Tips

Water 
Please make sure to send a water bottle (labeled with name) to school with your child everyday. It gets very hot during the day and proper hydration is essential for good learning. We unfortunately do not have water fountains in the classroom. Juice or Gatorade type drinks are NOT allowed.

Sleep 
Please make sure your child gets good, uninterrupted sleep every night. It is also essential for growing and learning. Kindergartners need between 9-10 hours of sleep per night.

Clothing 
Please make sure your child wears kindergarten-appropriate clothing everyday (remember—we like messy things—paint, playdoh, sand!) In addition, the district dress code must be followed at all times. Dressing in layers is always a good idea here in central Texas. It might be chilly in the mornings, but that doesn't mean it won’t be downright hot by recess). Tennis shoes are required for PE days, but are a good idea everyday.(The playground is covered in tiny little pebbles).Please, please, please…label all of your child’s coats, jackets, gloves, hats—any article of clothing that can be removed. If something gets lost (and it will), please check the lost and found.

Snacks
Please provide a healthy snack for your child daily. Healthy snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers, animal crackers, goldfish, fresh fruit or veggies are favored.Students are encouraged to bring snacks that they can open independently.   

Peanut Free Zone! 
As we have several peanut allergies in Kindergarten this year, we are asking that you do not send any treats or snack for the class that contain any nut products!

Please let me know if your child has any food allergies or diet restrictions!

Label Student Property
Please put first and last names on all take-off clothing, lunch boxes, backpacks and any other items that are brought to school.

Lunch Money
Money for your child’s lunch account can be sent to school in your child’s daily folder or added online. Please access lunch information from the Sommer Elementary School web page. (Click on RRISD/Students & Parents/Food & Nutrition/Online Payment.)
 We strongly encourage students to make weekly or monthly deposits into their lunch account. Bringing money daily is discouraged because of loose change and possible lost money.Always send money or any important messages in a sealed pouch in your child’s daily folder.

Things You Should Practice With Your Child at Home: 
1. Tying his/her shoes and dressing self.
2. Unzipping and zipping his/her backpack.
3. Opening snack packages independently.
4. Buttoning and unzipping his/her pants.
5. Cleaning up his/her toys in less than 5 minutes.
6. Complying with a request the first time asked.
7. Taking care of their own toileting needs.