Dear Parents:
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Welcome to Kindergarten!!! I am SO excited to be teaching your child this year. We will share so many new adventures together.
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My name is Laurie Bubenik and I will be teaching your child Kindergarten at Vandora Springs Elementary this year. In Texas, I graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and I have taught for 30 years. I have taught high school home economics, first grade, and kindergarten. Kindergarten is my LOVE and I have taught it for twenty-six years. My husband, Aaron, received a promotion and we moved from Texas to Clayton. He is employed with Amerigas Propane Company. We have three children…Jenifer – 38, Chris – 36, and Ashley – 31.
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Jenifer and Chris own homes in Asheville. Ashley is a fashion designer and recently moved back to NC. Her daughter, Journeigh, is our first grandbaby and we are totally smitten! (You see, I know your fears about dropping your kids off the first day at school…wait until you leave them at the college doorsteps!)
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We enjoy watching birds on our deck, playing board games and cards, watching movies, and traveling. We love visiting the mountains during the colors of the fall, the Carolina beaches, visiting our kids and family around the country, and cruising the Caribbean. We like to do crafts and woodworking. In my spare time, I like to read, cook, and decorate our home. Our favorite vacation activity is snorkeling. I have an "Under the Sea" theme in my classroom to remind me of the fun we have exploring the ocean.
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As a teacher, I am very interested in parental input. I welcome and highly encourage you to visit our room and volunteer anytime to be involved with your child’s learning experiences. Please feel free to conference with me should you have any questions concerning my teaching methods. I only ask that you schedule a time before (8:00 AM) or after the teaching day (3:00) or during my conference period (10:10 - 10:50) so as not to take away from the children’s teaching time. Feel free to write me a note or call me at Vandora Springs Elementary 919-662-2486 or my teacher line 919-553-2974. (Leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible).
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Since Kindergarten is such a fun place and a whole new experience for your child, here are a few important things you can do to help your child adjust.
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1. Please send a 4 x 6 picture of your family for our Safe Place school family album. When your child is lonely or having a "moment", it helps to know family is near.
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2. Help build independence and responsibility by letting your child do more things on their own. Examples: loading and unloading their own back pack, walking to and from the classroom by themselves, putting items away in their designated spot. Before long, your child will be doing these things at home, too!
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3. Be consistent with routines such as homework, bath time, bedtime, morning routines, etc. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Kindergarten is a busy place and can really wear little guys out...big GALS, too!
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4. Ask your child about their day. Look at their folder work together and discuss items on the newsletter. You will be amazed at how much your child is learning each day!
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5. Praise, hug, and jump up and down for your child's good behavior. If your child has a discipline note, go over it together and think of possible ways to prevent the issue from reoccurring. If you administer a consequence, make sure it is only for that day. Example: earlier bedtime, taking away a favorite toy. Start fresh the next day!
We’re going to have a great year TOGETHER. I look forward to becoming a TEAM in educating your child!
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Laurie Bubenik
“Mrs. B”
