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Kindergarten Here I Come!

Helpful Hints

    • A place where your child can keep growing and learning in a safe and supportive environment.

    • A place where you and the teacher work together to help your child succeed.

    • A place where the lessons are designed to meet your child where they’re at in their development.

    • A place where your child will get to do lots of fun stuff, like reading, writing, math, and hands-on activities in both big and small groups.

    • A place that encourages your child’s natural curiosity and love for discovering new things.

    • A place where your child is recognized for who they are, as a unique individual.

    • A place that builds confidence and helps your child feel good about themselves.

  • Reading (HMH Into Reading)
    Our kindergarten reading program builds strong early literacy skills through engaging stories, read-alouds, and hands-on activities. Students learn letter sounds, sight words, vocabulary, and comprehension skills such as identifying characters, settings, and main ideas. Lessons include interactive activities, small-group instruction, and practice with decodable books to support all learners as they grow into confident readers.

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    Math (Big Ideas Math: Modeling Real Life)
    Kindergarten math focuses on hands-on learning that connects math to everyday life. Through songs, games, stories, and real-world examples, students practice counting, sorting, number sense, and basic shapes. Children learn to explain their thinking and solve simple problems using familiar objects and classroom experiences.

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    Science & Social Studies
    Science and social studies are integrated into our daily learning and reading instruction. Students explore topics related to the world around them, building curiosity, background knowledge, and vocabulary through hands-on experiences, discussions, and connected stories.

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    Social-Emotional Learning (Move This World)
    Move This World helps kindergarten students learn about feelings, friendships, and problem-solving through fun videos, movement, and play. Children practice identifying emotions, managing feelings, and building positive relationships, creating a safe and supportive classroom community where everyone belongs.

    • Kindergarten students are provided with the opportunity to receive Art, Library, Tanager Character Class, STREAM lab once a week and P.E. and Music twice a week.

    • They will engage in the SMART room 2-3 times a week.

    • Learn how to identify and regulate through our Social Emotional Learning Curriculum, Move this World

    • You’ll have individual conferences with the teacher in Fall and Spring, but you can reach out anytime with questions.

    • The school counselor is available to meet with parents/guardians about any concerns.

    • Report cards are sent home four times a year, showing your child’s progress in different areas of learning.

    • These conferences are a great time to learn about your child’s progress and share what they’re like at home.

    • Regular communication with the teacher helps build a strong home-school partnership.

    • A strong connection between home and school makes a big difference in your child’s happiness and success.

  • The "First Day of School" Is a Big Deal!

    • We know the first day of kindergarten can bring a mix of excitement and nerves (for everyone!). We hope this info helps answer any questions and sets you up for success. It’s a big milestone, and we’re excited to be part of it!

    Parent/Teacher Relationship:

    • A strong parent-teacher partnership is key to success. We’ll keep in touch as much as possible and encourage you to reach out if you have questions or concerns. You can send a note in your child’s folder, message us on SeeSaw, call the school at (677-7000), or email us.

    SeeSaw:

    • We use SeeSaw, a digital portfolio, to keep families connected. Your child will add projects to their journal, which you can view, like, and comment on. Teachers also send announcements and reminders through SeeSaw. You’ll get an invitation on the first day to join.

    School Attendance:

    • Regular attendance is super important! Since most Kindergarten activities are hands-on and group-based, it’s tough to catch up on missed work. We ask that school be a priority unless your child is sick or there’s an emergency.

    Before School:

    • Breakfast starts at 7:55 AM.

    • School starts promptly at 8:20 AM.

    • If your child isn’t eating breakfast, they’ll go to the playground.

    • Teachers will greet students and walk them to class at 8:20 AM.

    • If you’re dropping your child off after 8:25 AM, you’ll need to check them in through the front office doors.

    After School:

    • Kindergarten dismissal is at 3:05 PM.

    • Students will meet families at the Drop-Off/Pick-Up area at the front.

    • Bus riders will be dismissed through the north doors and supervised to ensure they get on the right bus.

    Changes in Transportation:

    • If your child’s transportation changes (pickup, bus, etc.), please send a note, message us on SeeSaw, or call the office. Kids can mix up messages, so written confirmation is best. For same-day changes, a call to the office is the fastest way.

    Snack:

    • Instead of bringing snacks from home, the school has coordinated with Feeding Vermillion and has a program called “Brain Boost”. We ask for a donation of $70 to cover the cost of a snack that will be provided each day. This ensures everything is safe for kids with food allergies. You can pay all at once or in two payments ($35 per semester). If this is a challenge, just let us know and we will work something out. We really appreciate your support.

    Water Bottles:

    • Please send a full water bottle with your child every day. We’ll refill as needed. Avoid bottles with swivel caps, as they spill easily.

    Outdoor Recess:

    • Students will go outside for recess three times a day (morning, noon, and afternoon) unless it’s raining or too cold (below zero). Make sure your child has the right clothes for outdoor play, especially shoes for climbing on playground equipment. No flip-flops, please. If there’s snow, they’ll need boots and snowpants to play in the snow. Without them, they’ll be asked to play on the concrete. Your child may also want a sweatshirt or jacket if it’s chilly inside the classroom.

    Money:

    • If your child needs to bring money, please send it in a sealed envelope with:

    • Child’s name

    • Amount of money

    • Purpose (e.g., book money, lunch money, etc.)

    • Teacher’s name

    Miscellaneous:

    • Please have your child leave toys at home. We have plenty of educational materials for them to use, and toys can get lost or cause problems. The only exceptions are if we ask for something for a special project or day.

    The End:

    • We’re really excited to spend this year with your child and look forward to a year full of learning and fun!

    • Talk about school in a positive way to get your child excited and set a good tone.

    • Answer any questions your child has using the info in this handbook or call the school if you need help.

    • Your attitude about school is key — staying positive helps your child feel excited and confident.

    • If you have any concerns about school, be sure to talk to the teacher or principal, not your child.

    • Give your child chances to play with others and practice sharing toys and space.

    • Encourage your child to be more independent by practicing things like getting dressed, putting on shoes, and taking care of personal needs.

    • Have them practice things like buttoning, zipping, or tying shoes to get ready.

    • Choose easy-to-wear, washable clothes and comfortable, secure shoes.

    • Be sure your child has warm clothes like boots, hats, coats, and mittens for cold weather.

    • Establish school routines from the first day — this will help your child feel settled.

    • If you’re dropping off or walking your child, help them get used to following school routines like lining up and walking to class on their own.

Questions?

E-mail Christina Beach or call 605-677-7000.

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