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TK/Kindergarten Orientation

Heather School

April 25, 2024

Agenda

• Welcome and Introductions
• TK / Kindergarten Curriculum & Programming
• TK / Kindergarten Classroom Structures & Schedules
• Family Involvement
• Getting Ready and Next Steps
• PTA and SCEF
• Childcare and Enrichment
• Q&A

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Meet the Teachers

Transitional Kindergarten

Ms. Tang

Ms. Deal

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Kindergarten

Ms. Becker

Ms. Skadden

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Multi-Age (K/1)

Ms. Binagia

Ms. Kostainsek

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Principal:

Diederich Bonemeyer

dbonemeyer@scsdk8.org

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Digital Blue Folder

• InfoSnap = Please complete
• Calendar and schedules (SCSD Calendar 2024-2025)
• PTA
• SCSD Strategic Plan about the school and
• Immunization requirements

Transitional Kindergarten vs. Kindergarten

• Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - if they have reached 5 years of age on or between September 2, 2024 – June 2, 2025
• Designed to provide our youngest learners with the pivotal skills and experiences needed for success in school
• Social and motor skills
• Foundational academic skills

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• Kindergarten - if they have reached 5 years of age on or before September 1, 2024.
• One year program
• Focus on oral language development, literacy immersion, number sense, self-confidence, self-regulation and healthy attitudes about school and learning

Focus Areas Transitional Kindergarten

• Explore letters and sounds
• Write and recognize own name
• Listen and engage in a story
• Build interest in reading, writing, and vocabulary
• Recognize numbers 0-20
• Begin to count to 100
• Begin to compare numbers
• Develop number sense
• Ask questions and be curious about the world!

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A Day in Transitional Kindergarten

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• We listen to stories, read, and write!
• We practice handwriting and engage in fun projects!
• Transitional Kindergarten in SCSD

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Play-based Learning

“Play-based learning is an approach to curriculum and instruction that emphasizes the use of play to support children’s learning across all domains of development.”

Powerful Role of Play in Early Education CA Department of Education

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How do Kinder and TK Differ?

Kindergarten Curriculum

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• Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop
• Math in Focus
• STEMscopes Science
• Social Studies
• Project Based
• Second Step (Social Emotional Curriculum)
• SCSD Curriculum & Academics
• 2023-2028 SCSD Strategic Plan

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Schedules

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Wednesdays are Minimum Days (8:25 am - 12:25 pm)

“8:25 am Everybody Days”: 8:25 am - 1:25 pm

Special Activities

• Physical Education
• Art
• Music
• School Assemblies
• Special Events
• Star of the Week

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Attendance

• Every day Matters!
• When students are absent they can fall behind academically and socially. Students are defined as Chronically Absent when they are absent (excused or unexcused) for 10% (18 days) or more of the instructional days they are enrolled. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in the early grades are much less likely to read at grade level (Attendance Works, 2019).
• SCSD Board Presentation on Chronic Absenteeism (March 16, 2023)

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Home School Communication

• Class Newsletters and Blogs
• Class emails for reminders and updates
• Heather Headlines - Sundays
• District Emails
• Sharing student work
• Goal Setting Conferences in early October
• Report cards 3 times per year
• Email, phone or in-person conversations before/after school
• Volunteer opportunities

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Social Emotional Learning

• Coaching on social and emotional skills like self regulation, problem solving, identifying and expressing feeling
• Small Groups on Special Topics
• Playground Observation and Support
• Parent Support and Guidance

Colt Cards

Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS)

Colt Cards

Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS)

Opportunities for Involvement�

• In class help and field trips
• Art in Action assistance
• Classroom prep work such as copying, cutting
• PTA
• School Site Council/English Learner Advisory Committee (SSC/ELAC)
• SCEF (San Carlos Education Foundation)
• DELAC (English Language Advisory Council)
• SEDAC (Special Education District Advisory Committee)

What can I do to help my child get ready for TK & Kindergarten?

• Build responsibility at home (putting toys away, hanging up jacket, following the morning routine)
• Teach them to say his/her first and last name (and know their room number and write first name
• Independent dressing (socks, shoes, pants & jackets)
• Independent packing of backpack (able to put in lunch and folders)
• Independent bathroom use (wiping, changing clothes, etc.)
• Practice sharing with others, taking turns, following directions, joining in play

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What can I do to help my child get ready for TK & Kindergarten?

• Know their teacher’s name
• Hands-on play/fine motor development: coloring with stubby crayons and pencils, Legos, play-dough
• Read and talk about books together everyday
• Practice counting objects
• Practice cutting using safe scissors
• Have some knowledge of letters and numbers
• Talk about experiences to build vocabulary and background knowledge about our world
• Able to ask for help

Practice to Build Independence

& Social Communication Skills

-- Can I play?

-- I like this game, too.

-- What are you playing?

-- Want to play at recess?

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Practice to Build Independence

& Social Communication Skills

Sharing and Taking Turns

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-- Can I have a turn?

-- Would you like a turn?

-- Can you please share?

-- I’d like to try.

-- When you’re done, I’d like to go.

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Routines Matter

Sleep

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• Start at least 3 weeks before school starts

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• Aim for 10-12 hours of sleep each night

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• Screen and device-free bedroom�
• Reading and talking about books �every night

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What to Bring

• A “full sized” backpack
• A healthy snack and lunch
• A water bottle
• Safe, sturdy closed-toed shoes . . . no heels, Crocs, or flip flops
• Name on all personal items
• A clean body, a full tummy, and a good night’s sleep (10-12 hours each night)
• No toys or electronics from home
• No classroom supplies needed
• An extra pair of clothes if your child is prone to accidents
• An extra mask, pending guidance

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On the First Day . . . and Everyday

• Talk through the routine ahead of time
• Make it predictable
• Choose a “goodbye spot”
• Review the afternoon routine
• Say a quick goodbye with a confident smile
• End with a closing statement such as,

“Have a great day!”

Arriving to School� by Car

• Best Tip of the Year: Park off-site & “walk to school” (consider Highlands Park)
• Heather’s Parking Lot? Car Line or Find a space
• Never park along the curb
• Curb drop-off? Pull all the way up by the office before opening the door
• Only allow students out on the curbside
• Say your goodbyes before entering the lot
• Keep the line moving

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Important Things to Know

• Be on time: Academics start at 8:25am (or 9:25 am) sharp.�
• Attendance matters: Be respectful of regular and consistent attendance.

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• The district loses an average of $200,000 each year due to missed attendance, based on only a 0.5% - 1% drop in attendance rate each year.�
• Call or email the office if your child is out sick�
• Check the district calendar for No School Days and plan vacations accordingly.

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�Email copy of immunizations to jwood@scsdk8.org ���

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Kindergarten Round Up

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• Indicate preferred date for Kindergarten Round Up by Friday, April 26th by noon (email will go out by Monday (4/29) afternoon)�

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Kindergarten Round-up� May 3rd / May 10th

(Kinders only - Not TK)

• Friday, May 3rd

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• Friday, May 10th

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• A 30 min. small group session with 2 kinder teachers; brief assessment, gather some preliminary information to help build balanced classes�
• Schedules will be emailed home this week. Parents need to reply email to confirm time slot or email Ms. Wood to reschedule to a different time. (650) 508-7303

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Transition Kindergarten Round-up� August 12th or 13th

(TK Only)

• Monday, August 12th

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• Tuesday, August 13th

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• A 30 min. small group session with 2 TK teachers; brief assessment, gather some preliminary information to help build balanced classes�
• Schedules will be emailed home in early August. Parents need to reply email to confirm time slot or call the office to reschedule to a different time. (650) 508-7303

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TK Round Up

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• Indicate preferred date for Transitional Kindergarten Round Up by Wednesday, May 1st by noon (confirmation email will go out in early August)�

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• 8:25 or 9:25 “assignments” (mid-late June)�
• Classroom assignments via email (August 16)�
• SCEF New Family Social (early-mid August)�
• TK/Kinder Playdate (tentatively Sat., Aug 17, 10:00-12:00)�
• “Meet & Greet” (Tues, Aug 20, 10:00-10:45 am)�
• 1st Day of School (Wednesday, August 21)�
• Back to School Night (August 28) � �

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Kindergarten ONLY�August 21st - September 13th�“8:25 Early Bird Schedule” for All

• First 3 weeks of school will be on the Early Bird Schedule for all kinders: “8:25 Everybody Days”
• Community building & Learning routines
• 1:1 activity sessions in the afternoon for the first few weeks
• Teachers will schedule small group or individual assessments in the afternoons, starting at 1:20
• Teachers might ask for adjustments to student start times based on assessments, coordinating with parents, as possible
• Early Bird/Late Bird Schedule begins September 16th
• Remember, Early Bird/Late Bird schedules will be sent home in mid-late June.

Stay Informed

Heather Email Communication:

Parents will be automatically subscribed with enrollment�

School Website:

http://heather.scsdk8.org

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Stay Informed

Heather Social Media

• Like us on our Heather Facebook page

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Heather PTA

“Take a Second. Make a Difference.”

The mission of the Heather PTA is to build community, support teachers and staff, and advocate for our students and schools.

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Take a Second. Make a Difference.

• Join the PTA and even consider serving on the board.
• Partner with the school community to ensure an enriching, welcoming, and unparalleled learning environment that fosters creativity and promotes empathy, inquiry, and curiosity.
• Build community and meet other Heather parents.
• Participate in, and contribute to, important discussions that impact your children’s school experience.
• Advocate for an increase in funding throughout the state.
• Support our teachers and students.

San Carlos Education Foundation

“Supporting Every Child, Every Day, In Every Classroom”

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Corbie Kiernan

Heather SCEF Rep

Our San Carlos public schools benefit from strong parent engagement.  This includes volunteering on campus, becoming a member of your school PTA and supporting the nonprofit San Carlos Education Foundation

Your donations to SCEF bridge the gap between what the state provides and a well-rounded education.  Your donations support your school PTA and help provide school supplies and teacher grants, fund school activities like assemblies, libraries, music and community building events.

SCEF also funds educator positions to provide a well-rounded education for every student at every school every day.

Learn more at: www.scefkids.org

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Celebrating our Community, � Building Our Future

Parent engagement is critical to maintaining strong

San Carlos public schools. Your donation to SCEF supports� every child, every day, in every school.

Your donation supports...

• Teaching positions & professional development
• Mental health support, including counselors
• Electives and enrichment programs including our award-winning music programs
• Technology, devices, & online applications
• Principal flex funds
• Fund a need dollars to support site-specific needs

Make a donation today to help ensure a strong return to school in the Fall. Learn more at: www.scefkids.org

Afternoon Care Program

(3 or 5 Day Option)

End of School Day - 6:00pm

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ACE Provides After school care along with enrichment activities throughout the day. Including S.T.E.A.M, Makerspace, Project Based Learning (PBL), Cultural Programs and Activities.

K-Play Program

Early Birds - End of School-2:30PM Late Birds - 8:30AM- Start of School

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ACE’s K-Play program is an hour designated for Kinders only. Our K-Play program includes age appropriate activities such as cooking, art and movement that are specifically geared towards our youngest learners.

www.acesancarlos.com

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• 7:30 am to 6:00 pm�
• Provides before school and after school care�
• Breakfast Club, Kindergarten Care, and After School Care�
• Kindergarten Care: provides 8:20am care for late birds, and kinder play for early birds waiting for older siblings to be dismissed.��

Q & A

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Email Principal Diederich Bonemeyer: dbonemeyer@scsdk8.org