PRESCHOOL
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Classrooms and Teachers
Orientation
School Visits for AM and PM Families
Before you Visit
Prepare for School
Your Child's First Week
Helpful Resources
Orientation
School Visits for AM and PM Families
Before you Visit
Prepare for School
Your Child's First Week
Helpful Resources
CLASSROOM AND TEACHERS
Given the changes to Hobson’s daily schedule due to COVID-19 guidelines, class arrival and dismissal times will be staggered for each group within a class. Please see below for class times and teachers. We are currently working on creating the class groups. In the coming weeks you will receive an email from your child’s teachers to confirm the group your child will be in, the time your child’s group will arrive and dismiss, and additional information about what you will need this school year.
2 day AM classes | First day on Thursday, September 10
Lindsey Wade & Nicole Tartaglione
3 day AM classes | First day on Tuesday, September 8
Jill Rye and Nicole Tartaglione
PM classes | First day on Tuesday, September 8
Mary Johnson and Robin Semeria
2 day AM classes | First day on Thursday, September 10
Lindsey Wade & Nicole Tartaglione
- Group 1 will arrive at 8:45 am and dismiss at 11:15 am
- Group 2 will arrive at 9:00 am and dismiss at 11:30 am
3 day AM classes | First day on Tuesday, September 8
Jill Rye and Nicole Tartaglione
- Group 1 will arrive at 8:45 am and dismiss at 11:15 am
- Group 2 will arrive at 9:00 am and dismiss at 11:30 am
PM classes | First day on Tuesday, September 8
Mary Johnson and Robin Semeria
- Group 1 will arrive at 12:30 pm and dismiss at 3:00 pm
- Group 2 will arrive at 12:45 pm and dismiss at 3:15 pm
ORIENTATION
Orientation will be held virtually this year, and you will receive a Zoom link via email for your class. The purpose of orientation is to help you become acquainted with Hobson’s program, curriculum, and what to expect next year. During the meeting teachers will describe a typical day in class, explain our approach to working with children and philosophy, review important policies, and answer questions.
PM Class | September 1 @ 8 PM
AM 2-Day | September 2 @ 7pm
AM 3-Day | September 2 @ 8pm
PM Class | September 1 @ 8 PM
AM 2-Day | September 2 @ 7pm
AM 3-Day | September 2 @ 8pm
SCHOOL VISITS FOR AM AND PM FAMILIES
We will be scheduling school visits in lieu of home visits this year. School visits are scheduled for the week of August 31. Each class will have their own school visit day and in the coming weeks you will receive a SignUp Genius and will be asked to sign up for a 15 minute visit. School visits are for the child enrolled in the class and one parent or caregiver who will be dropping off and picking up this year. No additional family members or siblings may attend.
The goal of the school visit is to help your child feel more comfortable when school actually begins. During the visit your child will meet their teachers, practice coming to school in their mask, practice getting their temperature taken, walk through the outdoor and indoor classrooms. We will maintain social distance during the visit and teachers will introduce some of the language we will use to talk about social distancing during the visit. Teachers will also take a photo of your child for their cubby and other classroom uses.
The school visit is brief. Relax with the visit and follow your child’s lead. Your child’s teachers will respect, appreciate and support your child’s reaction to the school visit, and will follow your child’s lead. Prior to the school visit, your child will receive a letter in the mail from her/his teachers along with confirmation of your school visit time.
Tips for Preparing for your School Visit:
The goal of the school visit is to help your child feel more comfortable when school actually begins. During the visit your child will meet their teachers, practice coming to school in their mask, practice getting their temperature taken, walk through the outdoor and indoor classrooms. We will maintain social distance during the visit and teachers will introduce some of the language we will use to talk about social distancing during the visit. Teachers will also take a photo of your child for their cubby and other classroom uses.
The school visit is brief. Relax with the visit and follow your child’s lead. Your child’s teachers will respect, appreciate and support your child’s reaction to the school visit, and will follow your child’s lead. Prior to the school visit, your child will receive a letter in the mail from her/his teachers along with confirmation of your school visit time.
Tips for Preparing for your School Visit:
- If you haven’t already, start talking about Hobson School.
- A day or two before your school visit let your child know that you are going to visit their school and meet their teacher.
- Talk about what might happen during the visit (see the section below for details).
- When you arrive at your visit, enthusiastically greet the teachers. A warm welcome indicates to your child that a teacher is a friend of the family – not a stranger!
PREPARE FOR SCHOOL
Tote Bags
This year we will require children to use tote bags instead of backpacks. Through our years of experience we have seen that tote bags are simply easier for preschool children to use. We recommend the Hobson totes, which Hobson’s fundraising team will share with you soon. They are a nice size and are made from mesh so they dry out easily. However, you are welcome to use any large tote bag that can fit boots, shoes, snow pants, coats etc....
Masks
As stated in Hobson’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan, children will be expected and encouraged to wear masks while at school. You will be receiving an email with additional information for you and a video from your child’s teachers to help your child prepare for wearing a mask this year.
Right now, you can help your child by having your child practice wearing a mask at home. Try to be matter of fact and include wearing a mask in your discussions about starting school. Take a playful positive approach as you practice wearing your mask - have some fun. See if you can take a walk around the block, draw a picture, take a trip to the store while wearing your mask the whole time. The goal is to get your child comfortable in their mask. Let your child know that by wearing a mask they are being a helper, and that wearing a mask is a way we can all take care of each other.
Most children will appreciate being informed and having practice wearing their mask. If your child is struggling please don’t stress or worry. Reach out so the teachers and I can help you, and so we are prepared to provide additional support to your child during the start of the school year. We know all children will be getting used to wearing a mask. Like many of our school expectations or routines, we expect that by the end of October children will have adjusted and accepted wearing their mask. Rest assured, we will all work together to help your child.
We will be requiring children to bring three masks to school each day. Your child will wear one mask to school, and bring two masks in a ziplock bag in their tote. Masks can be cloth or disposable. If you bring cloth masks, please label the mask and make sure masks are laundered after each use. If you bring disposable masks, masks will be thrown away after each use. Most importantly, make sure your child’s mask fits well - staying in place on your child’s face and fitting comfortably around their ears.
Outdoor Play and Learning
We are planning for classes to be outside for the whole class time, unless we need to go inside due to extreme weather. Children will also go inside, either independently or in a small group, with a teacher or the Director to use the bathroom. You will receive detailed information about proper clothing and gear from your teachers throughout the year. The weather at the start of the year is usually really nice, and not much gear is needed. But, as you prepare for the start of the year, we encourage you to make sure your child has sturdy waterproof shoes and a comfortable hat to wear to school each day. We also ask parents to apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child prior to coming to school.
This year we will require children to use tote bags instead of backpacks. Through our years of experience we have seen that tote bags are simply easier for preschool children to use. We recommend the Hobson totes, which Hobson’s fundraising team will share with you soon. They are a nice size and are made from mesh so they dry out easily. However, you are welcome to use any large tote bag that can fit boots, shoes, snow pants, coats etc....
Masks
As stated in Hobson’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan, children will be expected and encouraged to wear masks while at school. You will be receiving an email with additional information for you and a video from your child’s teachers to help your child prepare for wearing a mask this year.
Right now, you can help your child by having your child practice wearing a mask at home. Try to be matter of fact and include wearing a mask in your discussions about starting school. Take a playful positive approach as you practice wearing your mask - have some fun. See if you can take a walk around the block, draw a picture, take a trip to the store while wearing your mask the whole time. The goal is to get your child comfortable in their mask. Let your child know that by wearing a mask they are being a helper, and that wearing a mask is a way we can all take care of each other.
Most children will appreciate being informed and having practice wearing their mask. If your child is struggling please don’t stress or worry. Reach out so the teachers and I can help you, and so we are prepared to provide additional support to your child during the start of the school year. We know all children will be getting used to wearing a mask. Like many of our school expectations or routines, we expect that by the end of October children will have adjusted and accepted wearing their mask. Rest assured, we will all work together to help your child.
We will be requiring children to bring three masks to school each day. Your child will wear one mask to school, and bring two masks in a ziplock bag in their tote. Masks can be cloth or disposable. If you bring cloth masks, please label the mask and make sure masks are laundered after each use. If you bring disposable masks, masks will be thrown away after each use. Most importantly, make sure your child’s mask fits well - staying in place on your child’s face and fitting comfortably around their ears.
Outdoor Play and Learning
We are planning for classes to be outside for the whole class time, unless we need to go inside due to extreme weather. Children will also go inside, either independently or in a small group, with a teacher or the Director to use the bathroom. You will receive detailed information about proper clothing and gear from your teachers throughout the year. The weather at the start of the year is usually really nice, and not much gear is needed. But, as you prepare for the start of the year, we encourage you to make sure your child has sturdy waterproof shoes and a comfortable hat to wear to school each day. We also ask parents to apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child prior to coming to school.
YOUR CHILD'S FIRST WEEK
During the first week of school all classes will be shortened to 1 ½ hours. This adjustment is being made to help aid children in the transition from home to school. You will receive confirmation of your child’s class times for the first week of school when we confirm your child’s class group.
Separation
This year, after going through the daily health screening parents will drop children off at the outdoor classroom gates or at the front door of the school (on inclement weather days). If you have concerns about your child’s reaction to separating from you please feel free to talk with your child’s teachers and/or me and we can make a plan together.
It is important for us, or for the teachers and you, to talk about any feelings of concern that you have. Just be sure to do so without your child present. We are happy to help both your child and your family through this transition. We understand that it can be a new experience for everyone! It is also okay if you are overjoyed to drop your child off and have a morning or afternoon for free time or special time with a sibling!
It has been found that if parents really want their child to attend preschool, even reluctant children eventually make a healthy adjustment.
Support Separation with a Goodbye Routine:
Your child’s teachers and I will work with you if your child is experiencing separation difficulties. You may call Hobson to check-in or ask me to call you to let you know how things are going.
Reading books together may also help you and your child explore some of the feelings that surround separation. For example, “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn or “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell. Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville always has good recommendations as well. They also have a good selection of “going to preschool” books for children.
Separation
This year, after going through the daily health screening parents will drop children off at the outdoor classroom gates or at the front door of the school (on inclement weather days). If you have concerns about your child’s reaction to separating from you please feel free to talk with your child’s teachers and/or me and we can make a plan together.
It is important for us, or for the teachers and you, to talk about any feelings of concern that you have. Just be sure to do so without your child present. We are happy to help both your child and your family through this transition. We understand that it can be a new experience for everyone! It is also okay if you are overjoyed to drop your child off and have a morning or afternoon for free time or special time with a sibling!
It has been found that if parents really want their child to attend preschool, even reluctant children eventually make a healthy adjustment.
Support Separation with a Goodbye Routine:
- Come to school with an attitude that your child will have fun, play, and make friends. You have selected a school where the teachers and I respect your children and give our complete attention to their safety and welfare.
- Say hello to the Director and teachers who will be ready to greet your child and you.
- Help your child put on their name tag.
- After that, say a matter-of-fact, confident and happy good-bye before you leave (even if it takes an Oscar-winning performance on your part!).
- Once you have said goodbye give a hug and a kiss and leave. Know that your child is in very good hands.
Your child’s teachers and I will work with you if your child is experiencing separation difficulties. You may call Hobson to check-in or ask me to call you to let you know how things are going.
Reading books together may also help you and your child explore some of the feelings that surround separation. For example, “The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn or “Owl Babies” by Martin Waddell. Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville always has good recommendations as well. They also have a good selection of “going to preschool” books for children.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Tips in these articles can help families as the school year begins. The following articles are all written by Hobson’s former director Sally Nurss.
- “Starting School: What Not to Tell Your Child”
- “Ten Things Not to Worry About When Your Child Starts School”
- "What Children Miss When They Sit Still"
Parent-Child Class
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Welcome to the Parent & Child Class!
The Parent & Child class will meet every Saturday from 9:00 am - 10:45 am. You and your child will start classes together on Saturday, September 12.
Mrs. Hirsch, your Parent/Child teacher will send a letter to all the Parent/Child class families prior to the first class. The letter will include information about Mrs. Hirsch and what to expect and bring on your first days of the Parent & Child class.
Orientation | September 1 @ 7pm
This meeting will be held virtually this year, and you will receive a Zoom link via email for your class.
The purpose of orientation is to help you become acquainted with Hobson’s program, curriculum, and what to expect next year. During the meeting teachers and I will describe a typical day in class, explain our approach to working with children and philosophy, review important policies, and answer questions.
Masks
As stated in Hobson’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan, children will be expected and encouraged to wear masks while at school. You will be receiving an email with additional information for you and a video from your child’s teachers to help your child prepare for wearing a mask this year.
Right now, you can help your child by having your child practice wearing a mask at home. Try to be matter of fact and include wearing a mask in your discussions about starting school. Take a playful positive approach as you practice wearing your mask - have some fun. See if you can take a walk around the block, draw a picture, take a trip to the store while wearing your mask the whole time. The goal is to get your child comfortable in their mask. Let your child know that by wearing a mask they are being a helper, and that wearing a mask is a way we can all take care of each other.
Most children will appreciate being informed and having practice wearing their mask. If your child is struggling please don’t stress or worry. Reach out so the teachers and I can help you, and so we are prepared to provide additional support to your child during the start of the school year. We know all children will be getting used to wearing a mask. Like many of our school expectations or routines, we expect that by the end of October children will have adjusted and accepted wearing their mask. Rest assured, we will all work together to help your child.
Outdoor Play and Learning
We are planning for classes to be outside for the whole class time, unless we need to go inside due to extreme weather. Children will also go inside with their parent to use the bathroom. You will receive detailed information about proper clothing and gear from your teachers throughout the year. The weather at the start of the year is usually really nice, and not much gear is needed. But, as you prepare for the start of the year, we encourage you to make sure your child has sturdy waterproof shoes and a comfortable hat to wear to school each day. We also ask parents to apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child prior to coming to school.
As the school year approaches, please feel free to call or email me anytime with your questions.
We look forward to a wonderful year with your child and your family!
The Parent & Child class will meet every Saturday from 9:00 am - 10:45 am. You and your child will start classes together on Saturday, September 12.
Mrs. Hirsch, your Parent/Child teacher will send a letter to all the Parent/Child class families prior to the first class. The letter will include information about Mrs. Hirsch and what to expect and bring on your first days of the Parent & Child class.
Orientation | September 1 @ 7pm
This meeting will be held virtually this year, and you will receive a Zoom link via email for your class.
The purpose of orientation is to help you become acquainted with Hobson’s program, curriculum, and what to expect next year. During the meeting teachers and I will describe a typical day in class, explain our approach to working with children and philosophy, review important policies, and answer questions.
Masks
As stated in Hobson’s COVID-19 Reopening Plan, children will be expected and encouraged to wear masks while at school. You will be receiving an email with additional information for you and a video from your child’s teachers to help your child prepare for wearing a mask this year.
Right now, you can help your child by having your child practice wearing a mask at home. Try to be matter of fact and include wearing a mask in your discussions about starting school. Take a playful positive approach as you practice wearing your mask - have some fun. See if you can take a walk around the block, draw a picture, take a trip to the store while wearing your mask the whole time. The goal is to get your child comfortable in their mask. Let your child know that by wearing a mask they are being a helper, and that wearing a mask is a way we can all take care of each other.
Most children will appreciate being informed and having practice wearing their mask. If your child is struggling please don’t stress or worry. Reach out so the teachers and I can help you, and so we are prepared to provide additional support to your child during the start of the school year. We know all children will be getting used to wearing a mask. Like many of our school expectations or routines, we expect that by the end of October children will have adjusted and accepted wearing their mask. Rest assured, we will all work together to help your child.
Outdoor Play and Learning
We are planning for classes to be outside for the whole class time, unless we need to go inside due to extreme weather. Children will also go inside with their parent to use the bathroom. You will receive detailed information about proper clothing and gear from your teachers throughout the year. The weather at the start of the year is usually really nice, and not much gear is needed. But, as you prepare for the start of the year, we encourage you to make sure your child has sturdy waterproof shoes and a comfortable hat to wear to school each day. We also ask parents to apply sunscreen and bug spray to your child prior to coming to school.
As the school year approaches, please feel free to call or email me anytime with your questions.
We look forward to a wonderful year with your child and your family!