Kindergarten Orientation Mills Park Elementary School 509 Mills Park Drive Cary, NC 27519 466-1466 Welcome!

Welcome to Kindergarten Before school begins: Health Assessments - THESE MUST BE COMPLETED ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Medications Food allergies/ medical conditions Your child should have a large bookbag, change of clothing (labeled), snack, lunch, and rest towel Supply List-will be with the staggered entry letter Talk about “quiet” time – kids do not have to sleep and length of time varies by teacher/class need Health asses. Are a blue form in the registration packet or you can get online. All medications needs to be authorized to keep on campus. Fill out form. No rolling bookbags and do not label supplies.

Before and After School Care Our school offers care before school from 7:00-8:45. There are teachers in the school who are in charge of the program. The fee is $96.25 per month. The Cary YMCA offers care after from 3:45-6:00 at Mills Park Elementary. Contact the Cary YMCA for more information and cost.

Staggered Entry Mills Park is a safe and fun place to learn and we’re so glad that you’re here! Smaller groups allow teachers to offer individual attention and support as children try new things. It’s a great way for the child to meet his/her teacher in a smaller, more comfortable setting. Informal observation and assessments are integrated throughout the day The assessments and observations guide teachers in planning appropriate and meaningful instruction.

Staggered Entry Dates Staggered Entry: August 25, 26, 27, 28 Meet the Teacher: Friday, August 29th 12:00-1:00 First day for the whole class: Tuesday, September 2nd

Our School Day Arrival Time: 8:45-9:15 Instructional day begins at: 9:15 Dismissal: 3:45 *Stress that kids need to be here and unpacked before 9:15

Morning Message Calendar time provides an opportunity for many math (counting, graphing, number sense), literacy and science (weather) activities – integrate reading and writing

Literacy Centers Guided reading groups offer children an opportunity to strengthen their reading strategies and skills in a small group setting Reading, writing, listening/speaking, manipulation of letters and words, application of independent skills with guidance

Writing Time Interactive Writing Journal Writing Writers Workshop Creative Topics Writing basics/ conventions Small group/ whole group/ individualized instruction

Fun with Math! We use the Math Expressions program! Our math program contains many “hands-on” activities, small group centers & problem solving experiences, so please do not be concerned about the lack of “papers” coming home!  Language is a big part of our math instruction

Science Wake County has 3 main science kits for Kindergarten children: Properties Weather Animals 2 x 2 Discuss possible “in-service” for kids, such as the “Weather Wizards” this year

Social Centers Each classroom has a time for social “play” centers. This is an important time for children to learn socialization skills, explore their environment and discover new things through the power of play.

Snack Time Please check with your child’s teacher regarding daily snack procedures. Please remember to send healthy snacks to ensure optimal energy levels and afternoon performance. Thank you! 

Specials Mills Park Elementary offers the following specials: Art, PE, Music, Technology and Media Center

Lunch Time in the Cafeteria Each child will receive a lunch number…please help your child learn his/her lunch number. They will be required to type this in. It’s a great idea to prepay by check in the cafeteria and use a lunch account!  Don’t forget to help your child practice opening containers at home – small items are difficult for little hands to open! *Ask Mike about prices

Recess Students will go outdoors for recess every day, depending on the weather. Please be sure your child has appropriate clothing for outdoor play. Please continue to practice using zippers, snaps and buttons!

Dismissal Please help your child learn their bus number or carpool number. Please do not walk up to the school during carpool for safety reasons – the line moves quickly and we want to ensure all children are safe. We have teachers available throughout the building to help with carpool and bus dismissal. Please send a note when there is a change of transportation for a particular day, week or the remainder of the year.

Thank you Thank you so much for your time and attention today. We are very excited that you have chosen to become a part of the Mills Park Community and we pledge to educate your child in a fun, safe and loving environment. We look forward to a great year, full of new beginnings and exciting experiences. Thank you for letting us be a part of this new adventure.  PTA – if available