Dear Dual Language Immersion Families,
Welcome to the Kindergarten Dual Language Program page! This summer, we have been hard at work preparing curriculum, collaborating with representatives from the University of Notre Dame, and getting our Kindergarten DLI classroom ready for an exciting year of learning and growth. We are thrilled to partner with you and support our students as they begin their dual language journey.
Every student will be learning grade-level standards or higher. We will continually strive to create a safe and engaging environment where learning in two languages is both exciting and rewarding. Students will have the opportunity to refine their motor skills and deepen their understanding of academic concepts in both Spanish and English. Additionally, each child will receive meaningful instruction while building self-confidence and faith-filled learning in a Catholic, values-based setting.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education! We deeply value your partnership and support, and we’re excited to work together with you and your child.
Arrival:
Please drop off children at Door #1, where the teacher or assistant will greet them between 7:50 and 8:00 am. If you arrive late, use the main Apple Door, Door #2.
Dismissal:
Please inform the teacher about who is authorized to pick up your child and complete the pickup information form in the main office. Any changes to pick-up arrangements must be communicated to the teacher each time.
Backpacks:
Please make sure your child’s backpack is large enough to fit a 9 x 12 folder and a lunch box. Also, don’t forget to label the backpack with your child’s name.
Folders:
Please send one two-pocket folder with your child on the first day of school. This folder will be used for home-school communication and for sending home your child’s work. Be sure to check this folder every night.
Change of Clothing:
Place a complete set of clothing (including a shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes) in a labeled Ziploc bag, and keep it in your child’s backpack.
Clothing:
Dress your child in comfortable, easy-to-clean clothes. Pants with an elastic waistband are ideal.
Shoes:
Gym shoes are required for all children, even on non-gym days, as recess will occur daily.
Snack:
Please send a water bottle and a healthy snack daily. Suggestions include cheese sticks, fruit, or granola bars.
Rest Time Expectations:
Each child should rest quietly in their designated area. We encourage you to explain the importance of staying quiet, not talking, and remaining in their designated space.
Hot Lunch:
If you choose to order hot lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday, please note that ordering information will be sent home shortly, and all orders must be placed online. Make sure your child will eat the items you select.
Aftercare:
Please email attendance@stcletusparish.com and CC your child’s teacher if your child will be attending aftercare. Make sure to do this before 2:00 pm.
Absences:
Please email attendance@stcletusparish.com and, if possible, copy your child’s teacher on the message.
Communication:
Email is preferred for communication. Dismissal is not the best time for discussions. Be sure to review any information or paperwork sent home each Wednesday, and check the newsletter on the Kindergarten DLI classroom webpage every Friday by 3:00 pm.
Curriculum:
-Reading: ¡Arriba la Lectura!is a comprehensive, K-6, Language Arts program with rich content and resources that support your instructional goals. Resources are available to help get you started teaching and using ¡Arriba la Lectura! on HMH Ed. See the remainder of this article for valuable getting started tutorials, videos, guides, and more. Estrellita helps bridge the gap from non-reader to reader in a short period of time relative to grade level. In first grade and above, Estrellita accelerates children through the decoding process in 6-8 weeks. Kindergarten children read within four to nine months.
-Mathematics: Into Math! develops a deeper understanding of math as well as powerful, life-long habits of mind such as perseverance and creative thinking. ¡Arriba las Matematicas! is a comprehensive, K-8 Spanish-language mathematics curriculum. It is designed specifically for immersion and dual-language education settings and is the Spanish equivalent of the HMH Into Math program.
-Phonics and Language Arts: Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, helps educators take their early literacy instruction to the next level, building their own professional knowledge and empowering students to learn in new and exciting ways.
-Religion: Creemos! is a Catholic early childhood religion curriculum for ages 3 through kindergarten. This curriculum uses techniques that speak best to young children using hands-on, active learning and multisensory approaches.
-Science/Social Studies: Teacher created lessons
Specials classes for DLI students will be in English.
