1. Welcome to Highcroft Drive Elementary’s Kindergarten Orientation
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

2. Philosophy of Kindergarten We are a community of learners
We meet children where they are and take them as far as possible
Child’s development: cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and academic
Character Traits: Responsibility, Respect, Courage, Kindness, Self-Discipline, Integrity, Perseverance, Good Judgement
Each child’s self-concept is important

3. Staggered Entry Aug. 28, 29, 30, 31
Your child will attend just one day the first week of school
Teacher gets to know the children; allows for a more gradual adjustment to kindergarten
Initial assessments will be completed
Create heterogeneous classes

4. What does staggered entry day look like?
Read a story
Play in quiet centers (puzzles, play dough, coloring, listening to books, etc.)
One-on-one assessments
Lunch
Quiet Time
Social assessments through play (housekeeping, blocks, cars, etc.)
Recess (gross motor and social assessments)
School Tour
Snack
Train how to go home

5. What are the initial assessments?
Social Readiness
Follow Multi-step Directions
Letters and Sounds
Numbers and Counting
Shapes and Colors
Fine and Gross Motor Skills (pencil grip, scissor usage, throwing and catching, etc.)
Vocabulary

6. Social Readiness Skills Being part of a group
Listens without interrupting
Follows directions the first time given
Carries out responsibilities
Follows the school rules
Shows respect for others and their work
Takes care of classroom materials
Cleans up after self
Displays good manners: polite words, waits turn, etc.
Self care: opening lunch containers to personal care in restroom

7. A Day in Kindergarten Arrival activities Group time
Language Arts-Reading/Writing
Developmental Centers
Lunch
Math
Recess
Snack
Social Studies/Science
Specials: Art, P.E., P.E. II, Music,
Spanish, Technology,
Media

8. How Does Lunch Work?
Your child can pack or buy lunch (entire lunch or just milk)
Lunch price is $2.25
Students have a student ID number
Lunches can be paid for online (myschoolbucks.com) or a check can be sent with your child
Practice opening and closing containers at home
Lunch is 25 minutes

9. Arrival and Dismissal
Children may enter the building at 8:45a.m. First bell rings at 9:10a.m. Final bell rings at 9:15a.m.
School is dismissed at 3:45p.m.
Walkers enter and leave the building by the side doors.
Carpoolers enter and leave the building by the front doors. Carpool tags can be picked up in the office on “Meet the Teacher” day.
Before & After School Program is
available through the YMCA

10. Helpful Information
Be positive about school; children will follow your lead
Bring supplies on “Meet the Teacher” Day – August 24th
Send children in clothes that they can manage (no zippers, etc.)
Each child needs a full-sized backpack (large enough for a folder) – no rolling bags please

11. Write your child’s name on every personal item
Notify us of any afternoon transportation changes in writing
Child must be “fever-free” for 24 hours without medication before returning to school
Please send a note or when your child is absent
Join the PTA, get involved, volunteer
Sign up for Ready4K texts at
Read, read, read to your child

12. Dates to Remember
Wednesday, Aug. 24th-Come by and “Meet Your Teacher” from 4-6pm. Class lists will be posted outside of the school at 9am. This is also the best time to drop off school supplies.
Staggered Entry-Aug. 28, 29, 30, 31. Your child will attend for ONE full day this week.

13. Tuesday, September 5th –First full day for all kindergartners
PTA Kindergarten Kick-Off breakfast for parents on Sept. 5th at 9am in the cafeteria
Curriculum Night-will occur
in September

14. Sara Batten: sbatten@wcpss.net
Questions and Answers
If you have questions about registration: contact Jeanette Acker at
If you have questions about the kindergarten program:
please contact the kindergarten grade chair:
Sara Batten: