To The Olympia School District’s “Learn All About Kindergarten” Day! Welcome! To The Olympia School District’s “Learn All About Kindergarten” Day!

Superintendent: Dick Cvitanich Asst. Superintendent: Nancy Faaren We’re so glad you are here today!

Learn About This and Much More... Alternative Programs Skyward Family Access Transportation Kindergarten Information Nights Community Agencies Paperwork

Kindergarten Schedule Kindergarten will begin September 11, 2017. Individual conferences will be held on September 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2017. These conferences will give teachers, parents, and students the chance to get to know one another.

Olympia School District Kindergarten A focus on literacy and number sense Hands-on learning Teaching cooperation & respect A sense of community in a print-rich environment

What do kindergartners do during a typical day? Sharing Calendar Activities Mathematics Art Recess Lunch/Story/Snack Language Arts Specialists (PE, Music, Library) Science/Social Studies/Centers Technology

Alternative Kindergarten Programs -Hansen Alternative Program (H.A.P.) -Lincoln Options Program -ORLA Montessori -ORLA hConnect *Individual tables have detailed information about these programs. Hansen Alternative (H.A.P) Integrated, thematic learning -Emphasis on the arts -Fosters independence and academic rigor -Parental involvement encouraged -Multi-age classrooms (except kindergarten) Lincoln Options Program -Honor the Whole Child with a Developmental approach to Education -Project Based Learning (Integrated Curriculum including the garden, wetlands, and the arts) -Multi-Age Classrooms (including K-1) -Parent Involvement and Community Connections -Social and Emotional Development and Academics are equally valued -Focus on social justice -K-5 Spanish ORLA Montessori -Montessori students learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly -Learning is by “doing” in multi-age classrooms -Values students’ natural exploration & curiosity -Fosters independence, along with social responsibility ORLA Connect - Supports homeschooling parents - Over 100 onsite classes (K-12) in core content areas, fine arts, and physical education - Curriculum Resource Center – curriculum, science kits, learning games, etc. for use at home -Certificated teacher support; Excellent network for parents

Online Application and Paperwork The application process to register your child for the 2017-18 school year begins March 27, 2017 Individual school tables have detailed registration process summaries/dates.

Key Dates for Registration Apply on-line or Pick-up Registration Packet from school Families going to their neighborhood school - Return Packet Families going to an out-of-boundary school* - Sign-up on Waitlist Lottery for in-district, out-of-boundary applicants: Notify in-district families of lottery results: out-of- district families March 27 March 28 – May 30 Begins March 28 August (Lincoln & ORLA has their own school-specific process) Evening of Sept. 12 *Applies to in-district families who want to attend a different school, instead of their neighborhood school. Also applies to out-of-district families who want to enroll in the Olympia School District.

Registration Information contains: Families need to provide: Registration Form Student Housing Questionnaire Emergency Release Student Health Info Certificate of Immunization Status Transportation Registration Free & Reduced Lunch Info Home Language Survey And more! Families need to provide: Birth Certificate – student must be five years of age on or before August 31, 2017 Immunization Records and Health Information Proof of Residency (Example: a utility bill)

School Hours http://osd.wednet.edu/about_us/faq/school_hours Individual school tables have lists of all OSD elementary school start/stop times Early dismissal half day schedules are for conference week, report card preparation, and teacher collaboration

Early Entrance to Kindergarten If your child turns 5 between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31, 2017 and you want to consider early entrance on a districtwide space available basis – You will need: A letter of application for Early Entry Specialist screening fee (approx. $200)

24/7 access to student records Family Access http://family.olympia.wa-k12.net 24/7 access to student records and information

Tips for Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten Consult with your child’s Preschool teacher about current skills and potential future needs. Apply to register at your neighborhood school. Update all immunizations. Participate in your school’s welcome events. Continue to read with your child, engage in imaginative play, and point out environmental print and numbers. Play on your neighborhood school’s playground over the summer. For general preschool to kindergarten transition questions call 360-596-7530.

The McKinney-Vento Program This is a district wide program designed to support students experiencing homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act. This program: assists with paperwork removes barriers offers resources and referrals monitors rights Please contact the McKinney-Vento office at 360-596-6313 with questions.

OSD Schools and District Departments Represented in the Main Gym Olympia School District Elementary Schools OSD Kindergarten - General Information Family Access and Student Records School Nurse/Student Health OSD Volunteers English Language Learners Preschool and Special Education Communications Transportation Food Services Olympia School District Education Foundation (OSDEF)

Community Organizations Represented in the Main Gym YMCA/Y-Care Boys and Girls Club CIELO The Timberland Regional Library Sound to Harbor Head Start/ECEA ESD The South Sound Reading Association

Thank you for coming!