Kindergarten includes instruction in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning, as well as hands-on and play-based learning.

Students participate in specials such as music, library, art, and physical education. 

A typical day includes:

• • Morning routine & calendar time

  • Reading & phonics lessons

  • Recess & snack time

  • Math instruction

  • Lunch & recess

  • Specials (art, music, PE, library, science)

  • Science or social studies activities

  • Quiet time or independent work

  • Afternoon centers & play-based learning

  • Pack-up & dismissal

Will my child take a nap?

• • While there is no official nap time, some classrooms may offer a short rest or quiet time.

Read more about Kindergarten in Kansas HERE.

Literacy & Language Development

• Identify uppercase and lowercase letters

• Recognize and produce letter sounds

• Use inventive spelling to write simple words

• Blend sounds to read simple words

• Identify and use rhyming words

• Recognize sight words

Math Exploration

• Recognize numbers up to 31 and count to 100

• Understand and use basic addition and subtraction

• Sort objects in multiple ways and identify patterns

• Understand “one more” or “one less”

• Identify basic 2D and 3D shapes

Social & Emotional Development

• Follow classroom routines and work well with peers

• Practice taking turns, sharing, and problem-solving

• Express emotions using appropriate words and strategies

Fine Motor Skills

• Hold a pencil, crayon, and scissors correctly

• Write their first and last name

• Use glue, scissors, and small manipulatives for projects

You can find the school supply list HERE.

Supply Tips:

• • Backpack (large enough to fit a folder)

  • Change of clothes (kept in backpack)

  • Water bottle (labeled with name)

  • Lunchbox (if bringing lunch from home)

  • Coats (labeled with name on tag)

Bus transportation

Check out the transportation page HERE.

Car riders

You will receive details from your school for specific drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Walkers/bike riders

Students should follow safety rules and use crosswalks.

How do I change my child's dismissal plan?

Notify the office or teacher in advance if your child will go home a different way.

Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence offers before care at early-start schools and after-school care at all elementary schools.

• More details, including registration information, can be found on the BGC website.

School start and end times can be found HERE.

Why is attendance important?
Regular attendance helps children build learning habits, make friends, and succeed in school. Missing school means missing valuable learning experiences.

How do I make sure absences are excused?

Call the school if your child is absent. Excused absences include illness, medical appointments, and family emergencies.

What happens if my child is late?

Late arrivals must be checked in at the front office before class.

What is truancy?
A student is considered truant if they have:

• • 3 unexcused absences in a row

  • 5 unexcused absences in a semester

  • 7 unexcused absences in a school year

Who can I contact with questions?

Your child’s school can provide more details and support regarding attendance policies.

• We welcome parent volunteers in the classroom and at school-wide events.

• Speak with your child’s teacher to learn about opportunities.

• School PTO (Parent-Teacher Organizations) are always looking for volunteers!

• Schools have secure entry systems – visitors must check in at the front office.

• Emergency drills (fire, tornado, lockdown) are practiced throughout the year.

How will I be notified of an emergency?

• • The school will contact parents via phone, text, or email.

Breakfast and lunch are served at all schools daily.

• View menus online at Nutrislice.com 

How do I add money to my child's lunch account?

• The Nutrition & Wellness Department uses an online meal accounting system. This system is a debit system, which means that you deposit money into an account and as the student eats, the meal charge is deducted from the account balance. Create a MySchoolBucks account to conveniently view your student's cafeteria purchases, check their account balance, and securely add money to their account from anywhere. 

I think I might qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals.  What do I need to do?

• Complete the online application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals:

  • Click HERE for Spanish, Arabic, French, Filipino, Vietnamese or Chinese-Mandarin applications.

Can I eat lunch with my child?

• Contact your child's school to get the details!

• Notify the school nurse and teacher about any allergies.

• Schools may have nut-free classrooms or tables for students with severe allergies.

• If your child has an EpiPen or medication, provide a doctor’s note and necessary forms.

• A School Nurse or Health Clerk is on campus five days a week to evaluate and assist students.

• If your child has a minor issue, they may receive basic care (e.g., bandage, ice pack) and return to class.

• If the injury is severe or your child needs to go home due to illness, we will contact you.

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher

• Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours

• Persistent cough, rash, or contagious illness (strep throat, pink eye, etc.)

Call the Lawrence Public Schools District Office at (785) 832-5000.