QA Report from K Webinar .xlsx

	A	B	C
1	Question Details
2	#	Question	Answer
3	1	This may have already been posted; the Zoom link on the website does not work, but the link in the email works.	live answered
4	2	Will we receive the recording of this afterwards?	It will be posted on the district website.
5	3	During the open houses can we bring our child(ren) with us? I've been told that in the past the kids could hang out with each other superwised by a few teachers while parents attended the open houses.	This depends on the school, but I believe most of the open houses are for adults only.
6	4	Is the 1925 the full year or monthly?	That is an annual fee.
7	5	What are the specific hours for half day vs all day?	8:50-11:50 is half day; 8:50-3:20 is full
8	6	$1,925 for the year - not per month?	live answered
9	7	What proportion of kindergarten students do half day vs. all day K?	Each school has approx. less than 5 half day students
10	8	Is it typically difficult to get a full day spot? Or is it available to everyone who requests and pays the tuition?	It is available to everyone who wants a full day for their child’s K experience.
11	9	Does half day have school on Wednesdays?	yes
12	10	Hi I missed first 10mins of the meeting. Can I get the recorded session?	Yes it will be available on the Kindergarten Information website tomorrow.
13	11	Do any of the 6 schools offer foreign languages? If so, which one(s)	Not at this time. Languages start at RJ Grey Junior High in 7th grade in A-B. We do all offer Language instruction for students learning English as a second language.
14	12	If you miss one of the open houses is there a way to book a private tour or will these be recorded? Specifically interested in McCarthy Town but will be out of the country for it.	We do not typically offer recordings of the school-based presentations. If you email the principal of the school you missed, they can sometimes set up a tour but it is dependent on schdules. Please email me and we can likely set something up. Thanks for asking.
15	13	Our son’s birthday is on August 4th, and I’ve been reading a lot about the potential benefits of delaying kindergarten enrollment. What are your thoughts on this? Are there specific indicators you’d recommend considering to determine if a child is ready for kindergarten, especially when they’re on the younger side? (I realize this is a BIG question to answer in a chat, so no worries if this isn’t an appropriate channel for it - I’m just curious!)	Any of us could talk this through with you during K tours. We sometimes talk about this with families at the K screening which will be set up for this spring. It’s easier to have it in person, as you mentioned.
16	14	if the kid register Gates elementary for K, does it go through lotary process?	I'm confused by your question, however I think you may be asking if I have a student already at Gates K, will be other child get in the school? The answer is yes.
17	14	if the kid register Gates elementary for K, does it go through lotary process?	If your question is about how the process works, you are not automatically assigned to your first choice of school, but if you're interested in Gates, I'd recommend putting it first on your priority list.
18	15	What is the established reading curriculum? Is the same curriculum (in terms of reading) used at all schools?	We use what's called the EL curriculum. It's rooted in the science of reading and it a high quality curriculum. We're in the second year of the implementation of this curriculum.
19	16	Will the specific school open houses go over the entire elementary curriculum or will it just be focused on kindergarten?	Typically the event focuses on the whole school K-6 experience. The curriculum programs used are the same across the district.
20	17	what i mean is if we prefer to have my kid registered for gates elementary for K is it possible it will be rejected?	All registrations that are in by March 31st will go through the lottery......in the registration, you will 'rank' your preferences.....yes, not all students get their first choice
21	18	Is it possible to drop kids off at school rather than take the bus?	Yes, you have the option of bus or parent drop off/pick up
22	19	If a child is enrolled half day, is there a chance they will miss instruction in a core subject every day?	We try to avoid this and schedule core content during the morning. They do end up missing some specials (art, music, PE, library) and enrichment/extension.
23	21	hi， what is the teacer-student ratio? Thanks	The current student teacher ratio in kindergarten is 18:1.
24	22	what were the rankings of school interest last year?	While I truly don't know the rankings of the school last year, but what I can say is that the popularity of one school over another varies every year.
25	23	Is the new unified curriculum (previous question) a new development? Meaning, I’ve heard that there were diffrerent English or Math curriculums per school in the past.	We implemented consistency in math and literacy curricula a few years ago.
26	23	Is the new unified curriculum (previous question) a new development? Meaning, I’ve heard that there were diffrerent English or Math curriculums per school in the past.	That is accurate. We have all shared a Math and ELA curriculum for the past 2-4 years. Prior to that each school picked their own curriculum/programs.
27	24	Do any of the schools keep the "class" together for more than one year at a time? Like the group for kindergarten continues on together to 1st grade?	Yes, the Merriam School has a 'looping' model
28	25	Is preference given to siblings with respect to enrollment?	Yes, in the registration, there is a place to add if the student has a sibling and which school they attend and if you want them to have that 'Sibling Priority'
29	26	Is there any fee for the bus based on proximity to the school?	No. There just might be a longer ride.
30	27	Are you locked into a school for K-6 or do kids change schools some years?	You're not "locked In" into a school and can request a transfer, but there's generally a waitlist at every school and you'll have to wait on the list until a spot opens up. Some students are not assigned to their first choice, however they decide to stay in their assigned school.
31	28	Does aftercare always occur at the school you are assigned, or are some students bussed for aftercare?	Children attend the Extended Day program serving their school - no bussing required!
32	29	Are half day students in a separate class? Can you change to full day if you start with 1/2?	Students in half day are mixed in with students participating in full day Kindergarten. I believe you are able to request a change to full day if you start at half day K.
33	30	do schools address how many spots are avilable after they guarentee legacy sibling spots are filled?	That is difficult to answer....we might not know until the end of the time frame for submitting a registration to be included in the lottery, so waiting to learn that information might be too late. It is such a rolling process.
34	31	is there play outside in the morning and afternoon at all of the schools? (or would be missed by half day students)	There is play in the morning at all schools for K students.
35	32	Related to the multiples question, if we have siblings entering the school system at the same time (K and 1st) will there be preference to get them into the same school?	Yes the district works to put siblings in the same school unless one has a disability that would require them to a specific program housed at a specific school.
36	33	Can we get after-school options after the Full Day school?	Community Education runs Extended Day programs serving students from all six schools, from school dismissal until 6 p.m. - we have a slide at the end of this presentation, and you can find more info on our website! https://abceabschools.ss14.sharpschool.com/extended_day
37	34	Who enters the lottery? Students who were not registered before March 31? or all students that applied for a school that does not have more sits?	All Kindergarten registrations, whether priority of not, if in by March 31st will roll through the lottery. Registrations after March 31st will be placed according to where there is space available.
38	35	Are the elementary school buses mixed grades? Or do Kindergartens get their own buses? What is the “off-loading” process like (how are the cats herded?)	The buses are mixed grades. Students sit with their grade level peers - k students in the front of the bus.
39	36	will we review after care in this session?	Yes, at the end of the information about the school day/registration process there will be information about Extended Day.
40	37	If we are unable to make one of the open houses, is there a way to schedule a personal tour?	Private tours are not typically offered. Many schoools post information on their website after the Open Houses.
41	38	Are there adult monitors on the bus?	There are not adult monitors on the bus.
42	39	If a child scores very high on the screening, is there an option to skip to first grade?	This is generally not an option.
43	40	Just want to say thanks for the great presentation and answers to questions in the chat!	Of course! We look forward to working with you to register your child!
44	41	How is the position on the waitlist determined?	live answered
45	42	My son wants to know if all the buses are yellow or if there are any rainbow buses	There are, unfortunately, not any rainbow buses!
46	43	to confirm the cost for all day - is the deposit/fee the only charge, or is there more due later?	The fee is paid over a 10 mo period or in full.
47	44	Are there confirmed plans for Conant or Blanchard to undergo renovations in the next 10 years?	There are no confirmed plans for Conant or Blanchard to undergo renovations.
48	45	how long are open houses at each school?	1.5 hours
49	46	Can you please reconfirm the full day kindergarten fees?	$1925 (approximately)
50	47	If we miss the open house for whatever reason, will it be possible to request another?	There is only one opportunity to attend an open house for each school.
51	48	For before and after care is the bus route available?	No, we do not bus to or from Extended Day. Parents drop off before school in the morning and pick up in the afternoon/evening.
52	49	I hope the school bus drops off students for the all-day school.	Yes. The bus is available to all Kindergarten students for both full day or half day.
53	50	My son would also appreciate that :)	Love that!!
54	51	At what time will the registration open tomorrow?	around 7:00am
55	52	what is the tuition?	live answered
56	53	how much is the tution?	It has not yet been established by school committee for the 2025-26 school year. It is currently $1925
57	54	What happens if there a snow day when the open house is supposed to occur.	The next day from the scheduled day.
58	55	Do schools share school buses/routes?	Yes. Schools share bus routes.
59	56	Is there a website that tells differences in all the schools as we are new in the town?	Your best bet is to check out each school online to better understand the schools.
60	57	Due to after school classes, can we opt for bus in the AM and parent pick up in PM?	Yes.This is comon.
61	58	how much is the deposit?	The deposit will be the total amount divided by 10.....so 1/10th of the total (one month's fee)
62	59	Is there a waitlist for before and after care?	There is often a waitlist for before and after care, I would suggest registering early! That also helps us with planning/staffing.
63	60	What is the monthly tuition fee for All-day	It has not yet been established by school committee for the 2025-26 school year. It is currently $1925 for the year and $192 per month paid of 10 months.
64	61	Can you bus in the morning for the normal start even if the child is taking part in the extended day program?	No, sorry. There is no bussing for Extened day before school.
65	62	$1,925 annually is approx. 91% cheaper than preschool - thank you! :)	live answered
66	63	How competitive it is to get into the school’s after care program	We are limited by space and staffing so at times, waitlists are established. We recommend requesting care promptly upon opening of registration if you know you will need care!
67	64	Registering tomorrow vs. the day before the due date doesn’t affect your lottery chances right?	correct
68	65	Does it matter when registration occurs in terms of priority?	No, as long as it is in by March 31st, then it will roll through the lottery all together
69	66	how long before school starts are children allowed to arrive?	Students are to show up to school when it opens-8:35 AM. They should not arrive early as they won't be allowed in the building.
70	67	When do students have an opportunity to visit their new school?	They visit during K screening and K orientation which are two separate visits. K screening is this spring. K orientation is closer to the start of school in August.
71	68	Does lottery takes into consideration the neighborhood we live in?	Only if you have 'Walker Priority'
72	69	how do we sign up for busing?	It will be a check box in the registration
73	70	What qualifies as IEP ?	An IEP is an individualized education program that addresses a student’s disability.
74	71	Is there an overview of all the different school and what they offer that we can find onlione anywhere?	I'd suggest checking out each school's website.
75	72	Can you bus to school but then pick up at the end of the day?	Yes!
76	73	If we keep our child in a private school for kindergarten, can we still choose when we transfer for first grade?	live answered
77	74	To follow up on LItsa's question. So once the child finished school for the day and moves on to extended day, the parent has to drop them off and then come back to pick up after extended day is done?	Children go straight from school to extended day. Parents pick up by 6:00 pm.
78	75	Do you have any idea how many siblings of current students are in this pool of kindergarteners this year?	live answered
79	76	Is lunch included in all day kindergarten	Yes
80	77	Can you remind us how we learn if our home is within the safe walking distance parameters?	I believe there are perimeters in the School Committee info.....you can always select it in the registration and we will review along with transportation to determine if qualifies
81	78	Will registering earlier for Extended Day give you priority for a spot?	Yes, we enroll on a first come, first serve basis so strongly recommend filling our our pre-registration form promptly upon it's opening if you know you will need care
82	79	Does the school have any options for early drop-off?	Each school has an extended school day program. There is a separate registration process for these programs.
83	80	if we live within 1-2 miles, does my child qualify to use the bus?	Yes.
84	81	What is the definition of a SAFE walk?	Typically, under 1 mile with sidewalks. The Transportation Dept reviews and helps determine safety
85	82	Will Conant remain open for the foreseeable future?	As the principal of Conant School, I am expectng Conant to be openfor hteforseeable future!
86	83	What is the purpose of the DIAL screening? Or, what skills are assessed?	The DIAL screener helps us assess Motor, Academic Concepts, Language, Self-Help, and Social Development of the incoming students. It serves as an early screener of these areas.This time also serves as a time for K students to get to know a small group of their peers and their teachers. We also use these screening results to inform placement so we can have balanced K classes.
87	84	Please include the Q&A transcript as a download when your publish the slides and zoom recording.	live answered
88	85	How are the bus stop locations determined?	The transportation Dept determines the routes and stops every year depending on where the students live
89	86	How can we figure out the definition of a SAFE distance/walking route?	You can always reach out to the transportation department, as they help us determine safety
90	87	how is extended day prioritized?	We enroll on a first come, first serve basis. Enrollment opens to current families April 1, and will open to new families May 1 at 6 p.m. We recommend completing the form promptly if you know you will need care - we are limited by space and staffing and once capacity has been reached, waitlists are established.
91	88	Does CHECP pre-k students get priority into Gates and Douglas?	There is no priority to attend other schools within the Boardwalk.
92	89	Related to IEP, if a child needs advanced curriculum, is that considered eligible for IEP ?	It is not. An IEP is for students identified with a learning disability.
93	90	Are the test results (MCAS) of each elementary school available to review?	Yes, you can find this on the Massachusetts department of education website.
94	91	What is the cost for extended day? If one kid gets it can you guarantee our second kid does? Sorry if i missed this	Hi! Our 2025-26 rates are available on our website: https://abceabschools.ss14.sharpschool.com/extended_day. We enroll on a first come, first served basis with enrollment opening to currently enrolled families on April 1 and new families on May 1 at 6 p.m. We recommend completing that form promptly if you know you need care. Siblings would typically both get in simultaneously if both are in the same grade - sometimes if they are in different grades, one group may have space while another does not (only certain schools split students by age).
95	92	If a student arrives at 8:35 (the earliest time) what would they do (versus coming right at 8:50)?	Students enter their classroom and have breakfast and start their day.
96	93	What happens if you are away in May and cannot attend the screening?	live answered
97	94	is there after care for a portion of days per week, or do we have to committ to 5 days?	You do not need to commit to 5 days. We recommend you request what you need. Schedules do change over the course of the year, though it's not always possible to add additional days if we are full.
98	95	What about lunch? Do students have lunch at school? Is there a price?	Lunch is provided to all students. There's universal free lunch to all students.
99	96	If in lottery, we get a school that is 2-3 miles away as compared to the schools that may be closer to us(less than 0.5 Miles)…how would the decision be made in that case?	If the school closest to you is within Safe Walking, then you can choose 'Walker Priority' to that school and determination will be made if qualifies
100	97	what's the consequence if the kid fails the screenning	There is no consequence. If a student flags as needing supports, we use the screening information to provide extra support for that student.