1. Welcome to Kindergarten at Guilford Lakes School
Denise Gravina
Cheryl Signore
Kate Willet

2. Familiar Friends at Guilford Lakes School
Principal - Jill Hale
Nurse - Maggi Paulsen
Office secretaries - Carol Denissoff and Karen Anderson
Social Worker - Liz Mancini
Literacy Coach- Jennifer Kennedy
Kindergarten Paras

3. Typical Schedule Morning Meeting & Number Corner Writers’ Workshop
Snack/Recess
Readers’ Workshop
Phonics
Read Aloud
Lunch and Recess
Math
Science/Social Studies/Current Events
Specials- PE, Music, Library, Computer Literacy, and Art
Dismissal
** Movement breaks included throughout the day as needed**

4. Kindergarten Curriculum
Workshop Model for reading and writing: mini lessons and individualized practice
Bridges Math: hands-on lessons and “work” places
Hands on Science and Social Studies- Science Investigations implemented by parent volunteers
Kindergarten Curriculum can be found here:

5. Differentiation
Differentiation means tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. Children at this age develop at different times - we provide support to meet their needs and help them reach academic success.
Target student needs based on assessments
Workshop model
Small group interventions with teacher, para, and/or reading specialist

6. Homework Reading at home daily
Sharing - show and tell something about a topic to encourage conversation skills

7. Communication Green Homework Folders-notices, dismissal changes, etc.
Newsletters
Classroom websites
Conferences in November and March - also, as needed
Progress Reports - January and June
District website

8. Safety in our School Monthly fire drills Lock down drills
Reverse Evacuation drills
Daily visit from Guilford Police officer
Dismissal

9. Social Skills Morning Meeting Lunch and Recess times
TOOKR Time with social worker
“Treating Ourselves and Others with Kindness and Respect”

10. School-Wide Mentoring
Each class is paired up with a class in an upper grade.
Reading Buddies
Digital activities
Work on curriculum related projects
School assembly partners
Improves peer relations

11. Helping Hands Training
You must be “Helping Hands” trained to volunteer at school
Schedule is posted on district website
Trainings take place late August-March
Can attend any training offered throughout the district

12. Parent Involvement Possible opportunities may include:
Writing/Reading Shares-your student shares his/her work with you
Science Investigations
As needed, for projects in and out of class
Mystery Readers
PTO Classroom Liaison
PTO- visit for information

13. Preparing for Kindergarten
Read to your child each day
Practice writing alphabet letters, lower and uppercase
Practice counting
Playtime and getting along with peers
Begin to establish bedtime and morning routines
Practice giving multistep directions
Practice self-care routines (bathroom, hand washing, etc.)
Practice full name, address, and telephone number
Practice shoe tying, zipping coats, putting on boots, etc.
Have conversations about your child’s daily plans

14. Save the Date
Bus Orientation: August 23th 10:30 AM (Bus lists and classroom assignments will be sent home around the third week in August)
Open House: Wednesday, August 30th - 2:00 pm
First Day of School: Thursday, August 31st
Back to School Night: mid September - date TBA

15. Thanks for coming! We look forward to meeting your children in August!
Questions??
Thanks for coming! We look forward to meeting your children in August!