Welcome to Pinnacle: The Ultimate Guide to Success
As we welcome both our new and returning families to Pinnacle this month, we know the new year brings with it lots of questions. Here is the ultimate guide to success for the start of the school year:
Welcome Email
Teachers will be sending a Welcome Email to families on August 1st, introducing themselves. Tip: Print the teacher's photos out and place them in a spot your child will see them. Include the names of the teacher with the photos, and begin to familiarize your child with their names and faces.
Family Welcome Dates:
August 19th for the Quail and Gecko class (2-day Tu/Th)
August 20th for Javelina and Tortoise class (3-day M/W/F)
August 19th & 20th for Roadrunner and Owl class (PreK)
Coyote Kindergarten Meet the Teacher is Friday, August 15th
Family Welcome You will select your Family Welcome day and time using the Sign-Up Genius link included in the Welcome Email. Teachers will welcome families in the entryway. Parents are asked to remain with their child for the full 45 minutes of Family Welcome. This is an opportunity to see the classroom, visit with the teachers, and receive important classroom information.
Don’t forget to stop into the Atelier to say hello to Ms. Melanie! Class Spirit Wear will also be on sale in the entryway, as well as ways for parents to get involved during the school year.
Be sure to confirm the contact information on the class roster, as the email address listed will be the one used for classroom communication. If you would like to add an additional email for classroom communications (Daily Journal, upcoming events, and reminders), please let your class teachers know. What is a Daily Journal? The Daily Journal is a one-page spotlight of the day with photos that is sent home on the days your child attends school. The Daily is a snapshot of the school day and is not intended to feature your child every day. It’s a helpful resource for conversations at home, and we encourage you to look at it with your child as they share about their school day.
What to Bring to Family Welcome:
Complete change of clothes labeled with your child’s name in a Ziploc bag
Don’t forget shoes and socks! We encourage children to learn with their whole bodies, and sometimes that can get messy. Be sure to send children to school in appropriate play clothes (more information on this below!)Your child’s completed “Me Book” (if not already returned to the office)
The “Me Book” supports children in transitioning from home to school and also allows them to share about themselves with their friends and teachers.A family photo (4x6)
Family photos are displayed in the classroom as another home-to-school connection for children.Please also bring back your child’s portfolio if your child is returning (if you have not already)
Each child receives an individual portfolio documenting their learning and development at Pinnacle. Be sure to return your child’s portfolio so teachers can continue to add to it!
First Day of School
The first day of school will be Thursday, August 21st, for Roadrunner, Owl, Quail, and Gecko classes and Friday, August 22nd, for Javelina and Tortoise classes. Coyote Kindergarten’s first day of school will be Monday, August 18th. (The Cottontail Parent-and-Me program begins Friday, August 29th.)
Drop-off & Pick-Up
Morning drop-off is at the school gate from 8:20 - 8:30 AM for Kindergarten and 8:50 AM - 9:05 AM for Preschool. Ms. Sabrina or Ms. Kelsey from the office will be at the gate each morning, welcoming children. Classroom teachers will also be in the entryway to greet children as they arrive. It is common for children to feel a little unsure when coming to school for the first time or returning from summer break. Sometimes, a consistent drop-off routine may help create a predictable pattern, such as two kisses and one hug at the gate to say goodbye. Stay strong! Children take their emotional cues from us, and your calm confidence will help reassure them that school is a fun and loving place. Helpful phrases: “It can be hard to say goodbye, but your teacher is here to keep you safe, and I will be back soon. You’re safe. You’ve got this.”
The school gates will open a few minutes before 12 PM and again at 12:30 PM for preschool dismissal. Parents or caregivers will walk down to their child’s classroom for pick-up. Pre-K classes end at 12:30 PM (Roadrunner and Owl). Three-year-old classes end at 12 PM (Quail, Javelina, Gecko, and Tortoise). Will your child be staying for Extended Day? Pick-up is at the school gate at 2 PM. (Children must be signed up in advance for Extended Day classes - see the office for questions.) Kindergarten dismissal is at 2:30 PM from the Coyote classroom.
The “Set Them Up for Success” Checklist:
“School Clothes” are comfortable, easy for children to pull up and down for bathroom success, and okay to get dirty (think paint, clay, charcoal, and lots of other fun stuff).
“School Shoes” can be put on independently and are safe for running, climbing, etc.
Water bottle filled up with your child’s name clearly labeled.
Snack (peanut and tree nut free) with your child’s name clearly labeled and separate from lunch.
Lunch if Pre-K or Kindergarten or staying for Extended Day (peanut and tree nut free) with your child’s name clearly labeled on the lunch box and containers.
Backpack to hold water, snack, and lunch (if applicable), plus any artwork your child may be bringing home. Having everything fit in the backpack helps ensure everything returns home and encourages children to be responsible for their school items.
Please Keep in Mind
A foundational component of early childhood is social-emotional development. Negotiating new friendships, sharing work space and materials, and adjusting to new routines and expectations at school is hard, but important, work for young children. A key component of the Reggio Emilia Approach is partnering with parents. Open communication is key to a successful partnership.
Teachers will reach out if they observe your child needing additional support in the classroom. We encourage families to also share any feedback or behaviors they notice at home that teachers can help address. Consistency between home and school sets a predictive pattern for your child and sets them up for success in both environments.
The easiest way to communicate with your child’s teachers is by email (it’s the email address your Welcome Email is sent from). While a quick question may work at pick-up, it is often a busy time for teachers as they dismiss children going home, as well as help children transitioning to Extended Day. Many teachers also have after-school responsibilities, such as teaching Extended Day or meetings for Professional Development. Emailing to set up a time to talk (either in person or on the phone) is the best way for teachers to give their full attention to addressing questions about your child.
Meet the Preschool Office
When you enter the office, the first smiling face you will see is Ms. Diana. Diana Englund is our Office Administrator and the glue that keeps everything running smoothly! She has two daughters, one a PPP Alumni, and is celebrating her 20th year at Pinnacle. Sabrina Ball has been the Director of Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool for 21 years. All three of her girls attended PPP and have now graduated from college. Kelsey Vasquez has been at Pinnacle since 2015 and is the Director of Educational Practices. Her daughter and identical twin sons are all Pinnacle Alumni and now attend Grayhawk Elementary.
Stay in the Know! There are lots of resources available to help you stay connected at PPP.
Newsletter Diana sends out a newsletter with upcoming events and reminders, sent via email on the first of each month.
Social Media Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming promotions, events, and to check out our Photo of the Day with glimpses into the classrooms!
Monthly Blog This blog will be updated on the first of each month with ongoing resources and information for parents. Interested in a particular parenting or education topic? Let Kelsey know, and she will do her best to research all requests! Blog Link
Preschool Calendar Don’t miss any fun events - check the school calendar here