June 11th, 2008 (pdf)
June 25th, 2008 (pdf)
July 7th, 2008 (pdf)
Adobe Reader required to open the pdf links on this page. Download Adobe Reader, for free, here.
]]>Dear Family,
Welcome to the SNACS Preschool! SNACS Preschool is a subsidiary of Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School serving grades K-8. Our mission is to provide young children with a developmentally appropriate program promoting academic, physical, social, and emotional growth through play.
Why Play? Young children learn and develop their understanding of the world through play. Children learn and develop a multitude of skills through play in the areas of: literacy and language development; mathematical logical and scientific thinking; social and emotional relationships; music; art studio; theatrical arts; and in physical fitness.
Curriculum is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities in which young children learn. Using the Reggio Emilia approach, children explore their “hundred languages” through making choices. As a result, children learn early childhood academic skills as well as independence, and develop social skills.
SNACS Preschool staff work together, with parents as our partners, to provide young children with a positive school experience in a warm and supportive environment that incorporates the whole child. Our goals for all children attending SNACS preschool is to foster and develop a love of learning, an awareness and knowledge of the world in which they live and to help them to make decisions about their relationships in the world.
The SNACS Preschool team is trained in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) program standards. We are working towards accreditation through this esteemed association. We believe our program establishes a solid foundation for successful transition into the primary grades.
Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to work with you and your child. We are proud of our preschool and expect you to be too!
Kimberly Regan Schoenfeldt
Executive Director
The Early Years are Learning Years!
Our program offers a developmentally appropriate program as approved by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). We are in the process of becoming accredited by the NAEYC.
Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School Mission:
To become the leading choice of public education in which educators, parents, and students are partners in fostering a small community and exemplary academic and social achievement in a cost-effective way.
The SNACS Preschool Mission:
To become the leading choice of preschool education in which educators, parents, and students are partners in fostering a small community and exemplary academic and social achievement in a cost-effective way.
Center Philosophy
We at SNACS Preschool believe in the development of the whole child. Young children learn and develop their understanding of the world through play. Children learn and develop a multitude of skills through play in the areas of: literacy and language development; mathematical logical and scientific thinking; social and emotional relationships; music; art studio; theatrical arts; and in physical fitness.
Our goals for young children are to:
CURRICULUM
Curriculum is designed to provide developmentally appropriate activities where young children learn. Using the Reggio Emilia approach, children explore their “hundred languages” through making choices. As a result, children learn early childhood academic skills as well as independence, and develop social skills. In addition, we offer specialized time to explore theatre, art studio, music, and social skills.
SNACS Preschool staff work together, with parents as our partners, to provide young children with a positive school experience in a warm and supportive environment that incorporates the whole child. Our goals for all children attending SNACS preschool is to foster and develop a love of learning, an awareness and knowledge of the world in which they live and to help them to make decisions about their relationships in the world.
BEHAVIOR
Child Discipline:
We expect all children to behave in ways that are positive and productive for learning. Every classroom teacher is trained in classroom management and positive reinforcement.
Some of the most important lessons for a child to learn are to respect authority, him/herself, and others including taking care of his/her own and other’s property. Additionally, no child is allowed to disrupt the education of other children. We are at preschool to learn. Although it is necessary for maintaining order, our emphasis for rules is not on the “dos and don’ts”, but on guiding children to develop problem solving skills. In order to accomplish this, we must set discipline standards that are enforced fairly and consistently.
The classroom teacher is responsible for consulting with the Executive and Education Directors for intervention strategies to implement, as necessary, on an individual basis. It is the intention of SNACS Preschool to utilize positive reinforcement and other behavioral interventions to teach students appropriate social skill and academic behaviors.
It is of the utmost importance that the teachers, administrators, and parents work together as a team in discipline matters. Without order, safety and a sense of security and civility, schools cannot work and learning will not occur.
However, school discipline is not about rules, regulations, regimentation, policies or punishment. Healthy and productive student behavior is a by-product of the beliefs and values of the organization.
The roots of positive discipline lie in the way adults and students think about themselves and others and the way they treat each other everyday. It is the culture that drives the discipline. SNACS Preschool is fully committed to implementing the positive discipline policy.
Preschool Rules
1) Keep self to self.
2) Follow instructions.
3) Show respect for others and property.
SNACS Preschool philosophy is to use positive discipline via implementation of several incentive systems:
1. Whole group rewards (marbles in a jar towards class party, etc.).
2. Small group rewards (group points toward extra playtime, etc.).
3. Individual group rewards (smiley charts using silver and gold star rewards –this is most important for reinforcing positive behavior).
4. 3:1 Rule… 30 seconds to reinforce desired behavior.
c. At NO TIME, are the following acceptable:
1. Physical punishment.
2. Verbal abuse or threatening statements.
3. Derogatory remarks toward the child.
4. Displaying favoritism.
Young children can present challenging behavior as they learn to interact appropriately in the educational setting. SNACS Preschool is committed to using positive guidance strategies when teaching young children how to manage their own behavior. Developmentally appropriate guidance and classroom management promotes positive social skills, fosters mutual respect, strengthens self-esteem, and supports a safe environment. However, at times some children will exhibit severe behaviors that cannot be managed within the classroom setting.
Severe behavior is defined as:
SNACS Preschool has procedures to deal with such cases of severe behavior. In these situations, the parents will be contacted. The parents will meet with the teacher and/or Preschool Coordinator, and/or Executive Director to discuss the situation and appropriate measures. Behavior that is chronically unacceptable may be an indicator that further support or assessment is needed. This support may include a referral process for further assessment and additional outside services. If the center’s procedures for dealing with severe behavior problems do not result in the restoration of an acceptable and safe
QUIET TIME
The children have a rest period each day. Please provide a familiar cuddly blanket for your child. 2 year olds rest 60-90 minutes. 3 year olds rest for 45 minutes and 4 and 5 year olds rest for 35 minutes. Rest time is a quiet time and doesn’t always mean a child will nap. While we encourage napping, we also work with each individual child to promote rest. This may include providing them with books to read or other quiet activities that do not inurrupt the rest period for their peers.
RECESS & FREE TIME
We think of outside as a classroom. We are aware of the whole playground. No sitting outside. We walk around and keep safety in mind always. We use the same ratios outside for children playing as you would for inside. Teachers will be stationed at opposite ends of the playground monitoring and interacting with children.
Children will have assigned recess time. It is not developmentally appropriate practice for 50 children to be on the playground at one time. There should be no more than around 20 children with 2 adults present. Smaller groups may be necessary. We are fostering developmentally appropriate play, gross motor, and social development,
NOT HERDING CHILDREN LIKE CATTLE. Children are more likely to become injured if there are too many children. It is developmentally appropriate for children to be outside at a given time frame for up to 30 minutes, no more.
Free play does not mean children are free to roughhouse and run wild. Keep safety in mind always. The balls are for rolling, throwing and bouncing. We do not allow children to kick them or throw them at each other. Children will be given a warning that recess will end five minutes prior to cleanup. Children and staff must participate in clean-up of the playground during the last five minutes of recess. Return items to the appropriate place, including bikes, toys, balls, bark, etc.
Children need to ask a teacher to go for potty and drinks. Shovels are for digging in the sand only. Bark and rocks need to stay on the ground. Only teachers are allowed in the bike shed. Children are not allowed to turn computers on or off. Only a head teacher may turn computers on and off.
HOURS OF OPERATION
SNACS Preschool is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The infant toddler room is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A late fee of $1 per minute will be charged for late pick-ups, no exceptions and payable at the time of pick-up.
HOLIDAYS
SNACS Preschool will be closed in observation of the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Nevada Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and the day after, and closed early on 12/23, closed on 12/24 in observance for Christmas, then closed early on 12/30 and closed on 12/31 in observance of New Year’s Day. Tuition is not reduced for holidays.
VACATIONS
After one year of full time enrollment, you will receive a one-week “vacation.” No tuition is charged for this week. Vacations must be used in one-week intervals before the next anniversary date.
ILLNESS
If your child shows signs or symptoms of illness, he/she will be sent home. Please make sure you have alternative care for your child in case of an emergency. According to Washoe County District Health Department, a child should be excluded from childcare settings when certain symptoms are present. Parents can use these symptoms as basic guidelines when deciding whether or not to take their child to childcare:
Parents should know that there are childcare regulations regarding children who are sick. Section 26.11 in the Washoe County Child Care Regulations state: A facility shall not accept for care any child who shows indications of illness. If children have any of the symptoms noted above, childcare personnel cannot permit attendance. This is for the safety of the other children at the center, the staff, and for the child who is ill.
REGISTRATION
A non-refundable fee of $50 is due at the time of registration. The first and last week’s tuition is due at the time of registration. These fees must be paid and required documentation turned into the office prior to your child’s starting date. An annual registration fee is assessed at $50 for the year billed on July 1.
VIDEO TAPING
The SNACS preschool is under video surveillance and recorded records are maintained for 30 days. Additionally, SNACS may videotape preschool activities and events for educational and promotional purposes. By enrolling your child, you acknowledge and agree to your child’s participation in the videotaping.
NUTRITION EXPECTATIONS
Breakfast will be served daily between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 (depending on classroom). Lunch schedules are posted in each classroom. Snacks will be served in the afternoon (see scheduled time).
CLOTHING
A change of clothes for your child(ren) is required in case of an accident. Please send age appropriate clothing.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Official shot records, well child check, registration card and a signed SNACS Preschool contract agreement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT & SOCIAL SERVICES
SNACS cooperates with law enforcement and social services in all legal matters. We are mandated reporters with regard to suspected child abuse and neglect.
PAYMENTS
Payments are due the Friday before the new week begins. If payment has not been received by Monday at 6:00 p.m., the child will not be allowed to return to the program on Tuesday. Payments may be made by check or money order. A 5% fee will be incurred on any unpaid balance. If a parent fails to make two (2) consecutive payments, that thier child can be terminated from the program immediately, without further notice. There is a $25 charge for returned checks. Parents are also responsible for any bank fees. Parents are responsible to ensure payments through Children’s Cabinet. All charges are ultimately a parent’s responsibility.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations for enrollment require a two-week notice in writing.
REFUNDS
No refunds in tuition are made for absences.
TUITION FEES
Rate
__________ Infants (6wks-18 months) $190.00
__________ Toddlers (18 – 36 months)* $170.00
__________ PT Toddlers (18-36 months) MWF* $125.00
__________ PT Toddlers (18-36 months) TR* $110.00
__________ Preschool (3-5 years) * $150.00
__________ PT Preschool (3-5 years) MWF * $115.00
__________ PT Preschool (3-5 years) TR* $95.00
__________ Kindergarten Enhancement $135.00
__________ PT Kindergarten Enhancement $100.00
Dropped off at 8:00 & picked up by school dismissal @ 2:45
** Students who turn 36 months but have not transitioned to the preschool still pay the toddler room price until they officially transition to the preschool.
** Summer rates for graduated kindergarten and first grade is $150 per week as space is available.
Parent Expectations
Parents are expected to check and read the contents of your child(ren)’s folder daily.
VOLUNTEERING
We expect each family to donate 30 hours per year some capacity to SNACS Preschool. Those who choose not to volunteer are asked to donate $150 in lieu of volunteerism hours ($5 per hour for 30 hours).
Background Checks
In order to protect the safety of the students, all persons who wish to volunteer in the classroom and/or around the students must complete a Volunteer Application and submit a set of fingerprints. Unless a background check is returned with any arrest/conviction information that contradicts information provided in the Volunteer Application, volunteers will be allowed to volunteer in the classroom as long as they are not a distraction to the class.
SNACS Preschool has a list available for suggested ways to fulfill family volunteer requirements. However SNACS Preschool encourages each family to use its unique talents and interests in volunteering at school. The school will benefit the most from such meaningful volunteering, and the families will enjoy volunteering more.
Younger Preschool Sample Schedule (for Potty Trained 2’s and 3’s)
6:30 – 7:30 Arrivals – Calm center activities
7:30 – 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 – 8:15 Circle Time
8:15 – 9:50 Centers and Clean-up
9:50 – 10:05 Circle Time
10:05 – 10:25 Outdoor Recess (weather permitting)
10:25 – 11:00 Lunch
11:00 – 11:15 Story Time
11:15 – 12:00 3 Year Old Quiet Time
11:15 – 12:45 2 Year Old Quiet Time
12:00 – 12:45 Quiet centers/activities for 3’s
12:45 – 1:15 Centers and clean-up
1:15 – 1:30 Circle Time
1:30 – 2:30 Whole Group Activity (weekly rotations)
2:30 – 2:45 Regroup in Regular Classroom Circle Time
2:45 – 3:15 Snack
3:15 – 3:45 Outdoor Recess (weather permitting)
3:45 – 4:15 Centers and clean-up
4:15 – 4:35 Story Time & Quiet Reading in various reading centers
4:35 – 4:45 Circle Time, Pack up & transition to combine in front rooms
Older Classes Sample Schedule (older 3’s, 4’s and 5’s)
6:30 – 7:30 Arrivals – Calm center activities
7:30 – 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 – 8:25 Circle Time
8:25 – 10:00 Centers and Clean-up
10:00 – 10:30 Circle Time
10:30 – 11:00 Outdoor Recess (weather permitting)
11:00 – 11:30 Lunch
11:30 – 12:00 Story Time
12:00 – 12:35 4 – 5 Year Old Quiet Time
12:35 – 1:15 Centers and clean-up
1:15 – 1:30 Circle Time
1:30 – 2:30 Whole Group Activity (weekly rotations)
2:30 – 2:45 Regroup in Regular Classroom Circle Time
2:45 – 3:15 Snack
3:15 – 3:45 Storytime
3:45 – 4:15 Outdoor Recess (weather permitting)
4:15 – 4:35 Story Time & Quiet Reading in various reading centers
4:35 – 4:45 Circle Time, Pack up & transition in combine to front rooms
]]>
Kimberly Regan Schoenfeldt, Executive Director
Victor Schoenfeldt, Education Director
Pamela Grupe, Infant & Toddler Director & Lead Toddler 2/3 Teacher
Brenda Gregory, Lead Infant & Toddler 2 Teacher
Teri Poirier, Preschool Coordinator & Lead 4/5 Teacher
Debi Baumann, Art Coordinator & Teacher
Marty Cox, Substitute Teacher for all Classes
Keely Regan, Teacher Assistant & Administrative Assistant
Lisa Galvin, Teacher Assistant
Jenn James, Teacher Assistant
Kassidy Regan, Teacher Assistant
]]>
Kimberly Regan Schoenfeldt email at kregan@snacs.org
Victor Schoenfeldt email at vschoenfeldt@snacs.org
Karen Sheesley
]]>
Welcome to the SNACS online community. Your SNACS online website experience should provide you with a glimpse of what SNACS is about and what we offer. We hope you find your website experience as a priceless introduction (for new users) or a useful tool (for our enrolled families) that provides insight to our small school community. Of course if you don’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us for more information!
Charter schools lead the nation in educational hot topics. Charters provide a voice to people through choice, regardless of socioeconomic status. Throughout history, parents not satisfied within the traditional school in which they were zoned, may have sought to move or elect a private or home-school option. However, this has not been the case for people who cannot afford such choices. In some neighborhoods across America, parents had to remain in schools that were less than adequate. The notion of charter schools sparked school reformers to provide choice in public education. By their very nature, charter schools provide a voice to all parents in the 40 American states and the District of Columbia now establishing charter school legislation. Whether parents choose to send their children to attend a charter school, a traditional public school, private, or home school, they exercise the right to choose.
Charter schools are public schools established through individual state legislation. The charter movement began in 1991 when the first law was passed in Minnesota. The Center for Education Reform reports there are 40 states and the District of Columbia with charter legislation accounting for more than 4100 schools serving more than 1.2 million students. Nevada passed legislation allowing charter schools in 1997. Currently, there are 22 charters and one University sponsored school in Nevada.
SNACS was granted a charter April 7, 1998 by the Washoe County School District as the first elementary/middle charter school serving grades K-8 in Nevada. At that point we had seven students/families interested in enrollment (most of those seven being from members of the founding committee). At that point, the committee had to determine whether we should take a year to plan and develop the school or if we were to being operation in the fall. The committee decided to pursue operation in the Fall 1999.
We worked all summer to plan, develop, and implement all components related to starting a charter school, including assessing every student in a personalized 1:1 situation. When school first started we rented two churches as our facility in the North Valleys was not complete. We held K-3 in one building and 4-7 in a building approximately 5 miles away. Teachers taught out of backpacks each day as they had to carry in/out their teaching materials. In addition, several classes were held in the church’s sanctuary. This meant that on Sunday nights, all staff would report to set up classrooms and take them down again on Friday after school. This lasted through Thanksgiving when we were able to obtain our current facilities. And so began our journey in being a charter school.
While we provide a choice for parents and students, we recognize charters are not for every student. In Nevada, each charter school has a unique model or niche they fulfill for students/families. We at Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School (SNACS) pride ourselves in providing an alternative to the Washoe County School District.
Thank you for taking the time to read and review our charter school. We welcome folks to tour and see our great school!
Sincerely,
Kimberly Regan
Executive Director
]]>Sierra Nevada Academy Charter School received its charter in April 1999. As outlined in the charter, our unique charter school model as required by NRS 386.520 targets several underlying goals: