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Welcome to Mountain View School

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  • Dr. Jill S. Pasquini-Torchia - Head of School
  • Judy Averill - Principal, PK-2
  • Heather Dean - Social Emotional Learning Coordinator 
  • Mary Pat Schmalz, Ilise Dempesy, Amy Skowron, Patty Bruso, Jessica Sico - Kindergarten Teachers
  • Jodi Alatalo - Literacy Coordinator
  • Julie Anne Levin - Curriculum Director

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Introductions

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

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Easthampton Public Schools

Mission

The mission of Easthampton Public Schools is to facilitate the academic, social, and emotional development of all students so they can lead full lives, exercise informed choice, and contribute to their communities.

Vision

We envision a future where Easthampton Public Schools are the heartbeat of our community, where all are accepted and able to authentically participate in academic, emotional, and social learning within a setting that is welcoming, inclusive, and adapted to the needs of all students.

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EPSD:

Our Guiding Principles

  • Demonstrating kindness, respect, and support towards each other, by appreciating the contributions of others, valuing diversity, and honoring ourselves and others through words and actions.
  • Working to create a community that is nurturing, inclusive, and equitable, by welcoming all and fostering a sense of belonging within our school community so we can overcome challenges together and work collaboratively toward our shared goals.
  • Engaging as learners who persevere through challenges, who see setbacks as opportunities to learn, grow, and demonstrate resilience.
  • Fostering awareness of our place within a broader global community, and recognition of our interdependence by promoting social, economic, and environmental justice.

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Our kindergarten program addresses the WHOLE child: academic, social, and emotional growth.

  • Kindergarten offers comprehensive programming including core classroom instruction, play, special education services, English language learner services and  intervention programs. 

  • Curriculum is aligned with Massachusetts State Frameworks.

  • A variety of assessment tools are used to measure growth in literacy and math.

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What information do I need to register my child for Kindergarten?

Families need the following to register: 

• Child’s official birth certificate – original with a raised seal (not hospital record) – we will make a copy and return the original to you. Your child must be 5 years old by 8/31/25.

 • Copy of child’s immunization record, lead test, and physical exam if available – required before starting school

• Proof of residency as outlined in the registration packet 

• Home Language survey 

• Release of information for previous childcare provider

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How do I register my child for Kindergarten?

  • Registration packets will be mailed to families on the city census list and will also be available at central office and the schools. 
  • Families can request the registration documents from Stephanie Fleury at Central Office at 413-529-1500 X123 or sfleury@epsd.us.  
  • Registrations will be accepted at Mountain View School on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 3:30-6:00.

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How will my child get to school?

  • Students living at least 1.5 miles from school are guaranteed transportation. 
  • Parents/Caregivers are expected to meet their child at the bus stop, otherwise the child is brought back to school (kindergarten year only). 
  • Information on qualifying for bus and bus stop times is sent out in August.

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What is Kindergarten screening?

  • Screenings assist teachers with understanding your child’s current level of performance and is a wonderful opportunity for both the teacher and child to get to know each other.
  • Kindergarten Spring Screening will take place on May 8 and 9 at Mountain View School.  A screening time will be selected on the afternoon of registration.
  • A fall Kindergarten screening will take place on the first two days of school. Your child will participate in literacy and math screenings given in a one-on-one setting by their teacher and paraeducator. You will be notified by mail in August as to the date, time, and location of your child’s fall screening. 

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When will I hear about the start of school?

  • You and your child will receive a welcome letter in August from your child’s teacher assignment. 

  • You will receive a list of supplies to bring to school along with information about classroom and school routines. Typically, we ask that children bring a backpack, a small healthy snack, a home lunch or school lunch money and a labeled change of clothes for the first full day of school.

  • Information about the cost of lunches, free and reduced forms and school lunch menus are on our websites and will be provided to families. 

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What are Summer Playdates?

In mid-August, PTO organizes kindergarten playdates for incoming students and families to meet one another and spend time at the school playgrounds.

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How can I be involved?

  • Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
  • School Council
  • Parent Volunteer Opportunities

We welcome the opportunity to work together to develop a home/school partnership & look forward to a wonderful start to your child’s academic career.

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Kindergarten in Easthampton

Three Elementary Schools:� Maple PreK – Grade 4

Center/Pepin K – Grade 4

Full-day Kindergarten

8:55am – 3:10pm

Currently 6 Classrooms:

2 at Maple, 2 at Pepin, 2 at Center

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QUESTIONS?