Cub Connection September 2021
Gerner Family Early Education Center News
Great First Week!
It is SO good to have our cubs back in the building! There is great energy and excitement throughout the building. We are thankful to have your children as a part of our school to learn and grow with throughout this year.
We want to share some updates with you regarding a number of things as we enter into September. It is a priority for the Super Cub Staff to build relationships with all of the children and to help them feel safe and cared for each day at Gerner. Our whole first unit of study is called "Building a Classroom Community". That involves understanding expectations through social interactions, daily routines, and understanding our emotions. I'm sure you are starting to see more information shared through the Seesaw app to help each family know what is taking place during learning time. If you have not received information to get connected or have questions, please feel free to contact the office today (816-359-4600).
I am glad that each of you and your children are here! I look forward to getting to know the kids alongside our staff to help them develop throughout the year!
Warmly,
Dr. Rachel Ward
Coordinator of Early Education Programs
Building Theme: The Gerner Neighborhood
Important School Information
Mark your calendars for the following important dates!
Please plan to participate in upcoming events at Gerner:
- September 6th: Gerner Closed in observance of Labor Day
- September 7th - 21st: Kickoff for Gerner fundraiser. This is an online fundraiser with information being sent home to families soon. For a sneak peek of items, check out this link: shopfund.com
- September 10th: Chiefs Red Friday
- September 20th: PTA Meeting - virtual link provided closer to the date
Gerner Family Fall Fundraiser
Program Hours
ECSE/Bright Futures/Horizons:
Morning classes are 8:40 - 11:40 AM
Afternoon classes are 12:40 - 3:40 PM
If families arrive after 8:50/12:50 for arrival or 11:50/3:50 for dismissal, please plan to pull around to the front of the building.
Tuition:
The Tuition Program is open from 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM.
The official school day is 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
Drop-off is 6:30 - 8:30 AM and pick-up is 3:30 - 6:00 PM. Please be aware of the identified times in order to help our staff maintain proper ratio for supervision in the classrooms.
Breakfast is served in the classrooms from 7:45 - 8:30 AM.
Curriculum Studies for this Year
- Building a Classroom Community
- Trees
- Clothing
- Boxes
- Wheels
- Ants
Staff are excited to prepare engaging and developmental appropriate experiences for our children to support investigation, exploration and play during all components of the day. Staff will intentionally embed experiences during large group time, small group time, centers and interest areas, and time outdoors. All families will see information coming home to understand the focus for the study and ideas to help children prepare for learning experiences.
Building a Classroom Community
The first unit of study with the children is titled "Building a Classroom Community". There are three main parts that you will see in communication from the teaching staff.
1. Knowing their friends: Knowing who is a part of the classroom is a great way to build community. Knowing the names of their peers, and knowing things that make everyone special will be discussed and investigated throughout the year, but particularly at the beginning of this unit. If you want to engage your children, ask about friends and their names as well as what they know about their friends.
2. Expectations, Rules, and Routines: Having clear and predictable expectations and routines sets the stage for success for all members of the learning community. Students will spend quite a bit of time with their classrooms talking about Super Cub expectations for quality learning, developing skills for learning, and practicing the routines of the day.
Super Cub Expectations include three big ideas:
- Be Ready
- Be Safe
- Make Good Choices
Important Family Information
Confidential Resource Request
If you are in need of resources for your family, please fill out a Confidential Resource Request.
You will be contacted by our school social worker, Mrs. Galley, when this is submitted.
Health Room Information and Medications
All non-prescription, over-the-counter medication must be sent in the original container with written instructions by the parent or physician. Before any prescription medication can be administered, it must be in a prescription labeled bottle accompanied by a doctor's note, and the Medication Authorization Form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. Parents must bring all medication to the health room; please do not send it in a backpack. All necessary forms can be obtained from the office.
If you have questions about immunizations, medications or other health concerns, please contact Mrs. Dixon by email at dixonm@parkhill.k12.mo.us or by phone at 816-359-5505.
Safety Drills
Student safety is a top priority at Gerner and safety drills are practiced every month. There are specific procedures followed to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of an emergency. All schools in the Park Hill School District have emergency plans in place.
Each school year we will conduct the following safety drills with our students:
- Fire Drills - one each month
- Earthquake Drill - one in the fall
- Tornado Drills - one each semester
- Intruder Drills - one each semester
Our staff have been trained on these drills, and will delicately discuss the emergency procedures for all drills in the classroom. Please know that each teacher will approach their class discussions with care and consideration of all students.
Parents as Teachers
Parent Educators support families in four critical areas:
- Home Visits (virtual as we start the year)
- Developmental Screening
- Connection Events (virtual as we start the year)
- Community Resource Connections
This is a wonderful program available to support the whole family. If you are interested in learning more about the Parents as Teachers program and how to enroll, please visit our school website and/or contact the school today!
Join the PTA!
Here are ways that PTA has helped our Super Cub community over the past few years:
- Tablets purchased to support staff with gathering evidence for learning progress
- Awning on the playground to provide a shaded area on the blacktop
- Budget for classrooms to purchase learning materials
- Recess supplies and materials to enhance
- Playground equipment in conjunction with a Platte County Parks Grant
How can you help and be a part of the PTA work? Be a member and participate in meetings!
- Membership forms will be shared with families by teachers or families can sign up using the following link: Gerner PTA Membership Sign-Up
- PTA meetings will be virtual for this school year. Meetings will be from 6-7 PM. A Zoom meeting link will be publicized to families closer to the meetings dates.
If you have questions about PTA activities this year, please contact the Gerner PTA by contacting April Setser at Setsera@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Parent Corner
Our school website has a great section titled "Parent Corner". Over the course of the year, articles and resources will be posted to support the parenting process.
Fall is coming soon and there is so much to do as a family outdoors to explore our wonderful city. There is great inspiration for families in a feature titled Fall Bucket List. Maybe you will find a couple of ideas to do with your family today!
September Tuition Menu
Gerner Family Early Education Center
Email: northweatherl@parkhill.k12.mo.us
Website: http://gerner.parkhill.k12.mo.us
Location: 8100 N Congress Ave, KCMO, MO, United States
Phone: 816-359-4600