questions, please contact me at ddowd7211@ndsnet.org
I am always happy to help you!