Hopkinton Public Schools Kindergarten Program

KINDERGARTEN PHILOSOPHY  Kindergarten is a critical year for children, as it represents the transition from preschool or home to formal schooling. The kindergarten program in Hopkinton builds upon children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm, and it is designed to meet the varied needs of our students. Our kindergarten program engages children in multiple areas of learning, including: academic skill development, cooperation, sharing, respect for self and others, respect for property, self-control, a sense of responsibility, and positive self-image.

KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM  The Hopkinton kindergarten curriculum was developed using the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and research- based educational practices. We embrace a hands-on, integrated approach that encourages children to stretch themselves and grow cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. We are committed to providing a kindergarten experience which fosters confidence in our students by helping them to realize their own capabilities and strengths as independent learners. The kindergarten year provides Hopkinton’s students with an enduring foundation for their future learning experiences.

Sample Schedule for Half-Day Kindergarten (HDK) 8:45-9:15 Morning Routine arrival, free choice time, journal writing (as year progresses) 9:15-9:45 Circle calendar, day tally, weather, message, news, poem, agenda, sight word review, Open Circle (1-2 times a week, circle and centers are shortened when we do social skills) 9:45-11:00 Learning Centers (Teacher directed small/whole group instruction and independent learning activities) Core Skills and Activities from Treasures and Everyday Math taught and integrated with science, social studies, and art Extend learning experiences by engaging in activities in the various work centers such as reading/writing, art, dramatic play, blocks Independently practice and generalize skills such as writing, counting, problem solving Work one on one with a teacher Cooperate with a classmate or work in a small group Snack and clean up 11:00-11:25 Thematic Story and Outdoor Time 11:25-11:30 Dismissal *On days with specials (library,pe,music), whole group/teacher directed instruction is provided.

8:55-9:15 Sample Full Day Schedule (FDK) Morning Routine - arrival, free choice time, journal writing (as year progresses) 9:15-9:45 Circle (LA and math integrated) calendar, day tally, weather, message, news, poem, agenda, sight word review 9:45-10:45 Learning Centers (Teacher directed small group instruction and independent learning activities)  Core Skills and Activities from Treasures and Everyday Math taught and integrated with science, social studies, and art  Extend learning experiences by engaging in activities in the various work centers such as reading/writing, art, dramatic play, blocks  Independently practice and generalize skills such as writing, counting, problem solving  Work one on one with a teacher  Cooperate with a classmate or work in a small group 10:45-11:00 Thematic Whole Group Story and Snack 11:00-11:20 Outdoor Time varies according to classroom schedule (may be before lunch or may be at end of day) 11:20-11:40 Shared Reading or Open Circle 11:40-12:20 Special Library, Music, PE 12:20-12:50 Lunch/Recess 12:50-1:00 Transition Time Put away belongings, Bathroom 1:00-1:20 Quiet Time Music, Relaxation, Books, Teacher Read Aloud 1:20-2:20 Learning Centers (Teacher directed small/whole group instruction and independent learning activities)  Reinforce math, language arts, science and social studies concepts  Extend learning experiences by engaging in activities in the various work centers such as reading/writing, art, dramatic play, blocks  Independently practice and generalize skills such as writing, counting, problem solving  Work one on one with a teacher  Cooperate with a classmate or work in a small group 2:20-2:40 Reflection Verbal sharing of day Author’s Chair 3:00-3:10 Dismissal

FDK and HDK We will refer to Full Day Kindergarten by using the acronym FDK and Half Day Kindergarten as HDK

KINDERGARTEN HOURS  HDK hours are: AM 8:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. PM 12:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.  FDK will be on the same schedule as first grade students: 8:55 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. FDK will be dismissed at 12:55 p.m. on all early release days.

School Year  We will be offering 3 sessions of FDK.  FDK class size will students.  HDK class size will students.

SPECIALS, LUNCH, AND RECESS  All kindergarten students will have music, library and PE each week.  FDK students will have a 30 minute lunch/recess period. FDK may have an additional recess period each day, as determined by the kindergarten teachers.  HDK will have a 30 minute lunch/recess period on six early release days during the year.

FDK LOTTERY INFORMATION  Expected class size will students per class.  Twins/triplets will be entered as one lottery entry per family. Therefore, the first 63 children whose numbers are drawn will all have a secure FDK space provided that the $200 deposit is received no later than 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11 th,  All FDK applications will be assigned a number before the Feb. 3rd lottery. After 63 children’s names are confirmed (through the lottery) the remainder of entrants will comprise our waiting list (in the order drawn).

Lottery Numbers  All student names for the FDK lottery will be alphabetized and assigned sequential numbers. 1. Andrews, David 2. Ayers, Thomas 3. Brooks, Susie (twin) 3. Brooks, Sally (twin)  In order to obtain your lottery number, you must Center School at with FDK Lottery Number in the subject heading and give us your child’s  Lottery results will be posted online by 4:00 p.m. Friday, February, 4 th.  Phone calls will be made to the first 63 families on Friday advising them of their reserved space and deposit deadline.

TUITION  At this time, Full Day Kindergarten tuition will be $  If you obtain a FDK slot, in order to secure your space, your 1 st payment (a deposit of $200) is due by 2 p.m. on February 11th.  If we don’t have your deposit by this time, you will lose your FDK slot.  Two additional payments of $350 (1 st and last month’s tuition) will be due, respectively, by April 1 st and June 1 st,  Remainder of payments will be due on the 1 st of each month beginning Sept. 1 st. There will be a total of 8 monthly payments from Sept. 1 st, 2011– April 1 st, Each payment will be for $350.00

ADDITIONAL FEES/INFO  Late fees will be imposed if payment is not received by the due date.  A returned check fee of $25 will be imposed.  Additional updates regarding tuition, fees, etc., will be provided to families as soon as more information is available.

HOW CAN YOU PAY?  The February 11 th deposit of $200 will be payable by check to the Hopkinton Public Schools with a note indicating FDK in the memo section.  Deposit checks must come directly to Center School.  Money should not be sent in with your child.  All remaining payments will be paid through the District’s secure online payment service (Unibank). This can be accessed on the District’s website.  Questions can be directed to the Center School Office.  Deposit checks (due Feb. 11 th ) may be dropped off in person to the Center School Office between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. or by mail.

REMEMBER: January 27th  All completed registration papers must be on file at the Center School office by in order to be included in the FDK lottery. This includes birth certificates, immunizations/physicals, and any other outstanding papers, pre-school forms, emergency contact information, etc.  To be in the lottery, you must have filled out the yellow FDK lottery application form.  If you change your mind and do not want to be included in the lottery, please notify us.

Parent Questions ? Contact Information Center School Office telephone # Hopkinton District website: Center School website: How to get your lottery number: with FDK lottery number in the subject heading and tell us your child’s name. Additional questions by