Allergies - Please let us know immediately if your child has any allergies or medical conditions we need to be aware of. These things can be life threatening and we need to be aware of any child with special needs.

Admission - In order to be admitted to our Early Childhood Program the following is required:
  The Pre-K student must be 4 years by December 1.
  The Nursery student must be 3 years by December 1.

Attendance - Please make every effort to have your child attend every session of our program. If your child is too ill to attend, please keep him home. A note explaining your child’s absence is required when your child returns to school. Please see the note from the Health Office to report your child’s absence.

Bathrooms - We use the girls’ bathroom right down the hall next to the nurse’s office. It is equipped with a small toilet for this age group. The toilet does have an automatic flush and this may frighten some children. Please take your child to use this toilet prior to the start of school, perhaps during the scheduled open house. Past experience dictates that only a few children are afraid of it. In those cases, we simply put a paper towel over the sensor. The children are always escorted by a teacher or an assistant on their trips to the bathroom. We have found it helpful if you have your child use your bathroom right before they come to school.

Birthdays - We love to celebrate this special day with your child. We are happy to help the children share in your child’s special day. Please let us know, a few days in advance when it would be convenient for you to send in a special snack for your child’s birthday. If your child has a summer birthday and you would like to celebrate in school, we can do so near the end of May or the beginning of June. Birthdays will be celebrated during class time for students only.

Conferences - (Pre-K only) There are two scheduled parent-teacher conferences per year. The first is in December and the second is in March. Please feel free to contact the teacher at any time with any concerns you may have.

Calendar - The school calendar advises all school holidays and half-days. Please refer to the calendar and make note of these days. On half-days Pre-K students are dismissed at 11:30 AM and should not bring lunch to school.

Curriculum - Our curriculum follows the standard practices for Early Childhood of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Our program also firmly supports the practice that early childhood education should focus on the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of every child. Young children learn best by playing and interacting with their peers. We provide various group activities to enhance this aspect of the child’s development.

Clothing - Your child should dress in clothing that he/she can dress and undress him or herself (sweatpants or any other elastic waist-banded pants or shorts are best for this age group). Your child should also wear sneakers because we play outdoors in the playground or in the gym to promote gross motor skills. Our classes have sets of extra clothing in case of an emergency. However, if you would prefer, you can send a zip-lock bag as well, and we will keep it in your child’s school bag.

Class Parent - One or two class parents are needed to collect money and organize parties. You are also responsible for purchasing the class gift at Christmas. You are also responsible for the phone chain and communication when there is a need. A representative of the Parents’ Club will act as captain of the class parents.

Class List - We will be happy to supply a class list of the students to help you keep in touch. We will contact all parents to make sure this information is ready to share.

Communication - Please feel to contact the teachers at any time if you have any questions or concerns. The yellow folders that have been provided for every student should help. Please check this folder every day for information, questions, or concerns. We will use this folder as a major source of communication With this communication process, you can contact us at any time We can arrange to meet with you before or after class.

Confidentiality - Everything regarding your child is completely confidential. If we need to discuss a matter with you, whether it is something regarding your child’s behavior or to share a funny story, we will ask to speak to you privately.

Drop Off and Dismissal - Each teacher will describe the drop off procedure for the class. Please pay careful attention to these procedures. Each child will be expecting to be picked up on time. Most of the faculty must prepare for the next class.

Discipline - We use a series of reminders, gently coaching and separation from a situation when necessary. Aggressive behavior will not be tolerated and any such cases will be handled directly with the parent.

Early Intervention - Referrals for the early intervention can be generated by the teacher or by the parent of a child who is demonstrating delays in one or more areas of growth. Please discuss any concerns with the school’s administration or your child’s teacher.

Emergency Contacts - Please fill out the school emergency card and the Early Childhood questionnaire very carefully. In the event of an emergency, we need to get in touch with someone who speaks English, is close by, and can come get your child if necessary. We also ask that you give us any changes in this information. This is very important.

Escort Policy - If anyone other than you will be picking up your child, we need written authorization from you (this includes another parent from the class). This person should have a photo ID and your child should be able to identify that person when asked. If we are unsure in any way, you will be called and we will not release your child until we have verbal confirmation from you. Your child’s safety is our main concern.

Financial - Any questions you have about tuition should be directed to the Holy Name of Mary School bookkeeper.

Fire Drills - We do participate in fire drills with the rest of the school. The children need to be aware of what to do in an emergency.

Fund Raisers - From time to time the school has fund raisers. If you would like to participate, we greatly appreciate your support. Holy Name of Mary’s operating expenses are subsidized by fund raising efforts. Since the Pre-K and Nursery families enjoy the benefits of our school’s programs, we ask that you participate to the best of your ability. The Pre-K students also participate in a Trike-A-Thon to support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Folders - We will begin using the Holy Name of Mary school folders. These folders will be the easiest way to communicate from school to home. Please check these folders daily and empty them as well.

Gym - The Pre-K and Nursery students attend gym classes once a week. Children must wear sneakers to participate in gym activities.

Half-Days - When the school has a half-day the Early Childhood sessions change as well. These days are for faculty meetings and the teachers must attend. On half days Pre-K classes dismiss at 11:30 AM, and there is no lunch.

Health Office - Please make sure you have completed all required forms and immunization forms that are required. Should a child become ill during class, a parent or other caretaker will be called and asked to pick the child up. Please make sure to inform the health office immediately if your child has a communicable disease. An absence note will be sent home on the child’s first day back for your completion. Please return this note immediately

Hours - The hours of the Pre-K program, are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM for both the three day and the five day programs. The hours for the Nursery program are 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM or 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Please refer to the separate communication about the hours of our initial phase-in sessions for the first week of school.

Holidays - We love to celebrate holidays. Most of our celebrations are for the students only. We do have opportunities for families to join us. The teachers will let you know more about the different holidays we share together.

Injury - All first aid given to your child will be logged and kept for future reference. You will be notified with a note in the backpack or a conversation with the teacher or aide. If the injury warrants, a parent will be called and notified.

Items needed - Occasionally, you will be asked to send in some items from home such as toilet tissue rolls, egg cartons, etc. We will try and give you ample notice for these items.

Junk food - Please do not send in inappropriate foods for snack and/or lunch. Please be mindful that candy is a once in a while treat. It should not be sent for snack or lunch.

Kindergarten Ready - We strive to make sure that our students are Kindergarten ready. All students participate in various activities that enable them to have opportunities to be interactive with other students and in a varied environment.

Lunch - (Pre-K only) The children eat lunch in school at 12:30. Please supply a proper lunch for your child. Include a sandwich and a drink. If your child does not eat sandwiches please provide an appropriate substitution. Candy and Junk food are not appropriate for a lunch time meal. Please make sure you also provide utensils if your child will need them. Your child should bring lunch for himself/herself only. She should not provide snacks or other items for other children. Parents should be the only ones to provide food for their child.

Labels - Please label all clothing with your child’s name. and-me-downs are great, but we need your child’s name on all outerwear, hats, etc. Many items look alike and the children have a hard time identifying their clothes.

Medical Policy - Please do not send your child to school if he is sick. If your child has a fever or other signs of illness it is to his/her best interest to stay at home. If your child gets ill during the day we will call you to have your child picked up immediately.

Newsletter - The teachers send home a newsletter periodically to keep you informed about what is going on in school. Please make sure to read this newsletter, it is also used to inform you of any changes to the calendar, etc., (periodically).

Names - Please let us know if your child has a specific nickname. However, please be aware that as we begin to learn to write our names, we will use the child’s legal name. When the children get to kindergarten, they must know how to write their legal name.

Orientation - At least one parent is expected to attend the orientation session before school begins. This gives us all a chance to meet and get ready for our first day.

Outdoor Play - We try to go outside everyday, weather permitting. The children should wear appropriate outdoor clothing.

Phone Chain - We need two parents to volunteer to be the phone chain parents. Responsibilities include calling half the class in the event of a school closing.

Progress Reports - For the Pre-K class, there are three progress reports a year. The first is a very basic look at skills, in December. The second is a more defined look at a child’s skills and the third is a final review of the child’s progress for the year. There are two parent conferences, one in December and one in March. The Nursery program will follow the same schedule.

Prompt pick up - It is extremely important that your child is picked up on time. The children get very anxious when they are the last one left at the end of the day. Some of the teachers also have other classes after dismissal. Please make every effort to be on time.

Questionnaire - Please fill out the Early Childhood Questionnaire to the best of your ability. The more we know about your child’s likes and dislikes, the better we can help your child enjoy his day.

Respect - As part of a Catholic school, respect for others is a very important part of our values based curriculum. To that end, we ask that you remind your child to be respectful of his peers, his teachers and the items in the classrooms.

School bags - Every child should have the Holy Name of Mary School bag. These bags are $10.00 and are used for all communication to and from school. Our storage space is limited and backpacks are too bulky for our space. Please label the bag with your child’s name.

Snacks and supplies - Each family will be asked to supply snacks for the class on a rotating basis. The snacks will include snack, juice, napkins, and cups. Also supplies such as wipes, tissues and/or paper towels will also be requested at this time. Remember, snacks should be healthy and not include junk food.

Separation - This may be your child’s first school experience, and we want him to enjoy his time here. Keep these suggestions in mind if your child experiences some anxiety: Always say good-bye. Children are more fearful if you just disappear. Even if it means a few tears, it is better. Tell your child where you will be -- it helps her feel more secure (Tell the teacher too!) If your child is very upset, you may stay for a few minutes, but it needs to the adult, not the child, who indicates the moment of departure. Once the teacher is no longer a stranger, a quick good-bye is always best. If your child is still upset for an extended period of time, we will call you. Our goal is for all of the children to love school.

Show and Tell - This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to share a favorite item and it also gives her experience in speaking to a group. It is also a wonderful opportunity to learn to listen and be patient. Each teacher has a special format for Show and Tell. When the time arrives a note will be sent home with the specifics.

Timeliness - It is extremely important that you be on time for class every day. The first minutes of the day are very important and many times the day’s events are discussed with the students. The children need to be aware of all that goes on during the day.

Teacher’s Assistants - Our Aides work with the children every day to ensure that the children are well cared for and are safe and having fun. Our aides work hand-and hand with the lead teacher. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to ask the teacher or the aide about a problem.

Toilet training and accidents - Your child must be toilet trained before entering the program. If your child has an accident, we will give him clean clothes to change into. You are responsible for washing and returning the school clothes to us. If your child is unable to change himself, you will be called and asked to change your child.

Toys from home - No toys from home should be brought to school (unless it is for Show and Tell). If your child cannot separate from a favorite item, please make them aware that the toy must stay in his school bag for the day. We cannot be responsible for damages to a favorite item.

Tuition - Tuition payments are due monthly and no later than the tenth of the month. In order to operate our school program, full financial support is required of all families.

Umbrellas - Please do not send an umbrella with your child. If your child uses it on a rainy day, please take it with you when you leave. They are too dangerous for the children to be carrying them in the halls and the stairways.

Vacations, Holidays - Our school uses the calendar provided by the Diocese of Rockville Centre and we ask that you adhere to the vacations and holidays. If there is an occasion that your child will not be in school please inform the teacher. If you plan a family trip during the school year please let the teacher know, so the school is aware of your child’s absence.

Water fountains - The Children should not stop at the water fountains during the day. They are too small and cannot manage at them very well. If your child is thirsty, we will provide him/her with a small cup of water.

Weather - In the event of a school closing due to inclement weather, an emergency phone chain will be put into place. You will be notified if the school is closed. Also, please watch/listen to local weather station for the latest news.

eXtra fun - We hope that your child enjoys her days here. We feel that play is a child’s “work” and try to make sure that each child is happy. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to ask.

You - You are your child’s first teacher. We are here to support you in this very important task. We will work together with you to allow your child to grow into a healthy and happy student.