UPA Elementary School, Mark Murray Campus

435 Amsterdam
Detroit, MI 48202
Teacher: Michelle Keane
Email: mkeane@uprep.com
School Number: 313-309-0552

Welcome to Kindergarten
Welcome! I am thrilled to have your child in my class this year! I look
forward to getting to know him/her and your family! This is sure to be a
fantastic school year filled with fun and lots of LEARNING! As you will find
out (hopefully), I am an organized teacher that tries my best to keep a flow
and routine in the classroom. Here are a few things you and your child should
know about “school-life” with Mrs. Keane.

Guided Reading Books: Your child will be bringing home a book package.
Inside this package will be your child’s leveled reading book along with sight
words to practice. Find a comfortable area in your home for your child to
read to you as well as other family members. The more the merrier
Re-reading the book will build fluency and comprehension skills. Ask your child
questions regarding the book. Discuss the characters and plot of the stories
this will foster oral language development and comprehension skills.

Class Pet: I know students love animals but due to allergies, I will not be
having a live pet in class. In lieu of a live pet, each child will have the
opportunity to take our stuffed class pet home with him/her for the week to
care for. There is a catch your child must take good care of our pet and write
a journal of their activities with our special pet. Forms will be sent home soon


Star of the Week: I think every child deserves time to shine. In our class,
we will have a weekly “Star of the Week”. Forms, dates, and details will
be sent home soon.

Birthdays: Birthdays are certainly something to celebrate, if your child

would like to share his/her birthday festivities with the class, please contact
me prior to your child’s special day and we will set something up. If your child
has a summer birthday, we can celebrate ½ birthdays or whatever is most
convenient for you and your family. Birthday celebrations will not take more
than 15 minutes.

Homework Folders: Homework folders will be sent home daily. Please make
sure you are checking these folders daily and returning them the following
day. Each day I will be checking the folders, if you need to write a message
for me please do so in the message area. Reading fifteen minutes a night I
consider homework and should be done daily. Reading daily will improve your
child in all subject areas.

Snacks: We will have a daily snack. Each family will be responsible for
bringing in a snack for the entire class there are sixteen students. Please
send in nutritious snacks only such as graham crackers, fruits, veggies,
pretzels, or crackers. I will have a calendar posted on our door as well as a
calendar will be sent home monthly, indicating who is responsible for that
day’s snack.

Items that are not required but greatly appreciated

 Lysol Spray (helps keep our class free of germs)
 Hand cleaner

Illness: Please do not send your child to school when they are sick. Not only is
it unfair to them, but also the rest of the class. We do everything in the
classroom to prevent the spread of germs. Keep in mind, your child must be
fever/vomit free for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Volunteers: I welcome family involvement! (After the first six weeks) I will
be conducting workshops for language arts, math and science. I will be in
need of volunteers during workshops. I will be sending home a list of possible
volunteers needed throughout the school year 

Gym Shoes: Your child will need to bring and leave a pair of gym shoes to
school. We have a special little place in their cubby where they may keep
them. For the first trimester, we will be having physical education on
Thursdays. Regular brown/black shoes must be worn daily.

Uniform Policy: You should have received a letter from the school reminding you
of our uniform policy. If your child is out of uniform, they will be sent to the
office where they will receive the appropriate attire. If for some reason, we
don’t have an extra in their size, you will be called to bring the necessary items.
Making sure your child is in complete uniform each morning will alleviate any
problems, or missed work.

Attendance: The school day begins promptly at 8:30 – however students are
allowed to enter the class at 8:20. Being tardy is a major distraction to the
entire class. If you child will be absent, please call the school to inform us. Our
school day ends at 3:30.

AMPP Schedule for the first trimester:

Monday: Art Tuesday –Art Wednesday –Music

Thursday-Physical Education Friday-Music

Attached is an emergency card, please fill out and return to school by

Friday September 11th.

I look forward to a wonderful and productive school year!!!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Keane
 Kindergarten Curriculum
Kindergarten Objectives for the school: During the school year, the
children will be given many opportunities to grow and learn through self-
investigation and teacher directed lessons. Our class will be following the
Michigan State Framework.

We will cover the five domains in our Language Arts Curriculum.

 Reading-Word Recognition-Word Study-Phonemic Awareness
 Writing-Writing Process-Handwriting-Grammar Usage-Writing Genres
 Speaking-Conventions(grammatical structures)
 Listening& Viewing-Conventions
We will cover the four domains in our Mathematics Curriculum.
 Number & Operations
 Measurement
 Geometry
We will cover the four domains in our Science Curriculum.
 Science Process
 Physical Science-Senses/Motion
 Life Science-Is It Living?
 Earth Science-My Earth
We will cover the five domains in our Social Studies Curriculum
 History-Living and Working Together
 Geography
 Civic and Government
 Economics
 Public Discourse, Decision Making, and Citizen Involvement

The state of Michigan has provided a Parent’s Guide of the Grade Level
Content Expectations for each grade level. You may download or view the
document on www.Michigan.gov I will also have a copy for viewing in our
classroom.