Philosophy and Purpose of Holy Cross Lutheran School
The Lord has commanded parents in Proverbs 22:6, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." More specifically in Ephesians 6:4 the Lord has told parents to bring up their children '"in the training and instruction of the Lord." The Lord has also commanded us in Matthew 28:19-20, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Holy Cross Lutheran School therefore exists to assist the parents of our students in carrying out God's command to train their children in His Word.
Jesus said in Mark 10: 14 "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." Holy Cross Lutheran School realizes the importance of Christian education during a child’s early years. Our traditional kindergarten program exists to assist parents of five-year olds in preparing their children for entrance into first-grade the following year.
Holy Cross Lutheran School’s Kindergarten Objectives
Word of God
Academic
Social Growth
General
Holy Cross Lutheran School Kindergarten Curriculum
Religion: The religion curriculum includes Bible lessons, art projects, memory work including the 10 Commandments and the Lord's Prayer, and religious songs and hymns.
Reading: The kindergarten year is a year of reading readiness. The series being used at this time is Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen. Materials are used to help develop and refine eye and hand coordination as well as the proper eye movements from left to right. Reading readiness materials also help acquaint students with the symbols and sounds associated with the various letters of the English language. The program is one that is strongly phonetic in its approach to reading. During the year students also begin to read.
Writing-Penmanship: Writing skills and penmanship skills deal with various communication skills. In kindergarten the child learns to do manuscript writing through which he associates the symbols and sounds associated with the letters of the English language. In addition to learning to identify and reproduce the letters of the alphabet, the student also learns correct posture, the correct position of his paper, and the correct way of holding a pencil. Writing is also a part of the Beginning to Read, Write, and Listen series.
Mathematics: Mathematics instruction addresses the areas of rote counting, counting objects, recognition of numbers, patterns, graphing, calendar, geometric shapes, telling time, and money.
Language: The language-arts program places emphasis on communication skills, proper pronunciation, development of vocabulary, and the development of the child's oral and written skills.
Music: Children learn hymns and secular songs throughout the year. Children learn to enjoy music and to recognize music as a gift from God and as a means by which a person can praise God. The Kindergarten class also sings for church services several times throughout the school year.
Art: One of the objectives of art is to develop in the child an appreciation of all the beautiful things God has created. The child is given many opportunities to express himself/herself through various art media. The children are encouraged to experiment, explore, shape, and invent things. The art program helps the child discover a few simple principles of art, the fascination of color, and a wise use of materials.
Physical Education Development of the body and muscle coordination is an important part of physical education. Through participation in various games and activities the children develop self-control, self-confidence, and courtesy. Physical education class meets twice a week either in the gymnasium or outside.
Attendance
Once a child is enrolled in kindergarten, he/she should attend school on a regular basis unless he/she is ill. We have a "Safe Arrival" policy so it is important that we know if a child is going to be absent on a given day. Parents are asked to call the school and inform the teacher of absences or late arrivals. 85% attendance is required for promotion to first grade
Daily Schedule
The kindergarten class begins at 8:00 A.M. The class is dismissed at 11:00 A.M. The class meets everyday Monday through Friday. After School Care is available on a daily basis as well. When gr. 1-8 have 11:20 dismissal, kindergartners with older siblings in school will be supervised until 11:20 so that all family members can be picked up at the same time.
Emergencies
If your child is injured or should he/she become ill at school, he/she will be cared for temporarily by a member of the school staff during which time the parent will be notified. If the parent cannot be reached and medical attention beyond first aid appears to be necessary, the school personnel will contact the Madison Rescue Squad and your family physician.
Enrollment Guidelines
Children may enroll in our kindergarten at the age of five years if his/her birthday falls on or before September 1st. Some children may not be ready to begin kindergarten at that age, so parents may wish to have their child wait an additional year before entrance to kindergarten.
Kindergarten Screening
The Kindergarten teacher will evaluate children entering Kindergarten at Holy Cross. The screening provides the teacher with information to plan for your child's learning needs. The Kindergarten teacher can arrange a screening time upon request.
Milk
Holy Cross Lutheran School offers a milk program for all students. The kindergarten children have milk with their snack during the morning milk break. There is a yearly fee for milk.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
Holy Cross Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, and/or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, and/or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and programs.
Progress Reports
At the end of each quarter of the school year you will receive a report indicating your child’s progress in kindergarten.
Snack
Parents take turns providing snacks for the classroom. A schedule will be set up and sent home at the end of each month for the following month to inform parents when it is their turn to bring the snack. Please let the teacher know if your child has food allergies.
Tuition and Fees
Current tuition and fee information is available from the school office.