2015. overview of the evening what is the purpose of kindergarten? who are the district staff...
TRANSCRIPT
2015Kindergarten Round Up
Overview of the eveningWhat is the purpose of kindergarten?Who are the district staff members ready to support my
child and family?What do the next eight months look like as we prepare for
kindergarten?How do I enroll my child?What school is my homeschool?
Welcome Families
Penny Yantis- Executive Director16 Member Board from the CommunityBreakfast of Champions- April 28Fall Phone-a-thon
Mercer Island Schools Foundation
MISD PTA CouncilMercer Island High SchoolIslander Middle SchoolWest Mercer ElementaryIsland Park ElementaryLakeridge Elementary
Mercer Island PTA
MISD Mission:Successfully preparing students for the cognitive, global,
and digital world.
Kindergarten Goal: Foster an environment for success in Kindergarten and
beyondDevelop a community of learners and thinkers who work
together to solve problems, support each other, and love school.
Our Vision- 2020
Academicallyestablish foundational skills, think, and love school
SociallyListen, follow directions, play, solve problems, honor
differences, and make friends Emotionally
develop skills to self-regulate and monitor self
The Purpose of Kindergarten
Different than 20 years ago but certainly still importantAcademic component
Common Core StandardsPoint of Emphasis
Solidify foundations rather than race to the next targetStudents enter at various ages and with a spectrum of
skillsBuild toward first grade but part of the K-12 continuum
Kindergarten Today
Visitor Check InCameras, Doors, and FencingRecess and campus supervisionParent-Teacher CommunicationDrillsEmergency ContactsInternet
School Safety
School bus transportation is available for all on-island students living beyond one walking mile of their school or who do not live in designated walk zones
Transportation is also available to/from many pre and post school centersYou will need to fill out the non-home stop request form
(available online in March)Most eligible students ride the school bus
Approximately 1800 per day each wayIn August, you will receive a letter with bus assignment
informationAnd about 4000 rides later…graduation!
Transportation- It All Starts With the First Ride!
District policy is all Kindergarteners (but only kindergarteners) must be met at the stop by an adultYou may sign a waiver to override the policyNo sibling exceptions
Kindergarteners have transportation tags they wear or attach to backpacks
Kindergarteners normally sit up front, 5th graders in the back
½ day Kindergarteners ride buses home exclusively with other kindergarteners
Kindergarteners Are Unique
RulesList is on the district website under TransportationWe train early in the year and it is ongoingSafety, safety, safety
Crossing in front of the busSchedule changes, playdatesDon’t forget early dismissal Wednesdays!Lost and found
Transportation Odds and Ends
Early Enrollment- January 27- February 13Full-day or Half-day guarantee
Ongoing Enrollment- February 14 and beyondSchool Placement Notification
AprilMayJuneAugust
Teacher PlacementLate August
September 3- New Family and Kindergarten Open HouseSeptember 8/9- First day of school!!!
Timeline- January to September 8th/9th
MISD WebsiteSchool WebsitesSchool MailingsSchools Open Until June 30PTA Websites
Staying Informed
Can your child attend to his/her own self-care?ToilettingEatingHandwashingDressing
How does your child do with separation?Has your child been to the school to see the playground?Stamina for school
Getting Ready for the First Day
Develop oral language skills by talking to your child and encouraging precise language
Play gamesReadExposure to numbers, letters, and wordsAttend to pencil gripShare your school experiencesLove them!
Getting Ready for Learning
Staggered StartHalf of the students come on September 8Hall of the students come on September 9All students come on September 10
School SuppliesKindergarten ID TagsLunchTransportationParent Role
Photographer, encourager, supporterCrying?Separation
First Day Logistics
Half-DaySame Core CurriculumNo LunchNo TuitionAM (PM?)
Extension to curriculumLunchTuitionRegular school hours
9:00-3:30
Enrollment- Half or Full Day
Full-Day
Turn into your homeschool attendance area according to 2015-2016 boundaries (next slide)
Must show proof of residencyHealth Forms
Enrollment- Forms
Questions