Dear Kindergarten Families,
We are excited to welcome your child to kindergarten! Beginning school is a major milestone, and we want to make the transition as positive, successful, and comfortable as possible for every student.
This year, our kindergarten team will be implementing a “Kindergarten Soft Start” during the first few days of school. The purpose of this plan is to help students ease into the school environment while also allowing teachers time to thoughtfully create balanced classrooms that best meet the needs of all learners.
Our goals for the Kindergarten Soft Start are to:
• Reduce anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed for students. These first few days help teachers get to know each student’s strengths and needs so they can create the best possible learning environment for everyone.
• Help children build comfort and familiarity with all kindergarten teachers and classrooms
• Allow teachers to gather important information about each child’s learning style, social interactions, and individual needs
• Create balanced classrooms that support student success academically, socially, and emotionally
• Ensure every child receives the best educational experience possible
What Will Soft Start Look Like?
During Meet the Teacher night, students and families will have the opportunity to explore all kindergarten classrooms and meet all kindergarten teachers. Prior to the start of school, each student will be temporarily assigned to a teacher for attendance and scheduling purposes; however, these initial assignments may change after the Kindergarten Soft Start period as teachers work together to create the most balanced and supportive classroom placements for all students.
At this time:
• School supplies may be dropped off and will be distributed to students once final classroom placements are made.
• Students will become familiar with the kindergarten area and teachers in a relaxed setting.
• Families will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the process.
What to expect for the first 3 days?
The first three days will still be regular school hours, with buses available for students that need them. Drop off and pick up will stay the same. Each morning students will start in their temporary classrooms for attendance and announcements, then break into small groups. Throughout the day all students will engage and participate in a variety of activities in assigned small groups that will allow teachers to assess the following, in order to create a more balanced and successful classroom environment.
Social/Emotional:
-Engaging with peers, sharing materials, taking turns, expressing emotions appropriately, handles frustration.
Communication/Listening:
-Speaks clearly Uses full sentences, Follows 1-step directions, follows 2-step directions, Listens in group
-Follows routines, Transitions easily, Cleans up materials, Stays with group, maintaining attention span (5–10 min)
Academic/Fine Motor:
-Holds pencil/crayon, Participates in counting, Recognizes letters/numbers Completes simple tasks, demonstrating fine motor skills
Students will be placed in permanent classes by the end of the day on Friday, August 21. Letters will be sent home with each child informing parents of their child’s classroom placement for the school year.
We will also host a Kindergarten Back-to-School Event, so parents have an opportunity to meet their child’s teacher and learn more about the year ahead. The event will take place on September 2 from 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Thank you for your support as we strive to create the best possible environment for all learners.
Kindergarten Teachers