Below you will find some Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten. Please click the drop down arrow on the question to see the answer. This is a lot of information all at once - please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.

What can I do to help prepare my child for Kindergarten?

I have a wonderful resource for you to use to help get your child ready for Kindergarten! Please check out the Kindergarten Readiness Bingo! Other things you can focus on to get ready for Kindergarten are Letter and Sound Identification and Numbers 1-10! 

What are the Arrival and Dismissal procedures?

Arrival: Buses will begin arriving between 8:15 AM and 8:30 AM. No drop offs before 8:15 AM, as the school will be locked until that time. Please be sure to watch for parking and drop off instructions from Mrs. Schall. Students will be directed by staff. Please say your goodbyes at your vehicles, as this routine will help to alelviate any separation anxiety that your child may have.

Dismissal: Dismissals will begin at 3:10 PM for pickups and 3:15 PM for those students riding the bus. As soon as you have your child, please make sure to exit the parking lot promptly, so that the buses can pick up those children that are riding the bus home. Again, make sure to look for more details in Mrs. Schall's letter.

Can my child get breakfast and lunch at school?

Breakfast and lunch will be free to ALL students this year. Individual milks will be $0.50. If students take a bag of fruit or veggies they will be able to get their milk for free.

However, you will still be receiving a form to fill out for free or reduced lunch. Please be sure to fill this out and send it back regardless of whether or not you are eligible. This form needs to be filled out and returned for school funding purposes.

Should I pack a snack and water bottle each day?

We ask that children bring in their own snack every day. I do have some extra snacks if they forget, but my supply is limited. It is also helpful if your child brings in a reusable water bottle. The water bottles will go home each day for cleaning.

Can I volunteer at school or in the classroom?

If you plan to volunteer at school or chaperone a field trip at any point during the Kindergarten year, you MUST attend one of the FERPA training meetings. If chaperones are needed for field trips, I will make sure to let you know that you're needed ahead of time.

How do I order books from Scholastic?

Almost every month I will be sending home a book order from the Scholastic Book Club. This book club gives you the opportunity to purchase books for your child at a very reasonable price. Also, bonus points are given to the teacher, depending on the amount of the order that month, to purchase books for the classroom. The easiest way to order books will be online through our Class Page - I will send this out via Remind each month.

Each year I try to raise funds so that I am able to purchase one book a month for each student to take home and keep. 

Should I send extra clothes?

Yes! I ask that you provide an extra set of clothes for your child in case of spills, accidents, etc. These can be kept in their backpack or in their cubby in the classroom. An extra pair of shoes is also helpful, especially in the winter. Make sure your child's name or initials are written inside of any clothing (especially both boots, hats, mittens, and snow pants, as those tend to get mixed up the most often)! Also, please remember to dress your child appropriately depending on the weather.

Please send your child to school in clothes that are comfortable and okay to get messy. Remember...this is Kindergarten! We get messy!

What do we do with the Take Home Folder?

At the beginning of the year your child will be provided with a school Take Home Folder. Every day your child will bring this Take Home Folder home. It will have a place for papers that need to be returned to school and a place for papers that can stay home. It also provides a place for you to send things to school: lunch money, notes to the teacher, bus notes, etc. Please check this folder daily and return it to school with your child the next day.

I am trying something new this year where student Take Home Folders will be kept inside a small binder. This small binder will also house other important information and materials that students can practice with at home if you'd like (it is not homework). More information to come about the binder system!

What does my child need to bring for school supplies?

Your child will need the following supplies for Kindergarten:

Please provide your child with a regular sized backpack to carry their things to and from school each day. They will need their backpacks and their Take Home Folder every day. Please send in only things that your child will be willing to share with the whole class. Tissues, Clorox Wipes, and individually packaged community snacks are always welcome!

Can my child bring toys to school?

Please do not send toys to school with your child. We cannot be responsible for lost or broken toys. It also keeps students from arguing over toys. Please refer to the Student Handbook for additional information.

What do you have for Specials?

We will be having Physical Education, Music, Guidance, and Art in Kindergarten. Schedules will be shared as we get closer to the start of the school year. 

Our PE teacher requests that you please have your child wear comfortable, loose clothing and sneakers on their PE days. If students forget their sneakers on PE day, they will have to sit out.

What are PAWS Tickets and the Carmel Cats Way?

The Carmel Cats Way is our school-wide initiative for behavioral expectations.

What is your Daily Schedule?

I will have a more detailed schedule available when we get closer to the start of the school year, but here is our daily routine.