1. KINDERGARTEN Country Trails Elementary School Central 301

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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