Early Years
Northwoods Catholic School’s Preschool combines the pedagogy of Integral Formation with methods inspired by the approach of Maria Montessori in order to create a unique program that cultivates the emotional, physical, academic and spiritual development of its students like no other preschool in Northwest Houston. Attention to the person of each child fosters a balanced atmosphere that is cheerful, nourishing and orderly. The classroom is filled with manipulatives and hands-on activities because learning at this age level is an up-close and tactile experience. The environment encourages young students to explore their own curiosities and challenges them to master language and math concepts. Children develop the love for learning and social skills which are the foundation for future success.
Daily Schedule PK - 3
8:15-8:30 Arrival
8:30-9:00 Playground Play (weather permitting)
9:00-9:30 Academic Circle Time
9:30-11:00 Work Time (Use of Centers)
11:00-12:00 Lunch
12:00 -1:40 Rest
1:40-2:00 Snack
2:00 - 2:15 Religion / Chapel
2:15 - 2:30 Recess
2:30 - 3:00 Library / Spanish / Work Time
3:00 - 3:15 Recess / Spanish / Music & Movement
Extended Care
Before School Care is available from 7:00 am and After School Care is available until 6:00pm. Detailed information and arrangements for enrollment can be obtained in the office.
Lunch
Students may bring their own lunch, or advantage of , our daily hot lunch provider.
Snacks
Children are served two snacks a day, in the morning and again in the afternoon, right after nap. We serve a variety of foods, such as fruit, breads, cheese, fruit juices, milk, etc.
Toilet Training
All children must be toilet trained by the time they begin school. This means they must be able to determine when they need to go to the bathroom and be able to express that need to a teacher. They should also be able to manage their clothing and toileting needs. The teachers are happy to help with difficult zippers, snaps, etc.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthday celebration is a time of quiet appreciation for each year the child has spent on the planet. The child has a chance to walk around a candle (representing the sun) while holding a globe in his/her hands. A brief outline of what he/she did for each year of his/her life will allow the teacher to describe the child’s life as he/she walks. Parents are encouraged and welcome to participate in the celebration. If a family chooses, a library book may be donated to the school in the child’s name. For those children who have summer birthdays, celebrations will be held toward the end of the school year.
Child of the Week
We celebrate each child as our “Child of the Week” for one whole week during the year. During this week, your child may bring his/her favorite family photos glued on a poster board which will be displayed on our class bulletin board. During circle time that week, we will sing a special song to that child and give him/her time to tell us about the pictures. At the end of the week, we will spend a circle time getting to know your child’s favorite things (i.e. pets, toys, jobs, movies, etc.).
Parent Participation
Parent involvement is highly valued, reaffirming the conviction that parents are the first and most important educators of their children. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child’s school life at CHA in many different ways. These range from school-wide activities and events assisted by the Events Committee, coming to the classroom and doing a project (art, science, food, etc.), reading a book, and enriching our curriculum throughout the year.
Discipline
The purpose of discipline is to promote the virtues we talk about in the classroom and to ensure the safety of the children by promoting positive interactions and helping the children to develop their self-control, empathy and cooperation. By providing an appropriate environment with a high level of positive reinforcement, we encourage age appropriate behavior. Logical consequences, keeping in mind the child’s age, personality, circumstances, and level of understanding, will be used to fit individual situations which require discipline.
