By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
Students preparing for kindergarten have opportunities that will help them transition smoothly into the new environment, according to Dayton/Deans Principal Denise Touhey.
”For incoming kindergarten students obviously this is a big transition,” Ms. Touhey said.
According to Ms. Touhey, incoming kindergartners attended an orientation program in July in their corresponding elementary schools, which allowed them to meet with the teachers and see their classrooms. Also, the teachers were able to start to get to know the incoming students.
Ms. Touhey said that parents will be receiving a letter in the mail around Aug. 15 which will outline specific back to school information for the first-time students such as a supply list and letting them know who their teacher will be. She said that a letter from the principal will also be enclosed.
In addition, Ms. Touhey said that a “Kindergarten Prep Program” is available for incoming students, and parents are highly encouraged by the district to participate.
”The week of Aug. 20-24, the district is offering a kindergarten prep program,” Ms. Touhey said. “Parents are encouraged to sign up for that through the Community Education (program).”
The Kindergarten Prep Program has been in the district for 13 years and offers a hands-on experience for incoming students to experience a typical day in the classroom prior to the start of the school year.
According to Ms. Touhey, the program costs $104, but a “sliding scale for tuition may be applied for if a family faces financial difficulties.”
”It is really a chance for a smaller environment because it’s just kindergartners in the building and it is a great opportunity for children to get ready for kindergarten,” Ms. Touhey said.
The deadline to sign up incoming students is Aug. 15, but Ms. Touhey encourages all parents to inquire beyond the deadline, and the form for the Kindergarten Prep Program can be downloaded from the district website.
Also, parents have until Aug. 24 to complete the new student registration at Brooks Crossing Elementary School, according to Ms. Touhey. She said that it is highly recommended to schedule an appointment from Monday-Wednesday.
After parents complete the new student registration, they must go to their own designated elementary school, if it is different, to register their child as well.
Ms. Touhey said that when students first enter kindergarten, teachers will contact parents through the ‘Wishes and Dreams’ program. This is an opportunity for parents to conference with their child’s teacher on the goals they have for their child during the year.
The curriculum for a typical kindergarten student is developing balanced literacy, which includes one-on-one, large group, instructional, and partner reading time according to Ms. Touhey. She said that students will also be beginning Writer’s Workshop, where they will take their first steps as writers.
Ms. Touhey also said that the math curriculum will focus on students being able to understand numbers.
Students will also have science and social studies curriculums as well.
In addition to an academically inclined curriculum, students also have a hands-on social skill program.
”The school district adopted ‘Responsive Classroom’ which is a national organization that helps build communication skills,” Ms. Touhey said. “It gives kids the tools to speak to each other properly.”
Ms. Touhey said that all back to school information for kindergartners is available on the district website at http://www.sbschools.org.
”We hope we lay a great foundation (for students),” Ms. Touhey said.

