Dear Parents,
Welcome to our Kindergarten classroom! My name is Mr. Carozza, and I am your child’s kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Nemeth is our classroom aide, and we are both very excited for this school year. Kindergarten is such a fun and exciting time in your child’s life. It is a time for exploring, learning, and growing. You will see your child mature in many ways: intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Kindergarten provides your child with an exciting opportunity to become part of a learning community.  It is my mission to build on your child's strengths while instilling a love for learning. My classroom is a nurturing environment in which your child will feel successful and proud. I look forward to getting to know you and your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you ever have any concerns or questions throughout the year. I am sure this is the beginning of a wonderful year at St. Leander!
This welcome letter will provide you with important information about our Kindergarten classroom.
Contacting Me
There are two main ways to contact me:
1.      My School Email- JCarozza@csdo.org
2.      Call The School Office- (510) 351-4144
If you need to make urgent contact, please call the school office, and speak to Mrs. Heisick.
Weekly Folder
Your child’s weekly folder is very important. It will contain homework, a newsletter and is another means of parent/ teacher communication. Please be sure to check your child’s folder each Friday to stay “in the know”, and don’t forget your homework! Read, Read, Read to your kiddo.
1. Homework: This will consist mostly of Letter ID and Sight Words which are the building blocks of your child’s success in kindergarten! Homework will be turned in on the following Friday.
2. Weekly Newsletter: Each week the newsletter will include important dates, events and what we are learning in our classroom.
3. Communication Form: This is a great place to write me a quick note and I will be sure to respond!

Change of Clothes
Please feel free to send an extra set of clothes (pants, shirt and underwear) to school this week. I will store them away for emergency use.

Class Behavior Expectations
1.      Listen when others are speaking.
2.      Follow directions.
3.      Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
4.      Encourage each other.
5.      Always do your best work.
Homework
Homework will be sent home in your child's folder. Feel free to assist your child, but please do not write or draw for your child. Allow them to be proud of their work and encourage them to simply do their best! Part of Kindergarten is helping your child grow socially. We will also have some skills that can be practiced at home as part of homework!
The most important academic activity that you can do with your child each day is to read together. Please spend at least 15 minutes each night reading with your child!
Toys
If your child has one special toy (please keep it on the smaller side, ie. a Hotwheels car, a toy pony) that they would like to bring to class, that’s great! They will be allowed to keep it in their supplies holder on their desk.
Birthdays
We will celebrate your child’s birthday in class, and you are more than welcome to send along a store-bought treat to share with the class. I would also love to see a birthday poster with some fun family pictures and magazine cut-outs of your child’s favorite items, which your child can “show & tell” to the class on their special day.
School Starts at 8:00 am. Dismissal is at 2:45 pm.
It is extremely important that your child comes to school every day on time! Your child’s academic and social success is greatly influenced by daily participation.  Each day we are learning and growing.
Getting Home
If your child is changing their way of getting home, notify me by putting a note in your child’s daily folder. If it is a last-minute change call the school and let them know it is in regard to dismissal. Communication is imperative to ensure your child arrives home safely!
We look forward to working with you and your child this year!
Thank you,
Mr. Carozza & Mrs. Nemeth