Farmington STEAM Academy�WELCOME�“Countdown to Kindergarten”�2024

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Principal: Dave Beazley

Assistant Principal: Scott Schneider

Teachers: Hayley Adams, Danielle Johnson, and Pam Shillingford

Our Principals

Mr. Dave Beazley

Mr. Scott Schneider

Our Kindergarten Team

Mrs. Shillingford

Mrs. Adams

Ms. Johnson

Our Office Staff

Mrs. Clarissa Weaver

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Mrs. Jeanne Butman

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Ms. Regan Davis

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Countdown To Kindergarten

• Welcome
• Purpose of the day
• Assessment
• Intervention
• Differentiation
• Welcoming students
• Mrs. Shillingford
• Mrs. Adams
• Ms. Johnson

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�Farmington STEAM Academy (FSA)

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• S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)
• Project Based Learning & Project Lead the Way
• engages students in learning that is anchored in the context of a real world problem, question, or challenge.
• Student Centered (Inquiry Based Learning)
• Common Language
• Technology Integrated within Curriculum
• Student Engagement through best practices
• Parent Dedication/Participation in the learning Process

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Community: We learn together!

Exploration: We learn through inquiry!

Creative Solution-Seekers: We learn about the real world!

The Farmington STEAM Academy is an innovative community that inspires empathy, passion, and exploration to empower creative solution-seekers.

Kindergartners are BUSY!�

-Expectations are greater

-High academic standards

-Developing independent learners and collaborative problem solvers

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A Typical Day in Kindergarten�(The specific times and activities may vary…each week day may look slightly different.)

8:10 Morning procedures

8:20 Morning Meeting

8:45 Writer’s Workshop

9:30 Snack and Songs

9:45 Morning Recess (in the fall)

10:00 Reader’s Workshop

11:13-11:58 Recess and Lunch

12:43 Special Classes (Art, Music, Gym)

1:23 Snack and Read

1:40 Math: Number Corner and Workshop

2:15 Learning Areas, Science and Social Studies

3:00 Dismissal

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SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Instructional Time = 305 Minutes

8:00-3:00 School Day = 420 Minutes

45 minutes Recess/Lunch; 40 Minutes Specials

ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONAL MINUTES

GRADES K-2

Each class will visit the Media Center once a week to check out a book.

We will also visit the Maker Space throughout the year for our PBLs.

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How can you help your kindergartner be successful for their first year of school?

Teach Independence/Responsibility

Be sure they know how to…

• Use the bathroom on their own, including buttoning and zipping pants, wiping, and washing hands
• Get coats on and off and hang them up including buttoning, zipping
• Take shoes on and off – velcro shoes
• Properly wash their hands
• Can open most food containers

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Be sure they know how to…

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• Cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze and cough
• Open their own food independently
• Eat neatly and clean up after themselves
• Listening and follow directions
• Take turns and share
• Clean up after themselves
• Pack and unpack their backpacks

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Develop Oral Language

• Ask your child questions
• Encourage your child to play and talk with others
• Provide opportunities for your child to have hands-on experiences in the world (pet animals, observe bugs, help with cooking)
• Balance T.V., computer, and video game time with time spent talking to others face to face
• Encourage your child to speak in sentences
• Ask your child to follow simple directions and encourage them to do many things independently.
• Encourage your child to express their feelings and ideas
• Continue to speak your native language at home

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Provide Early Literacy

• Spend at least 30 minutes per day reading
• Discuss the words in books, teach sequence and make up stories together
• Sing and read nursery rhymes
• Label common household items (refrigerator, door, stove, cupboard)
• Have your child to spell and write their name
• Encourage your child to write the letters of the alphabet

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Build Math Skills

• Count with your child
• Sort objects into groups
• Use comparative words with your child (heavier, shorter, taller, less, more)
• Build and look for patterns together
• Identify shapes with your child (square, circle, triangle, rectangle, etc.)
• Play simple games

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Was your child born between June 1 and December 1, 2019?

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Farmington Public Schools will be offering Young 5s Programming for our youngest learners for the 2024-25 school year.

• This free full-day program may be a great option for families with Kindergarten-eligible students (turning 5 by December 1, 2024)
• Giving your child the gift of a year help them grow academically, emotionally, and socially.
• They will still learn routines and curriculum, but with less students and more teachers.
• If you feel that this might be a good fit for your child, please complete the Young 5s Form on the district’s website. After you fill out the form, you will be contacted with more information about the program.
• If you decide to enroll your four year old child at FSA, there is a one page letter requirement that explains in detail how your child is prepared for kindergarten and the rigorous expectations.
• Please note we rarely have students repeat Kindergarten. If you are on the fence about starting Kindergarten, we encourage you to contact the Young 5s Program to get more information.

Example of August and September Staggered Start

1. Don That
2. Willy Makeit
3. Betty Wont
4. Sandy Beach
5. Sarah Bellum
6. Ben There
7. Harry Legs
8. Warren Peace

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9. Amanda Reckonwith

10. Hugh Betcha

11. Carrie Atune

12. Lily Ofthevalley

13. Jim Shorts

14. Kurt Landwarbler

15. Mary Way

16. Esther Bunny

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17. Cam Eralens

18. Red Robin

19. Marsha Mello

20. Will O'tree

21. Beau Hunting

22. Anita Hug

23. Freddy Frog

24. Greg Goose

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Everybody attends Tuesday, September 3rd 2024. This is our official first day as a class.

8/27

8/28

8/29

Why a staggered start?

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• Building relationships
• Easier transition
• Less intimidating
• Helps to build routines
• Allows us to assess

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As summer comes to a close:

• Start an earlier bedtime a week or two before school starts
• Have a bedtime routine; brush teeth, wash up, read stories, go to bed
• Lay out school clothes the night before
• Pack backpack the night before, do it together!
• Talk with your child about their snacks and lunch that you pack them, and practice opening them!

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Important Helpers

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Office Staff: P.T.S.A. Reps:

Mrs. Weaver Mrs. Turner

Ms. Davis�Mrs. Butman

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School Start and End Time

•Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

–Students can enter the building at 7:30 a.m.

–The bell will ring at 8:00 a.m.

–The students must be in their class and ready to learn by 8:00 a.m.

•Dismissal time: 3:00 p.m.

–Carpool Numbers

–Family Numbers

–Special K Numbers

•Staggered Start: 8 students per class

The first week of school

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Transportation

Kindergarten only lot

Serpentine lot

Not Open

Dismissal Procedure

• Be sure your child knows how they are going home each day!
• Think Tank Exit/Main doors (parents will park in two lines and teachers will bring students to your car)
• Cafeteria (parent will go through the serpentine lot)
• Y-Care
• Make sure your child(ren) have their number memorized.
• Make sure to display your number in the passenger window so any staff can help
• If your plans change, contact the office and email the teacher by 2:00 P.M.

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“You’re Farmington STEAM Academy Parents…

A part of a great team!”

•Farmington STEAM Academy is a special place because of all the wonderful support of our parent community.

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•We have families that have had several children attend FSA. They have a wealth of knowledge to share with you-so don’t be afraid to ask.

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•Be sure to join the FSA PTSA and attend the meetings! It will help you to be in touch with the “news and happenings” of our school!

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•Get in the action! There will be lots of opportunities for you to get involved with our school, you may even want to join a committee.

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•Volunteer Contract!

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�Blackboard

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As long as your information is correctly put into MiStar, you will receive school wide communication through Blackboard.

Put these on your calendar:

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• Keep an eye out for teacher letter and supply class list in August.

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• Meet the teacher date and our curriculum night date to be determined!

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• Friday, May 31st, Ice Cream Social 5:30-7:00 p.m. at FSA playground

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• Tuesday August 27th, first full day of school as a full class

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STEAM Store

https://www.farmingtonsteamspiritwear.com/

Y- Care

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Y-Care is available before and after school.

Use the following link to start the registration process. http://ymcadetroit.org/