Kindergarten-Ready, Set, GO What can you do to help your child get ready for Kindergarten? The Screening Process/Calendar A Day in the Life at HCS Kindergarten

You can help your child get ready by using the following strategies: A.Bathroom Skills B.Basic Hygiene-nose blowing, hand-washing C.Zipper Skills D.Possessions’ recognition, make sure they know their own stuff-backpack, lunchbox, sneakers----- Labeling is a good idea E.Basic Social Skills- hands to self, taking turns, not taking things that don’t belong to them, sharing classroom supplies, listening, LEFT/RIGHT F.Reading Readiness---Using language properly to talk about things you and your child see or experience. Read to your child-talk about what happens in the story, encourage them to make predictions.

A Little Advice *Make this transition a fun and exciting experience. *If you are excited and looking forward to it, so will your child. Children pick up on your worried or unsure vibes. *Save your tears for when your child is out of sight. *If you need some extra support find other parents in your situation and have a celebration or a chat. *Take care of yourself and everything will fall in to place.

The Screening Process 1.Why do we do screening? A.We screen children using the BRIGANCE Development and Academic Assessment-It asks about number/letter identification, correct use of words, fine and gross motor skills, 1 to 1 identification. B. This screening gives us a baseline as to where the child is socially, emotionally and academically. It will help us to identify who might need some extra assistance in those areas. C. The #1 reason that we screen is to balance out the classes. Readers vs Non Readers, High Energy vs Low Energy.

The Screening Process 2.The Process: A.Everything will be in the registration Packet you will get at the end of this meeting so don’t worry about remembering everything. Your packet will be individualized based on what information we have already. B.You will call the school beginning tomorrow to set up screening appointments. C.Screening will be conducted on May 27 th and 28 th for students that are not in the TEECH program, if you need an alternative time please let us know.

Screening continued… D.Simultaneously-The Kindergarten teachers will administer the BRIGANCE to your child, you will meet with Mrs. Hoepf and/or myself, we will answer any specific questions and address any concerns you may have. We will also collect registration materials at that time. E. When your child is finished you will bring your child to meet the school nurse, Mrs. Houston for a vision/hearing screening. Mrs. Houston will also collect health forms and discuss any health concerns you may have regarding your child. F. The process takes about 20 minutes, it will be conducted in the kindergarten rooms and in the nurses office and we will have signs directing you around the school.

Screening continued… 3.Calendar/Timeline----Proposed – Very Tentative A. Screening Dates are May 27 th & 28 th, if your child does not attend the TEECH program. TEECH students will be screened during the times that they are here. B. Thursday, August 25th Open House 4-6pm.(based on the proposed calendar-not in stone) C. In August your child’s teacher will contact you to invite your child to a 1on 1 visit with them that will probably happen on the first 2 days of school, August 30th and 31 st. Their first day of school will be September 1 st. Your child will also get a calendar that they can open daily in anticipation to the start of school.

A day in the life of HCS Kindergarten Mr. Collins will speak about transportation AM Kindergarten- 8:40am to 8:55am— Children arrive on the bus and will be greeted by their teacher. PM Kindergarten- 12:40 to 12:50--- Children are greeted by a staff member and/or their teacher.

A day in the life continued… A.Once in the classroom children have what we call a day starter activity to work on, on their own. B.Circle time—calendar, weather, pledge, sharing, song. C.Centers– Various activities—shapes, math (Harcourt), language, colors, writing, handwriting D.Recess or PE E.Snack F.Reading/Activities, Projects G.PROPOSED-TENTATIVE Dismissal- AM Kindergarten- 11:25am PM Kindergarten- 3:20pm *Mr. Collins will speak about this*

Thank You!!!!!!