My Childs School is: My Childs Principal is: My Childs Teachers are:

Catawba County Schools 828-464-8333 Website: www.catawbaschools.net Balls Creek Elementary 828-464-4766 Banoak Elementary 704-462-2849 Blackburn Elementary 704-462-1344 Catawba Elementary 828-241-3131 Claremont Elementary 828-459-7921 Clyde Campbell Elementary 828-256-2769 Lyle Creek Elementary 828-464-0299 Maiden Elementary 828-428-8769 Mountain View Elementary 828-294-2020 Oxford Elementary 828-459-7220 Sherrills Ford Elementary 828-478-2662 Snow Creek Elementary (number not yet available) St. Stephens Elementary 828-256-2570 Startown Elementary 828-464-1257 Sweetwater Elementary 828-327-3689 Tuttle Elementary 828-428-3080 Webb A. Murray Elementary 828-256-2196 Hickory Public Schools 828-322-2855 Website: www.hickoryschools.net Jenkins Elementary 828-327-3491 Longview Elementary 828-327-2070 Oakwood Elementary 828-322-1340 Southwest Elementary 828-324-8884 Viewmont Elementary 828-324-7049 Newton-Conover City Schools 828-464-3191 Website: www.nccs.k12.nc.us Conover School 828-464-9532 Shuford Elementary 828-464-1973 South Newton Elementary 828-464-4061 Thornton Elementary 828-464-2631
Produced by the Catawba County Partnership for Children March 2009

I hear, and I forget I see, and I remember I do, and I understand.

- Chinese Proverb
Special thanks to:
Members of Catawba Countys Ready Schools Task Force Catawba County Schools Hickory Public Schools Newton-Conover City Schools School Superintendents Catawba County child care centers, family child care homes, preschools, and half-day programs Catawba County Parents Catawba County Kindergarten Teachers Catawba County Public Health And credit is given to the following resources: Getting Ready for Kindergarten by the Transition to Kindergarten Project in Buncombe County Were Going to Kindergarten by Nash-Rocky Mount Schools Going to School How to Help Your Child Succeed by Sharon L. Ramey, Ph.D. and Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D. Ready Schools Task Force Catawba County Partnership for Children P.O. Box 3123, Hickory, NC 28603 Phone: 828-328-4848 Fax: 828-328-4551 www.catawbakids.com For additional information about Ready Schools: www.ncreadyschools.org

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Greeting: Kindergarten is Something to Smile About!.................................... 1 Section 1: Creating a Great Start........................................................................ 2 Registration .......................................................................................................... 3 Immunizations and Health Physical................................................................. 4 Much More than A,B,C, and 1,2,3..................................................................... 5 Approaches toward Learning ............................................................................ 6 Health and Physical Development .................................................................... 7 Social Development and Emotional Well-Being............................................. 8 Language Development and Communication ................................................... 9 General Knowledge .............................................................................................. 11 What about Math?.............................................................................................. 13 Self-Help and Independence............................................................................ 13 Section 2: The Home and School Partnership................................................... 14 How Can Families Create a Great Beginning?................................................ 15 How Can Families Help at School?................................................................... 16 How Can Home Be a Good Place for Learning? ............................................. 17 Some Good Books to Read, Library Information ......................................... 19 Section 3: KindergartenWhat is it all About?................................................ 20 Who is a Kindergarten Kid? .............................................................................. 21 Questions Parents Most Frequently Ask ....................................................... 22 What is Kindergarten Like?.............................................................................. 23 Tips for the First Day of School..................................................................... 25 Notes ........................................................................................................................... 26

Im Going to Kindergarten!

Who can answer my questions?

See the back cover for school contact information...

SKL-Z-FN

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What does my child need to bring to school?

When children enter Kindergarten, they experience a continuing step in their educational experience. Kindergarten is their first introduction to elementary school ... what a perfect time to emphasize positive attitudes toward school and encourage the development of success in learning new skills! There are many ways that children can be supported during the transition into this important stage in their lives. Families are the most vital support for young children. You are the key to successful experiences at school. We hope this booklet will help you achieve a good start for your childs education. We pledge to work hand in hand with your family to form a strong, supportive partnership for learning. We know that you and your child will discover that Kindergarten is truly something to smile about!

How will I send money for lunch or fieldtrips to school?

How do I know how my child will get to school?

What do I need to know about before-school and after-school care?

It will be ready for ME! Ill be a little bit scared. I am excited!

Will my child get a snack during the day? What about a nap?

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The following are suggestions to help make the first day a happy day! Set the tone that learning is good, fun, and important. Share with your child fun things you remember about school. Begin the going to bed/getting up routine at least a week before school starts so that everyone will be used to it by the first day. Make sure your child has a good breakfast or arrives at school early enough to eat breakfast at school. Label all personal belongings such as jackets and lunchboxes. Place any money your child takes to school in an envelope and label it with your childs name, the teachers name, the amount, and what the money is for. Make sure your child is dressed in clothing that he or she can manage by themselves at bathroom times. Provide a special place at home for school materials, such as backpacks, notes, lunch money, etc. Set aside a special time later that afternoon or evening to talk about the day. Tell me about your friends! What was your favorite part?

You are the first and best teacher for your child. Being involved in education will make a difference!

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By North Carolina state law, registration in kindergarten is open to children who turn five years old on or before August 31st. 1. Determine the elementary school your child will attend. Where do your neighbors children go? You can also visit an elementary school close to your home to determine the location of your childs school. Be sure to find out the date of kindergarten registration. 2. Bring the following items when you register: - Your childs Social Security card - Proof of residency (property deed, rental lease or utility bill are acceptable) - Your childs certified birth certificate with seal (photocopies and hospital certificates are not acceptable) - Your childs immunization records 3. Medical information (completed health assessment form), signed by a physician or the health department, will be required when you register your child for kindergarten or on the first day of school.

Kindergarten offers learning beyond the classroom. Fieldtrips offer children direct learning experiences in the real-world environment. Students may visit:

Museums Police Stations Fire Stations Dramatic productions Farms Libraries

Parks Airports Construction sites Bakeries Railroad stations

Guests are always welcome to share hobbies or occupations with classes. Students may meet:

Community helpers Parents and family members of peers Musicians Artists Storytellers

Dramatists Community leaders Authors Government officials

Following correct procedures will assure a smooth entry into school for your child. Please plan ahead.
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Do you have other ideas? Be sure to share them with your childs teacher! Exposing children to many, varied and unusual activities will enhance their knowledge and skills and create a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

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Kindergarten is a place that turns ordinary experiences into extraordinary moments of learning! Play is very important in establishing a learning environment for young children. Kindergarten provides developmentally appropriate spaces for movement, quiet time, and large group and small group activities. The kindergarten day includes activities and curriculum related to the following areas: Reading Center - supports access to many different types of books and opportunities for listening and storytelling. Art Center - affords an area for creative artistic expression and eye-hand coordination development through many varied materials. Block/Building Center - encourages building, designing, cooperative play and math exploration. Dramatic Play Center - presents an area for social interaction and role playing. This is where imaginations take flight. Science Center - offers an area for observation, experimentation and encourages curiosity. Writing Center - provides pre-writing materials, story dictation, bookmaking and exploration with print and illustrations. Manipulative Center - encourages active learning with games, pattern blocks, counting materials and other items that promote problem solving and mathematical exploration. Technology Center - provides learning through software aligned to the Kindergarten curriculum.

You will have to submit a completed health assessment form, signed by your childs physician or the health department, to the school when you register or on the first day of kindergarten. Your child must also be up-to-date on all required immunizations, including: 4-5 doses of DTP/DTaP vaccine (The last dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday.) 3-4 doses of polio vaccine (The last dose must be given on or after the 4th birthday.) 1-4 doses of Hib vaccine 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (The third dose must be given on or after 6 months of age.) 2 doses of MMR vaccine (The first dose must be given on or after 12 months of age.) 1 dose of Varicella (after 12 months and before 18 months)

North Carolina Child Passenger Safety Law

Effective January 1, 2005 A properly used child safety seat is required if the child is less than 8 years old AND weighs less than 80 pounds. Most parents and other caregivers will be able to comply by using belt-positioning booster seats for children between 40 and 80 pounds. The child must be within the weight range for the child restraint/booster seat and it must meet Federal standards in effect at the time of manufacture. Children may be secured in a properly fitted seat belt at age 8 (regardless of weight) OR at 80 pounds (regardless of age), whichever comes first. Placing the shoulder belt under a childs (or adults) arm or behind the back is both dangerous and illegal. Catawba County Public Health
3070 11th Avenue Drive SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-695-5800 www.catawbacountync.gov/phealth 4

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There is a lot of confusion among parents as to what skills really help a child in school! Study after study has shown that the major attributes that help a child adjust well to school are: Showing an interest in learning about new things Being willing to join in new activities and new situations Having good language comprehension skills Expressing ideas and feelings clearly most of the time Showing consideration for the feelings of others Taking initiative in planning and doing things Thinking of ways to solve problems Asking for help appropriately Being able to adjust when things dont go just right Learning from adult guidance

What will my child do for breakfast and lunch?

The school will provide you information about your meal options, including the costs, how to send money to school, and how to apply for free or reduced lunch. You will also need to get information about whether or not your school will provide snacks to your child.

What procedure do I need to follow if my child needs to take medication during school hours?
You should be given a school handbook that outlines the procedure. A doctors note is required for school personnel to be able to administer any medications both prescription and over-the-counter. The note must include the dose and time. No medication can be kept in a childs backpack or in the classroom. All medications are kept locked up in the school office.

What are the transportation procedures for bus riders and car riders?
The school office will provide school-specific information about the correct drop-off and pick-up procedure for car riders. The school office will also have a list of all bus schedules including pick-up and drop-off stops and times.

Along these lines, the National Education Goals Panel has identified five important areas of development to consider in determining how prepared a child will be for success in Kindergarten. They are:

Does our school have before-school and after-school care?

Approaches Towards Learning

Health and Physical Development Social Development and Emotional Well-Being Language Development and Communication General Knowledge and Cognition (Thinking)
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Many schools do provide before-school and after-school care for a fee. The school office can provide you information on some other programs that serve your particular school.

Will my child need any school supplies?

If any additional supplies are required, you will get a list from your teacher.

Most other questions will be answered in your Parent Handbook or through teacher handouts. However, if not, dont hesitate to ask!
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There is no typical kindergarten child. Each five year old is unique in his or her developmental process. Your childs kindergarten program is based on meeting the needs of the total child. Keep in mind that most kindergarten-age children:

It is important to understand how your child learns! Children who are successful in school enjoy learning. Support your childs exploration and curiosity. Recognize and praise attempts and efforts to help build your childs confidence. Your support will help your child learn to take initiative. Provide opportunities, props, and materials for your child to express creativity and imagination through a variety of avenues, such as art, music and movement, make-believe, and pretend play. Children learn best when they are having fun! Interesting and creative play is much more effective than rote memory routines.

Enjoy using their imaginations Remain quiet for only short periods of time Change friends frequently Love to talk and question Continue to develop eye-hand coordination Reverse numbers and letters frequently Enjoy running and jumping and moving their bodies Learn through touching, handling, exploring, and imitating Need routines Enjoy helping and accepting simple responsibilities Display curiosity Need to develop patience in waiting for their turn Enjoy artistic expression Learn best through play

Why children ask WHY so often

Children are genuinely curious about things that are interesting or perplexing to them. Your prompt response helps to teach your child that asking questions is good! They need to know that adults can be counted on to provide information, but its also okay to say, I dont know. After all, children also need to know that adults dont know everything. Help them to find the answer!

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Children must have their basic needs met for health, rest, nutrition, and feeling safe before they are able to learn!

Make sure your child has had regular medical check-ups and vaccinations. Regular visits to the dentist and daily tooth brushing are so important. Establish a bedtime routine and a certain time for bed to ensure your child gets plenty of rest (10-12 hours a night). Junk food is fine once in a while, but healthy foods build better minds and bodies! Encourage healthy eating by modeling it yourself, fixing nutritious, balanced meals, and having healthy snack foods in your home. Physical exercise helps your child to develop balance, strength, and coordination. It also serves as a release for all of that boundless energy!

Take your child to the park to play on the outdoor equipment When you have access to stairs, let your child climb up and down Provide opportunities for your child to ride tricycles, run, jump, hop, and climb

A happy place for learning! An environment of acceptance and trust!

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Here are some books to help you and your child get excited about going to kindergarten. You can check these and other books out at your local library! The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School (Stan Berenstain) The Berenstain Bears Go to School (Stan Berenstain) The Berenstain Bears Trouble at School (Stan Berenstain) Barney & Baby Bop Go to School (Mark S. Bernthal) Franklin Goes to School (Paulette Bourgeois) Never Spit on Your Shoes (Denys Cazet) Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire (Miriam Cohen) So What? (Miriam Cohen) When Will I Read? (Miriam Cohen) Will I Have a Friend? (Miriam Cohen) School Bus (Donald Crews) Carl Goes to Daycare (Alexandra Day) The Library Dragon (Carmen A. Deedy) Miss Malarkey Doesnt Live in Room 10 (Judy Finchler) Ill Go to School If (Nancy Bo Flood) Bus Stops (Taro Gomi) Chrysanthemum (Kevin Henkes) Off to School, Baby Duck (Amy Hest) Who Goes to School? (Margaret Hillert) When You Go to Kindergarten (James Howe) Three Star Billy (Pat Hutchins)

Bad Boris Goes to School (S. Jenkin-Pearce) Sparky and Eddie: The First Day of School (Tony Johnston) The Sweeneys From 9D (Ethel Kessler) My Teachers Secret Life (Stephen Krensky) Little Bear Goes to Kindergarten (J. Langreuter) Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show-off (Anne M. Martin) Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (Bill Martin, Jr.) When Dinosaurs Go to School (Linda Martin) At Preschool with Teddy Bear (Jacqueline McQuade) I Dont Want to Go Back to School (Marisabina Russo) How to Help Your Child Start School (B. Ryan) Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner (Amy Schwartz) My First Day at School (Ronnie Sellers) Miss Bindergarten Celebrates 100 Days of Kindergarten (Joseph Slate) Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten (Joseph Slate) A Child Goes to School Stein (Bonnet Sara) That Dreadful Day (James Stevenson) Amanda Pig, School Girl (Jean Van Leeuwen) Edward-Unready for School (Rosemary Wells) Timothy Goes to School (Rosemary Wells) Morris Goes to School (B. Wiseman) Alphabet City (Audrey and Don Wood) Poohs First Day at School (Kathleen W. Zoehfeld)

The art of making friends, sharing, cooperating, and getting along with others is a very important skill for children who are entering Kindergarten. The best way to help your child to develop these skills is through supervised play with other children. Plan opportunities for him or her to interact with children such as a playgroup, story time at the library, playing at the park, or inviting children over to your house to play. Talk to your child about what it means to be a friend and show your child ways to be a friend. Having a positive self image and sense of worth is critical for a child! Such well-being comes from receiving positive feed-back, encouragement, and guidance from the important adults in the childs life. The goal of discipline is to help a child understand acceptable ways of behaving so that he or she can grow to become self-disciplined. It should not simply be punishment. Young children need lots of support and reminders to behave in socially acceptable ways.

Contact your local library for more good books!

Catawba County Main Library 115 West C Street, Newton Phone (828) 465-8664

Ridgeview Library 706 1st Street SW, Hickory Phone (828) 345-6037 St. Stephens Branch Library 3225 Springs Road, Hickory Phone (828) 256-3030

Claremont Branch Library 3288 East Main Street, Claremont Phone (828) 459-9311 Conover Express Branch Library 101 First Street East, Conover Phone (828) 466-5108 Maiden Branch Library 11 South A Avenue, Maiden Phone (828) 428-2712 Patrick Beaver Memorial Library 375 Third Street NE, Hickory Phone (828) 304-0500

Sherrills Ford Branch Library 8456 Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford Phone (828) 478-2729 Southwest Branch Library 2944 Highway 127 South, Hickory Phone (828) 294-2343

Model the type of behavior you want and expect from your child. Remember to always let your child know you love him or her even if you dislike your childs behavior. Catch your child being good! Set a few simple rules. Be consistent! Let your child know it is OK to have feelings and help him or her express feelings with words. Assist your child in finding appropriate ways to deal with angry feelings. Give lots of hugs and smiles and spend happy times together!
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The development of language skills - listening, speaking, reading, and writing - is critical to your childs success throughout their school years and the rest of their lives. It is tied not only to reading but to every subject and everything they will learn and do in school. Effective communication is learned through meaningful experiences, not drill. Maintaining a childs home language is important.

Listening and Speaking

It is valuable for your child to be able to express in words his or her needs, wants, and some thoughts and feelings when your child starts Kindergarten.

Talk together - a lot! Listen carefully to your childs experiences, ideas, and feelings. Ask your child questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Describe things that you are doing and explain why or describe what your child is doing. Introduce new words to your child as you experience everyday things. Sing lots of songs and learn lots of nursery rhymes. Play fun games to practice listening skills, such as Simon Says.

Offer choices. Decisions on snacks to bring or clothing to wear to school are good places to start. Involve your child in measuring when cooking, planning the route for a trip, and reading a thermometer when discussing the weather. Look for shapes in your home and discuss the names of the shapes. Sing your favorite childrens songs. Encourage physical activities. Dont forget jumping rope, and throwing and catching balls. Give responsibilities for small home chores, and encourage independence. Provide opportunities for your child to play with other children. Set limits and rules for behavior in your homes and while visiting other places. Set limits for time involved in watching TV and playing video games. Hug! Praise! And say, I Love You!

I tried to teach my child from books. He gave me only puzzled looks. I tried to teach my child from words. They passed him by, oft unheard. Despairingly, I turned aside, How shall I teach this child, I cried. Into my hand he placed the key. Come, he said. Play with me.

- Parent Soup
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Reading

Your home offers many opportunities to engage your child in learning experiences that are essential in developing a successful start to school. Listed are a few suggestions. You are your childs first and constant teacher, so add ideas to this list!

Read with your child every day. Sometimes follow along the words with your finger as you read.

Ask questions and answer your childs questions as you read. Point out signs and other print in the environment such as cereal boxes, street signs, and the menu at the drive-through.

Listen to your child. Children have so many good ideas. Read! Read! Read! - Discuss what was read. Ask your child questions concerning what you read. - Visit the library and get a library card. - Tell family stories. - Repeat nursery rhymes together. - Share favorite poems. - Read signs, billboards, and advertisements along the highway, menus in restaurants, and labels on items in the grocery store. - Provide pencils, washable markers, crayons, paper, paint, scissors, and glue. Encourage writing - Provide a space for writing and materials to use (crayons, pencils, paper) - Let your child see you write and tell your child why you are doing it (grocery list, note to your spouse, thank you notes, etc.) - Have a place such as the refrigerator to display your childs writing. Ask thinking questions. Refrain from telling all of the information. Ask, What do you think?
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LET YOUR CHILD SEE YOU READING!

Writing
Your childs first attempts at writing may be scribbles. Do not discourage this! He or she is practicing communicating in this new way. Holding a pencil and making letters requires a lot of finger strength. Things like play dough, puzzles, scissors, and legos help develop those little finger muscles.

Invite your child to tell you about drawings or to read his or her note. Praise efforts. Respond to the message, not how it looks. Let your child see you write and tell your child why you are doing it. Display your childs writing with great pride!

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Children are born with a keen sense of curiosity and a strong desire to learn. Their interests and exploration should be encouraged. This is how they gain knowledge about their world. They also need many opportunities to think and solve problems. Young children develop concepts as they interact and work with materials, people, events, and ideas. I learn the properties of sand by pouring it, feeling it, and adding water. Take turns pretending to do something or making different expressions. Let the other one guess what you are doing or feeling. Provide some toys and materials that require thinking such as wooden puzzles, blocks, and things to sort and match. Provide material scraps, boxes, and other things from around the house to use for creative play and art. Work with your child on learning his or her first and last name, your name, your phone number, and your address. Talk to your child about the things that go together, such as socks and shoes and fork and spoon. Help your child learn some body parts like arms and toes and some things in your home such as bed, table, and chair.

Volunteering is a good way to increase your knowledge of school curriculum and activities. You are needed, and you are welcome! Visit your childs classroom. Ask your childs teacher the best method of communication with them. Phone? Notes? E-mail? Visits? What times are best? Volunteer to help in your childs classroom. Attend student performances and activities. Assist when needed. Join and attend Parent-Teacher Organization meetings. Participate in workshops. Join school committees. Attend family-teacher conferences. Communicate with your childs teacher whenever you see a problem or if a change occurs in your family. Dont wait! Let the teacher know right away. Communicate with the school whenever you see good activities occurring. Involved families create children who display greater positive attitudes toward school and more appropriate school behavior.

Expect success! Praise and encourage!

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By believing that your child can succeed, you are laying the foundation for a successful learning experience. Remember, You dont need a lot of time to do a lot of good! Reflect positive attitudes about school Share some of your familys good school stories. Be sure to remember Complete all necessary school forms Schedule the date and time for Kindergarten assessment at your childs school. Make a personal visit to the school Take a walk around the school with your child. Observe children, classrooms, the media center, cafeteria and outside areas. Meet the principal and other staff members. Understand transportation procedures Teach your child safety rules for the bus, for drop-off and pickup, and for walking to and from school. Label all personal belongings. Provide easy-to-use book bags. Prepare a routine to follow for school days Come to school every day. Be on time. Provide your child with a healthy breakfast. Establish lunch arrangements - choose in advance - cafeteria or lunch box. Deciding the night before will ensure a happy beginning in the morning! Go with your child on the first day of school. But remember, dont stay too long. Each child reacts differently to new situations. Communicate with your child concerning fears and anxieties about going to Big School. Be patient and positive. It will be alright!
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Assist your child in learning such concepts as hot and cold, in and out, and over and under, by describing those things as your child experiences them. Point out colors in the natural environment and let your child find colors that are alike and different in magazines, in your yard, etc. Introduce your child to the world around you by taking walks, visiting the grocery store, park, library, and other places in your town. Talk with your child about what you see.

The 5 Rs for Parents!

Make sure your child:
Gets plenty of REST Eats REALLY healthy foods Has ROUTINES and a schedule Attends school REGULARLY Is READ to every day Parents, you are more important in the life of your child now than you have ever been! You know your child better than anyone else does. You were your childs first teacher and you will always be the most important one.

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What about Math?

It is important for your child to begin to understand mathematical concepts. However, remember that math includes more than just numbers and counting. It includes skills such as comparing, classifying, and sequencing. Having real examples of items of different sizes, shapes, and weights for your child to explore will help him or her to develop a solid foundation for performing mathematical tasks throughout school and the rest of your childs life. Give your child the opportunity to sort things that are alike and different. Sort coins, socks, and silverware. Set up a routine or sequence for the morning and at bedtime. Help your child determine what comes first, second, third, last. Help your child to know his or her birthday and how old he or she is. Identify shapes in the environment and point them out to your child regularly. Your cracker is a square! Help your child begin to understand the concept of time using concepts he or she can understand, such as day and night.

Self-Help and Independence

Work with your child to learn to snap, zip, button, and tie so that he or she can take care of toileting needs and put on shoes and coats independently at school. If your child has not yet mastered all of these skills, help your child dress in clothing that he or she is able to manage. Help your child learn how to wash hands, use a fork and spoon, blow his or her nose, and toilet independently. Give your child responsibility for simple jobs such as setting the table, sorting socks, or putting away his or her toys and belongings. Provide your child opportunities to make decisions. What book would you like to read? Do you want to wear your red shorts or your blue ones?
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Good news - every child in every family has the power to succeed in school and in life, and every family member can help!

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