• Kindergarten Families,

    Welcome to kindergarten at Whitaker Elementary!

    I am writing to inform you of two initiatives designed to smoothly transition your child to kindergarten. One is Open House Orientation Sessions for kindergarten families and two, Staggered Start Days for kindergartners.

    Open House Orientation Sessions – The general open house night for elementary schools is scheduled for Thursday, August 24th is a very busy and active night with all grade levels in the building. Feedback from kindergarten families is that they need a more focused time, in a smaller setting with their teacher. In response, we have constructed hour-long sessions for parents to meet with their assigned kindergarten teacher in the classroom on August 24th. This format, earlier in the day and with approximately six families at each session, will allow you, your child and teacher the opportunity to address more individually your questions and aspects of kindergarten. Kindergarten teachers will contact you regarding session times.

    Staggered Start Days for Kindergartners – In an effort to ensure our youngest learners have the best start possible and build on the enthusiasm of beginning school, we will welcome students on a “staggered start” schedule. This means that your student will attend only one of the first two days of school.                     

    Girls will attend on Monday, August 28th.

    Boys will attend on Tuesday, August 29th.

    Attendance will be credited both days. Many of our students have never attended school for a full day. By providing teachers with a smaller group, we are able to orient them to school, get to know them and provide attention that is more individual. They will also be able to make initial relationships with classmates within the smaller group.

    Last year these transition initiatives were very well received and appreciated. They set the stage for our kindergartners as a whole group and your child, individually, to grow emotionally and intellectually. Please call the school if you have questions.

    In our learning,

    Sharon Creasy

    Principal