Transition to Elementary School

Riding the Bus

For many kindergarten students, riding the school bus is an exciting new experience.

Families whose children ride the bus should plan to be at the bus stop approximately 10 minutes before the posted pickup or drop-off time, as travel times may vary.

An Important Kindergarten Rule

Kindergarten students are required to have an adult present at the bus stop to receive them at the end of the school day.

If your child will regularly be transported to or from another location—such as a daycare—families should complete the appropriate Special Transportation Form and return it to the Transportation Office.

Dropping Your Child Off at School

Families who drive students to school should follow the designated traffic pattern and staff directions.

Student drop-off takes place in the side parking lot closest to the softball fields between 8:25 AM and 8:40 AM. Multiple vehicles enter the unloading area together, and students should be ready to exit when directed by staff.

For safety:

• Adults should remain in their vehicles.

• Do not pass vehicles in the drop-off line.

• Do not park in the side lot to walk students across the drop-off area.

• Do not drop students off in the bus lane or front parking lot.

The first few mornings may feel emotional.

A short, confident goodbye often helps children transition into the school day more easily.

Picking Your Child Up

If your child will be picked up regularly, families may complete a Permanent Pick-up Form.

For an occasional pickup, families should send a hardcopy note in the student’s folder or contact the elementary office before 2:00 PM that day. Be sure to provide the full name of the adult who will be picking up the student.

Families should have a photo ID ready when picking up a child from school.

Consistent dismissal routines are especially helpful for kindergarten students, so make sure your child understands how they will normally get home.

Eating at school can be one of the most exciting—and unfamiliar—parts of kindergarten.

Elementary breakfast and lunch menus are available through the district website under Dining. Families can also apply for Free and Reduced School Meals when appropriate.

Money may be added to a student’s lunch account by:

• Cash

• Check

• Money order

• School Café

School Café also allows families to monitor lunch-account balances and view meals purchased.

A Helpful Kindergarten Tip

Before school begins, practice:

• Opening lunch containers

• Opening snack packages

• Using a straw

• Carrying a lunchbox

• Cleaning up after eating

A little practice can make lunchtime much less stressful.

Kindergarten attendance is important.

Consistent attendance helps children:

• Learn classroom routines

• Build relationships

• Develop academic skills

• Feel connected to their class

• Build confidence and independence

Families should communicate absences, medical excuses, late arrivals, and early dismissals to the elementary school office using:

esattendance@ccsd.cc

If a student will miss half a day or more for travel or an educational event, families should submit an Educational Trip/Travel Form approximately two weeks in advance when possible.

Good communication between families and school is an important part of a successful kindergarten year.

Classroom Questions

For classroom-specific questions or concerns, your child’s teacher is usually the best place to start.

Elementary teachers use Seesaw to communicate regularly with families.

General School Questions

For general questions, contact the elementary office: 570-784-2850 ext. 1000

If sending a note to school in your child’s folder, include the student's first and last name and avoid small slips of paper or sticky notes that may become lost.

The district’s Sapphire Parent Portal is an important tool for families.

Parents can use it to:

• Update phone numbers and email addresses

• Monitor attendance

• View report cards

• Complete online forms

• Manage other student information

Incoming district families may create an account after July 1, while families with older children may add their new kindergarten student to an existing account.

Keeping your contact information current is especially important so the school can reach you when needed.

Your child’s health is an important part of a successful school experience.

If your child needs prescription medication administered during the school day, families should complete the appropriate Medication Administration Form with their medical provider.

Kindergarten families should also be aware of required health and dental documentation, including the Dental Form referenced in the elementary information guide.

If your child has a medical condition, allergy, or other health concern that may affect the school day, communicate with the school nurse before school begins whenever possible.

Your child does not need to read, write, or do advanced math before starting kindergarten.

Some of the most useful skills to practice are everyday independence skills.

Before school begins, encourage your child to practice:

• Putting on and removing a coat

• Zipping a jacket

• Putting on a backpack

• Opening lunch and snack containers

• Using the bathroom independently

• Washing hands

• Blowing their nose

• Cleaning up after themselves

• Recognizing their first and last name

• Following simple two-step directions

• Asking an adult for help

• Taking care of personal belongings

Don't worry if your child hasn't mastered all of these.

Kindergarten is where independence continues to grow.

School counselors aren't only for older students.

At the elementary level, school counselors help children develop the social, emotional, and school-success skills they need to thrive.

A school counselor may help students with:

• Adjusting to kindergarten

• Making friends

• Managing big feelings

• Worry or anxiety

• Family changes

• Grief or loss

• Problem-solving

• Conflict resolution

• Coping skills

• School attendance or adjustment

Parents may also contact the school counselor when they have concerns about their child's social or emotional adjustment to school.

Nervousness before kindergarten is very common.

Your child might ask:

"What if I miss you?"

"What if I don't know anyone?"

"What if I can't find the bathroom?"

"What if I don't know what to do?"

"What if I get on the wrong bus?"

Try acknowledging the feeling while expressing confidence:

"It's okay to feel nervous. There will be grown-ups there to help you."

Avoid promising that nothing difficult will happen.

Instead, reassure your child that they can handle new things and adults will be there to help.

During the weeks before school:

Practice the Morning Routine

Wake up.

Get dressed.

Eat breakfast.

Brush teeth.

Put on shoes.

Grab the backpack.

Adjust Bedtime

Gradually move bedtime and wake-up time toward the school-year schedule.

Talk Positively About School

Instead of repeatedly asking:

"Are you scared?"

try:

"What are you excited to learn?"

or:

"What do you think you'll like about kindergarten?"

Visit When Opportunities Are Available

Orientation and school events can make the building feel more familiar.

Kindergarteners don't always answer:

"How was school?"

with much detail.

Try asking:

"What made you smile today?"

"Who did you sit with at lunch?"

"What was something new you learned?"

"What was the hardest part of your day?"

"Did anyone do something kind?"

"What was your favorite part?"

These questions often lead to much better conversations.

Families are an important part of the school community.

Parents and caregivers may consider:

• Joining the PTO

• Becoming an approved volunteer

• Chaperoning field trips

• Helping with school events

• Attending family activities

Families interested in volunteering should complete the approval process well in advance of the event they hope to attend.

School and district calendars are also available to help families keep track of important dates, special events, spirit days, and days off.

Before the first day:

• Create or update your Sapphire Parent Portal account.

• Make sure your phone number and email address are current.

• Know your child's regular transportation plan.

• Complete transportation forms if needed.

• Review bus-stop expectations.

• Complete health and medication paperwork if applicable.

• Review breakfast and lunch information.

• Practice opening lunch and snack containers.

• Establish a school-night bedtime.

• Practice the morning routine.

• Label backpacks, lunchboxes, coats, and other belongings.

• Help your child learn their first and last name.

• Talk about how to ask adults for help.

• Follow classroom communication through Seesaw.

• Review attendance procedures.

• Put important school dates on your family calendar.

• Take a picture on the first day, you'll want it later!