Kindergarten Orientation
Due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are unable to conduct a kindergarten orientation or visitations this spring. Please see the information below, which is typically provided during orientation.
WELCOME TO WATERBURY PUBLIC SCHOOLS KINDERGARTEN
We look forward to meeting you and your incoming kindergarten student! We hope you will find this resource helpful. If you cannot find the answers to your questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's elementary school.
MISSION
To inspire and prepare every student to be successful in and beyond school.
VISION
All Waterbury Public Schools students will graduate ready to transform their world.
CORE VALUES
Holds high expectations for excellence in teaching and learning
Committed to civility, honesty, responsibility and transparency
Committed to embracing a diverse community
Recognizes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of a high-quality education
Acts as stewards for community resources and managing our assets to ensure equity and excellence
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ParentSquare Regular communication with parents and guardians is one of the keys to student success at Waterbury Public Schools. Resources, such as our district and school websites, ParentSquare and school newsletters enhance our ability to communicate in an effective and timely manner. School-wide information will be communicated frequently through ParentSquare. Kindergarten teachers will be in regular communication with parents and guardians.
Preparing for Kindergarten
Below you will find some skills and behaviors your child can practice to help ensure a successful start to kindergarten. In addition, the State of Connecticut provides this What Parents Should Know About Kindergarten document to help answer your questions.
Practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others.
Practice self-help skills (using the bathroom, washing hands, dressing self, zipping zippers, buttoning buttons, cleaning up after self, using tissues and asking for help when needed).
Practice following simple directions and expectations.
Practice recognizing name in print. This will help your child find their cubby, coat hook, desk, etc.
Practice using scissors, glue, markers, pencils and crayons.
Look at books, listen to stories, practice nursery rhymes and rhyming songs.
Practice recognizing letters, letter sounds and numbers.
Try new things and interact with other children and adults.
Kindergarten Learning
In Kindergarten, our schools strive to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of students through:
Kindergarten Curriculum
Literacy and Math Centers
Morning Meeting and Circle Time
Lunch and Recess with Peers
Positive Behavior Intervention Support and Restorative Practices
A Typical Kindergarten Day
Kindergarten schedules will vary, but the typical day will include the following:
Morning Meeting/Circle Time
English Language Arts Whole Group and Small Group
Fundations (Phonemic Awareness & Phonics)
Science
Math Whole Group and Small Group
Intervention
Specials (Art, Music, Library, Physical Education, Computer Lab)
Recess and Lunch (20 minutes each)
Your child's teachers will share specific classroom schedules and routines as we approach the first day of school in late August.
Kindergarten Curriculum
Our Kindergarten curriculum is guided by the Connecticut Core Standards.
Wonders Reading - This program prepares students to be lifelong learners and critical thinkers. Weekly stories incorporate rich vocabulary as well as science and social studies topics.
Fundations - This program provides research-based materials and strategies essential to comprehensive reading, spelling and handwriting development.
Heggerty - This program helps students to understand that words are made up of individual sounds. When this foundation is in place, students will be poised for future reading success.
Ready Classroom Mathematics - This is a comprehensive core mathematics program that makes math accessible to all students and empowers them to connect to mathematics in new ways.
HMH Dimensions Science - Students will learn how to incorporate a constructivist science learning method involving five key phases, Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaboration and Evaluation, into daily science lessons.
Dress Code Policy for Elementary Schools
BOYS:
a. Pants or shorts in solid navy blue, white, gray, black or khaki; worn completely covering undergarments and no more than three inches above the knee.
b. Tops in solid blue, white, gray, black or khaki; button down, pullover, or turtleneck style with long or short sleeves and a collar.
GIRLS:
a. Pants, shorts, skirts, shorts, dresses, or jumpers in solid navy blue, white, gray, black or khaki; worn completely covering undergarments and no more than three 19 inches above knee. Note: Leggings, stockings or other stretch/form fitting leg coverings may only be worn under shorts, skirts, shorts, dresses or jumpers.
b. Tops in solid blue, white, gray, black or khaki; button down, pullover, or turtleneck style with long or short sleeves and a collar; worn completely covering undergarments, cleavage and midriffs.
ALL STUDENTS:
a. Optional solid blue, white, gray, black or khaki sweaters, vests, suit jackets or fleece may be worn over a dress code top.
b. Optional solid white, gray, black or khaki denim pants may be worn.
c. Shoes or sneakers must be worn at all times. Laces on shoes or sneakers must be tied. Sandals, clogs, flip-flops, heels or bare feet are not permitted. All shoes must have backs.
d. Gym Day Attire (Boys and Girls): Elementary school students may wear sweats to school on scheduled gym day. Sweats must be solid navy blue, white, gray, black or khaki. Middle school students must bring gym clothing to change into for physical education classes.
RESTRICTIONS: ALL students are not permitted to wear the following during the school day:
a. Blue jeans of any kind.
b. Leggings, stockings or other stretch/form fitting leg coverings unless worn under skirts, shorts, shorts or jumpers. c. Skirts, shorts, shorts, dresses, or jumpers worn more than three inches above the knee.
d. Pants worn at a length which is dangerous to themselves or others.
e. Hooded shirts or sweatshirts.
f. Clothes which are torn, ripped, ragged or have holes.
h. Outer coats of any kind.
i. Any article of clothing that covers any part of the face and/or head including but not limited to hats, visors, earmuffs, headbands, do-rags, bandannas, curlers, goggles, and sunglasses.
j. Footwear which is unsafe or a health hazard including but not limited to flip-flops, sandals, clogs, heels and all open-toed shoes.
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Kindergarten Registration Information
Elementary Schools - Click the arrow