Welcome to Kindergarten!

Hi families,

Welcome — I am so glad your child is in our class this year. 🌻 If you are feeling a little teary about this big first step, you are in excellent company (I cried in the parking lot on my own first day of teaching). Your child is going to be cared for, known by name, and cheered on every single day.

This little newsletter will land in your inbox most Fridays. It's a quick read — about 90 seconds — and it's how I'll share what we learned, what's coming up, and the one or two things I need from you. Read it on your phone in the pickup line; that's exactly what it's for.

I'm Ms. Anand, and this is my ninth year teaching kindergarten — all of them right here in the Sunflower Room. I believe five-year-olds learn best when they feel safe, when they get to move and giggle, and when someone is genuinely delighted to see them at the door. I'll high-five every kiddo each morning, and I promise to tell you the good stuff, not just the spills.

My goal for September is simple: your child walks in a little braver than the day before. We'll get there together.

• Arrival & dismissal. Doors open at 8:10; we line up by the blue sunflower mural. Dismissal is 2:45 from the same spot. A long hug and a quick goodbye works wonders — drawn-out goodbyes are harder on everyone. At home, you can practice the cheerful wave: "I'll see you at pickup!"
• What to pack. A backpack big enough for a folder and a lunchbox (please test that it zips with little hands), and a full change of clothes in a labeled gallon bag — accidents happen and we keep it no big deal.
• Snack. One small, easy-to-open snack daily. We're a nut-aware room, so please skip peanut and tree-nut items. Sending something your child can open themselves is a quiet confidence-booster — practice the wrapper at home this week!
• The daily rhythm. Morning meeting on the rug, learning centers, recess, lunch, a story, and quiet choice time. Predictable days help nervous tummies settle, so we keep the schedule steady.

• A labeled water bottle. Name on the side, please — we refill all day, and a named bottle finds its way home instead of into the lost-and-found mountain.
• Everything labeled. Backpack, jacket, lunchbox, the change of clothes. If it can leave their body, it will — a name tag is your best friend in September.
• The supply list (attached below). No need to wrap or label individual crayons — we pool most supplies so the kids learn to share the class stash.
• A family photo for our "Hearts at Home" board. Wallet-sized is perfect; it gives a homesick kiddo something to touch on a hard morning.
• A good night's sleep and a big breakfast. The most important supplies of all. ❤️

Email is the fastest way to reach me — I read after dismissal each day. For anything urgent (a change in who's picking up, an early appointment), please call the front office so the message reaches us right away.

Here's to backpacks bigger than the kids wearing them, brave first mornings, and a wonderful year ahead. I can't wait to meet your little one at the door. 🌅

Warmly,
Ms. Anand