KINDERGARTEN Country Trails Elementary School Central 301

STRUCTURE OF THE DAY  120 minute literacy  90 minute numeracy  Specials (per week)  (1) 45 minute ART class  (2) 30 minute Music classes  (2) 30 minute PE classes  (1) 30 minute Social Skills  (1) 30 minute Language Skills

IS MY CHILD READY?  Every child is unique. This is what makes kindergarten such a wonderful place to be—for students and teachers.  Teachers expect a diverse community of students and are prepared to differentiate the instruction to meet the needs of every student.  If you have a unique situation or concern for your child, please contact the office to speak with CT staff.

INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO….  Use the bathroom independently/manage own clothing  Be respectful of other boys/girls  Recognize and write his/her name  Hold a pencil/crayon  Use scissors and glue  Ask for things s/he might need  Sit long enough to listen to a story  Separate easily from parent/guardian

IT IS HELPFUL IF YOUR INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENT IS….  Familiar with the alphabet (both lower and upper case)  Able to identify some letters/sounds  Able to write some letters (both lower and upper case)  Familiar with how books work (front cover, left/right directional, difference between letters and words)  Able to identify numbers and count them  Able to put on and take off shoes and coats independently  Able to write their name

HOW CAN I HELP MY INCOMING KINDERGARTEN STUDENT?  Read to your child daily  Talk with your child about daily experiences  Practice recognizing letters, letter sounds and writing letters  Help your child learn to write and recognize his/her name  Practice counting, recognizing and writing numbers  Encourage your child to label pictures s/he draws, write notes to family/friends and make lists  Visit the playground during the summer and allow your child to explore his/her new surroundings  Be excited about the new experience to come! If you have any anxiety about the experience, please share it with the school staff and not your child

Creating a classroom of kindness  Provide your child opportunities to socialize with age appropriate peers  Model problem-solving skills  Use your words  How can you fix it?  Rules at home and rules at school will differ  What does it mean to be a good friend?

REGISTRATION AND TESTING PROCESS  August 9-10  Kindergarten ISEL & Aimsweb Testing  Mid-August  Teacher Assignments Available on Skyward Family Access Username/Password letters will be sent with online registration  August 22  Kindergarten Curriculum Night  August 23 (2:00pm-3:00pm)  Meet n’ Greet  August 24  First Day of Kindergarten

HEALTH OFFICE FRIENDLY REMINDERS  Medical Examinations  Physical  Dental  Vision  Immunizations  Meds A Form (for all medication administered at school) If your child has a significant medical condition, please contact the office before the end of this school year to plan accordingly for the upcoming year.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS  How many students will be in a class?  We make every attempt to keep class sizes small at each building.  Will lunch be offered?  A lunch/recess period is offered with the option to purchase hot lunch.  Is there nap time in a full day program?  NO. However, there will be periods of reflection and transition.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS  Is there before/after school care?  Each building has contracted with a local agency to provide a before and after school care option. Please check with the main office.  Is transportation provided?  YES. You will have a bus assignment to and from school each day if you meet transportation requirements.

Questions? Thank you so much for coming!!! We look forward to working with you and your kindergartner.