1. Welcome to Simpson Star Search Presented by Simpson Elementary School

2. Today Marks a Milestone! Ms. Schmit, Our Principal

3. www.simpsonpta.org

4. What does a typical Kindergarten day look like? full of activities, social interactions, and active learning rich with literature and opportunities to listen, read, and write participation in music, art, PE, Spanish, along with lessons in technology, media, and with our counselor developmentally appropriate activities with a balance of large group work, small group work, and hands on learning and centers reading workshop (2 hours), writing workshop (1 hour), and math workshop (1 hour) with science & social studies integrated throughout the day Simpson Kindergarten teachers set the stage for a positive attitude about school and learning. This is likely to produce children who know that learning is fun, meaningful and rewarding!

5. A Message From Our Counselors Mrs. Sheri Terry and Mrs. Roshan Finch

6. Helpful Information Student hours: 8:50 am – 3:20 pm Students may enter building after 8:20. Students arriving after 8:50 are tardy. Buses run late the first few weeks. Bus tags & car rider tags are really important and must stay on your child’s backpack!

7. During the first few weeks of school, we have extra staff members in the hallways to help kindergarten students and we have volunteers in the cafeteria to teach students how to get lunch – a great time to learn! Check your child’s book bag daily. Put all transportation changes and release to people in writing. Email is great, but please don’t use it for transportation changes! There will be more information given at Meet Your Teacher Day and Curriculum Night Hints & Suggestions for Kindergarten Parents

8. The single most important thing you can do to help your child become successful in learning to read is to read to him/her every day. You are modeling phrasing, expression, cadence and building a vast background of knowledge and vocabulary. Getting Ready for Reading in Kindergarten

9. During Reading Indicate the L to R, top to bottom, and page-by- page directions of reading Ask questions about key details Discuss illustrations Discuss genre: story, poetry, informational Getting Ready for Reading in Kindergarten

10. End of Year Reading Expectations (Level D) - has lots of sight words - has some predictable print - still relies on pictures to help with telling the story - moves towards more independent reading with a variety of reading strategies

11.  Meet Your Teacher Day: July 31 12:30 – 3:30  Letters will arrive beforehand to tell you who your child’s teacher is  First day of school: August 5 th  Curriculum Night is a great time to learn about your child’s class (usually before Labor Day)  Early release days: September 24 & 25  2014-2015 School Year Calendar handout Calendar Notes

12. Safety is Our Priority All persons are to sign in and wear a name badge. Car rider numbers match families to students. IDs are checked before a child is released. We will only release your child to a person listed on your form. We have monthly fire drills & seasonal tornado drills. Our staff is on hand to help!

13. VIP s – Mrs. Craport & Mrs. Curry

14. Thank you for your time and for sharing your child with us today. Please be sure to visit Simpson’s Webpage for lots of great information and resources!