Dear Dual Language Immersion Families,
Welcome to the first school year of our new Dual Language Program! This summer, we have been hard at work preparing curriculum, collaborating with representatives from the University of Notre Dame, and getting our DLI classroom ready for an exciting year of learning and growth. We are thrilled to partner with you and support our students as they begin their dual language journey.
Every student will be learning grade-level standards or higher. We will continually strive to create a safe and engaging environment where learning in two languages is both exciting and rewarding. Students will have the opportunity to refine their motor skills and deepen their understanding of academic concepts in both Spanish and English. Additionally, each child will receive meaningful instruction while building self-confidence and faith-filled learning in a Catholic, values-based setting.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education! We deeply value your partnership and support, and we’re excited to work together with you and your child.
Visit our Dual Language Immersion webpage to learn more about our program.
Please click HERE to view our Welcome Letter and important information.
Arrival:
Please drop off children at Door #3, where the preschool teacher or assistant will greet them between 7:50 and 8:00 am. If you arrive late, use the main Apple Door, Door #2.
Dismissal:
Please inform the teacher about who is authorized to pick up your child and complete the pickup information form in the main office. Any changes to pick-up arrangements must be communicated to the teacher each time.
Backpacks:
Please make sure your child’s backpack is large enough to fit a 9 x 12 folder and a lunch box. Also, don’t forget to label the backpack with your child’s name.
Folders:
Please send one two-pocket folder with your child on the first day of school. This folder will be used for home-school communication and for sending home your child’s work. Be sure to check this folder every night.
Change of Clothing:
Place a complete set of clothing (including a shirt, pants, underwear, socks, and shoes) in a labeled Ziploc bag, and keep it in your child’s backpack.
Clothing:
Dress your child in comfortable, easy-to-clean clothes. Pants with an elastic waistband are ideal.
Shoes:
Gym shoes are required for all children, even on non-gym days, as recess will occur daily.
Snack:
Please send a water bottle and a healthy snack daily. Suggestions include cheese sticks, fruit, or granola bars.
Naptime Expectations:
Each child should rest quietly on their mat. We encourage you to explain the importance of staying quiet, not talking, and remaining on their mat during this time.
Hot Lunch:
If you choose to order hot lunch on Monday, Wednesday, and/or Friday, please note that ordering information will be sent home shortly, and all orders must be placed online. Make sure your child will eat the items you select.
Aftercare:
Please email attendance@stcletusparish.com and CC your child’s teacher if your child will be attending aftercare. Make sure to do this before 2:00 pm.
Absences:
Please email attendance@stcletusparish.com and, if possible, copy your child’s teacher on the message.
Communication:
Email is preferred for communication. Dismissal is not the best time for discussions. Be sure to review any information or paperwork sent home each Wednesday, and check the newsletter on the DLI classroom webpage every Friday by 3:00 pm.
Curriculum:
• Religion: Allelu! in Spanish is a Catholic early childhood religion curriculum for ages 3 through kindergarten. This curriculum uses techniques that speak best to young children using hands-on, active learning and multisensory approaches.
• Phonemic Awareness: The Zoo Phonics Spanish kit is a fun, physical, and research-based phonics program perfect for emergent learners. This kit has everything you need to teach phonemic awareness, the alphabet, sound blending, reading, spelling and writing in Spanish!
• Handwriting: Mi Primer Libro by Learning Without Tears provides hands-on tools to build vocabulary, fine motor writing skills and alphabet knowledge for writing letters.
• Mathematics: Matemáticas Diarias (Everyday Mathematics) develops a deeper understanding of math as well as powerful, life-long habits of mind such as perseverance and creative thinking.
• Social Emotional Learning: Second Step Programa Extraescolar focuses on teaching children problem solving skills and ways to cope with and manage different feelings.
• Science and Social Studies: Teacher created lessons to help students become more aware of God’s world around us through different monthly themes.
Specials
Specials classes for DLI students will be in English.