1. Kindergarten Orientation Mills Park Elementary School 509 Mills Park Drive Cary, NC 27519 466-1466

2. Welcome to Kindergarten Before school begins: Health Assessments: DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 ND Medications-along with a doctor’s prescription/note Food allergies/ medical conditions Your child should have a large bookbag, change of clothing (labeled), snack, lunch, and rest towel Supply List-will be with the staggered entry letter

3. Staggered Entry Mills Park is a safe and fun place to learn and we’re so glad that you’re here! Smaller groups allow teachers to offer individual attention, informal observation, and assessments. The assessments and observations guide teachers in planning appropriate and meaningful instruction.

4. Staggered Entry Dates August 29, 30, 31 (morning and afternoon session) September 1 st (morning only) Morning Session: 8:30-11:00 Afternoon Session: 12:00-2:30 No transportation, lunch, or specials provided Your child will only come to ONE assigned session Meet the Teacher:Friday, September 2nd 9:30-10:30 am First day of school for the whole class: Tuesday, September 6th Monday, September 5 th is a holiday-Labor Day-No School

5. Our School Day Arrival Time:8:45-9:15 Instructional day begins at: 9:15 Dismissal:3:45

6. Morning Message Incorporates a variety of academics: Calendar (counting, sequencing, numbers) Weather (graphing, more/less/same) Reading (print concepts, read aloud) Writing (names, numbers, daily message) Songs

7. Literacy Centers Integrate ELA skills in these centers Hands on learning LetterLand Phonics Writing Vocabulary

8. Writing Time Interactive Writing Journal Writing Writers Workshop Creative Topics Different types of writing: opinion, narrative, informational

9. Fun with Math! Our math program contains many “hands-on” activities, small group centers & problem solving experiences, so please do not be concerned about the lack of “papers” coming home!

10. Science Wake County has 3 main science kits for Kindergarten children: –Properties –Weather –Animals 2 x 2

11. Social Centers Each classroom has a time for social “play” centers. This is an important time for children to learn socialization skills, explore their environment and discover new things through the power of play.

12. Snack Time Please check with your child’s teacher regarding daily snack procedures. Please remember to send healthy snacks to ensure optimal energy levels and afternoon performance. Thank you!

13. Specials Mills Park Elementary offers the following specials: Art, PE, Music, Guidance, Technology and Media Center

14. Lunch Time in the Cafeteria Each child will receive a lunch number…please help your child learn his/her lunch number. They will be required to type this in. It’s a great idea to prepay by check in the cafeteria and use a lunch account! Don’t forget to help your child practice opening containers at home – small items are difficult for little hands to open!

15. Recess Students will go outdoors for recess every day, depending on the weather. Please be sure your child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play. Please continue to practice using zippers, snaps and buttons!

16. Dismissal Please help your child learn their bus number or carpool number. Please do not walk up to the school during carpool for safety reasons – the line moves quickly and we want to ensure all children are safe. We have teachers available throughout the building to help with carpool and bus dismissal. Please send a note when there is a change of transportation for a particular day, week or the remainder of the year.

17. Thank you Thank you so much for your time and attention today. We are very excited that you have chosen to become a part of the Mills Park Community and we pledge to educate your child in a fun, safe and loving environment. We look forward to a great year, full of new beginnings and exciting experiences. Thank you for letting us be a part of this new adventure.