What To Expect the First Few Weeks

The first few weeks will be all about getting to know each other! Your child will be meeting new friends, teachers, and school staff! As they meet new people and learn new rules, their brain will be working in overdrive. Be prepared for your child to be a little more tired these first few weeks. It takes time to get acclimated to new routines and expectations.

How You Can Help
As you prepare your child to start school, begin thinking about your morning routine, car rider drop offs and/or bus pick ups. Think about what points during the day your child will need to be fully independent. From carrying their backpack to opening lunch containers, have your child begin practicing some independent tasks.

Here are a few ideas to practice: Put items into a backpack and zip it up, open a snack pack, and bathroom independence.

Reading books about school is a great way to help your child know what to expect, familiarize themselves with the rhythm of a school day, and talk about what he or she is looking forward to and what they may be nervous about.

Here are a few books your child may enjoy.

• • The Kissing Hand
• • Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!
• • The King of Kindergarten
• • The Night Before Kindergarten
• • How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?

A Glimpse at Kindergarten – Parent Zoom
MCS will be hosting a conversation on Zoom called, A Glimpse at Kindergarten. This is designed for first time kindergarten parents.

Please register for the Zoom here – https://bit.ly/mcskinderparentuniversity24

Why Phase-In?
We know Kindergarten is a big transition for our youngest students, and we don’t take that lightly. Your child will start by attending school for two half days before they begin a full day schedule. These phase-in days are designed for students to get acclimated to their new school, schedule, and build a sense of security within the classroom.

Kindergarten Phase In Schedule
Friday, August 9th – Half Day for Kindergarten Students with Last Name A-L
Monday, August 12th – Half Day for Kindergarten Students with Last Name M-Z
Tuesday, August 13th – Half Day for ALL Kindergarten Students
Wednesday, August 14th – Full Day for ALL Kindergarten Students

If your school begins at 7:30, dismissal on a half day is 11 a.m. For 8:30 schools, half day dismissal is at 12 p.m.

Upcoming Dates
Thursday, August 1 – Parent University for New Kindergarten Families via Zoom
Friday, August 9th – Half Day for Kindergarten Students with Last Name A-L
Monday, August 12th – Half Day for Kindergarten Students with Last Name M-Z
Tuesday, August 13th – Half Day for ALL Kindergarten Students
Wednesday, August 14th – Full Day for ALL Kindergarten Students