Questions and Answers for Kindergarten Parents

Fall 2012
Parent Pamphlet for Full Day Kindergarten  | En Español | More Information

At what age can my child begin Kindergarten?

·   This year the cut-off date for Kindergarten will remain the same as it was in 2011-12.   Students who are 5 years old by September 30, 2012 may enroll in Kindergarten.

·    For the 2013-2014 school year, students must be five years old by August 31, 2013 to enroll in Kindergarten.

·   In 2014, the cut-off date for Kindergarten will be August 15th.  Children will need to be five years old by August 15th.

What are the hours of a full day Kindergarten?

• The school day is 7:45 to 2:45.

When does my child begin kindergarten? How does the staggered schedule work?

• Kindergarten students will begin a staggered schedule for the first two weeks of the school year.
• Your child will be assigned two days during this time in order to introduce them to the school routines in a small group setting.  
• Dismissal for staggered days only will be at 12:00 noon.
• The first full day of Kindergarten will be August 28, 2012.   This will begin the 7:45-2:45 school day schedule.

Will my child be able to ride the school bus?

• Students may ride the bus to school on days that are 7:45-2:45.   The bus will not be provided in the afternoon for students during the staggered days (the first two weeks of school.)

How will my child find the correct bus at dismissal?

• An adult will escort your child to their appropriate bus at dismissal.   Please communicate with your child’s teacher about bus transportation.

How will the full day benefit my child?

• The full day will provide more time to build a strong foundation to improve the academic, social, emotional, and developmental growth of your child.
• It will provide additional time for instruction, enrichment, and intervention.

Will there be time for snack?

• There will be time for a snack built into their schedule.   Snack will be handled slightly differently at each school.

Will my child have rest time?

• There will not be a designated naptime.
• We know that five year olds will need times for active learning, movement, quiet learning, and a variety of activities throughout the day.

How will teachers help my child adjust to a full day of school?

• Our teachers will do their very best to make your child feel safe and loved. 
• In order to make this transition as comfortable as possible for everyone involved, teachers will communicate with you when necessary.