1. Kindergarten Orientation
Mills Park Elementary School
509 Mills Park Drive
Cary, NC 27519
Welcome!

2. Welcome to Kindergarten
Before school begins:
Health Assessments: DUE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st
Medications-along with a doctor’s prescription/note
Food allergies/ medical conditions
Your child should have a LARGE bookbag (no wheels), 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.

3. 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, informal observation, and assessments.
The assessments and observations guide teachers in planning appropriate and meaningful instruction.

4. No transportation, lunch, or specials provided
Staggered Entry Dates
August 28, 29, 30 (morning and afternoon session)
August 31st (morning only)
Morning Session: 8:30-11:00
Afternoon Session: 12:00-2:30
No transportation, lunch, or specials provided
Your child will only come to ONE assigned session
Meet the Teacher: Friday, September 1st
9:30-10:30 am
First day of school for the whole class: Tuesday, September 5th
Monday, September 4th is a holiday-Labor Day-No School

5. 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

6. Morning Message Incorporates a variety of academics:
Calendar (counting, sequencing, numbers)
Weather (graphing, more/less/same)
Reading (print concepts, read aloud)
Writing (names, numbers, daily message)
Songs
Calendar time provides an opportunity for many math (counting, graphing, number sense), literacy and science (weather) activities – integrate reading and writing

7. Literacy Centers Integrate ELA skills in these centers
Hands on learning
LetterLand
Phonics
Writing
Vocabulary

8. Writing Time Different types of writing:
Interactive Writing
Journal Writing
Writers Workshop
Creative Topics
Different types of writing:
opinion, narrative and informational
Writing basics/ conventions
Small group/ whole group/ individualized instruction

9. Fun with Math!
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

10. Science Properties Weather Animals 2 x 2
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

11. 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.

12. 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! 

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

14. Lunch Time in the Cafeteria
Each child will receive a lunch number…please help your child learn his/her lunch number. This number is also their computer log in that will carry with them through high school.
It’s a great idea to prepay by check in the cafeteria and use a lunch account ( You will receive your child’s number at Meet the Teacher.
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

15. 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!

16. 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.

17. 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