March 19, 2014 KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION BLACK KNIGHTS UNITE! WELCOME TO NEWBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL!

ABOUT NEWBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL… Mascot: BLACK KNIGHTS School colors: BLACK AND ORANGE Elementary school: Grades K-6 (K-3 in “tall” building, 4-6 in “shorter” building) Special’s classes provided to all students in the fine arts

PRIOR TO BEGINNING KINDERGARTEN AT NES… Know that we offer full day, all day, tuition-free Kindergarten Make sure to read over the pages of the brochure – all pertinent information is inside Take care of all immunizations

PRIOR TO BEGINNING KINDERGARTEN AT NES Return the paperwork next week to our PTO volunteers in the elementary lobby Most importantly, continue to READ, READ, and READ some more with your child

STUDENT SAFETY AND STUDENT LEARNING… TWO TOP PRIORITIES AT NES Please know that your child will be taken care of while at Newbury Elementary School. Their safety is of the utmost importance! AND That we are here to help your child reach HIS/HER potential!

BLACK KNIGHT RECOGNITION Students recognized for demonstrating our N.I.C.E. qualities

WAYS TO BECOME AN INVOLVED PARENT… Volunteer in the Kindergarten classroom Become involved with the PTO A great organization and example of how so much is accomplished when working together Volunteer to assist with classroom parties Participate or help plan fall, winter, and spring events Are always looking for assistance with the many fantastic events they support for kids

SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS Supervision available beginning at 8:50 AM each school day Recess, Lunch: at least two adults available at all times to assist with student needs

HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOUR CHILD? Working with each child to meet their academic, social, and emotional potential Title I Services in multiple grade levels (both Reading and Math) Reading remediation with trained personnel Targeted assistance with their grade level teacher in core subject areas

WILSON FUNDATIONS Research-based, quality program that promotes phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and handwriting Fosters growth in reading and spelling success of all through the development of sound and letter correspondence Supplement to the core reading curriculum

WILSON FUNDATIONS Meets a requirement of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee How does it function in Newbury? 30 minute lesson each day for all students that builds upon previous learning Double Dose for those students who need additional support

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING – THE NEW KINDERGARTEN READINESS ASSESSMENT A new way to measure what knowledge and skills school age children possess as they begin Kindergarten Will determine student’s academic, social, emotional, and physical abilities Results DO NOT dictate if a student is allowed to enter Kindergarten – simply gives us a starting point from which to grow

ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING – THE NEW KINDERGARTEN READINESS ASSESSMENT Assessment to occur over the first few months of Kindergarten Some tasks = performance-based Other tasks = individual with the classroom teacher Still other tasks = within a group setting Not to worry - your child may not even know they are being tested

STAGGERED START FOR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS Students begin by attending with half of their class Will attend school either Thursday or Friday during first week of school Provides us an opportunity to get to know your child and allows him/her to become acclimated with peers in a small group setting

TIMELINE OF EVENTS DateTimePurpose March 19, p.m.Kindergarten Orientation *Get to know all about Kindergarten at NES* March 26, a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. Kindergarten Registration in the elementary lobby *To turn in all paperwork obtained at Kindergarten Orientation* Early August, 2014 First week of August Letter mailed home requesting your child’s presence at a Vision, Hearing, and Language screening *Letter also provides details on the beginning of school* August 19 & 20, 2014 During the dayAppointments available for Screening August 21 & 22, 2014 All day, either Thursday or Friday Staggered start days for Kindergarten students August 25, 2014 All dayAll Kindergarten students attend school together

Let’s discuss the contents of the folder. *If you wish to receive a copy of this PowerPoint, please write down your name, your child’s name, and your address on the note card* **Reminder Make sure to review the Kindergarten Information booklet for school supplies, daily procedures, and what your child will learn.

IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO REMEMBER Mr. Dick Wagner – Superintendent Mrs. Kathy Markiewicz – School Secretary Mrs. Ruth Cavanaugh – School Nurse Mrs. Jennifer Dooley – Guidance Counselor Mrs. Victoria Ware – School Psychologist Mrs. Debbie Parr – Food Service Coordinator Mr. Drew Hinkle – Director of Special Education Mrs. Kim Sass – Director of Transportation Ms. Peg Revlin – Front Door Assistance

IN CLOSING… Contact information: Elementary Office: Craig Caroff – Principal

QUESTIONS?