Kindergarten Parent Information
2022-2023

Arrival - Morning Meeting
English Language Arts (ELA)
- Phonological Awareness
- Phonics
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Writing
- Direct reading instruction
- Small group instruction - flexible and based on student needs
- Reading centers
Math
- Counting & Cardinality
- Operation & Algebraic Thinking
- Numbers & Operations in Base Ten
- Measurement & Data
- Geometry
- Direct math instruction
- Small group instruction - flexible and based on student needs
- Math centers
Lunch - 30 minutes a day
Recess - 30 minutes a day
Content (approximately 30 minutes a day - may be integrated in ELA and/or Math)
- Science/STEM
- Social Studies
- Health
Specials
- 4 specials per 6 day cycle- art, music, phys. ed., library
- 50 minutes per art/music/phys.ed. class
- 30 minutes for library
- 10-15 minutes for book exchange
- Art, music, movement, and physical activities are also integrated in the classroom
Technology - All students in MTSD are issued a 1:1 device, an iPad. The use of the iPad will be embedded throughout your child’s instructional day.

Return To Top

PBIS
Positive Behavior Interventions & Support

Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe

Teaching appropriate behavior in all settings
Interventions when behavior expectations are not met
Recognition when behaviors are met

Return To Top

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the school hours?
9:00 - 3:40 (doors open at 8:45)
Is transportation provided?
Yes, to and from school (unless your child is in the walk zone).
When do I find out about my child's teacher?
Teacher assignments will be mailed in August.
When does my child get to see his/her classroom?
Drop-in Kindergarten Open House is on 8/23/22. You may drop-in at this event midday OR evening time. More information will be coming soon.
When is the first day my child will go to kindergarten by him/herself?
August 24, 2022.

Return To Top

Kindergarten Check-In

We will do a quick check-in of your child’s letter and number literacy. This helps us develop an understanding of your child’s readiness skills.

We will contact families in the spring to schedule a check-in time. More information to come.

Return To Top

How do you know if your child is ready for kindergarten?

Is your child five years old on or before August 31?
Have you asked your child’s preschool teacher for input?
Does your child demonstrate readiness skills?

What are readiness skills we should look for?

Does your child know his/her:
birthday?
address?
basic colors?
phone number?
first and last name?
Can your child write his/her name?

Return To Top

What are some additional skills to practice?

Cutting with scissors
Self-control (hands & feet to self)
Working & playing cooperatively with others
Raising hand to participate
Listening quietly
Following directions

What are some things we can practice this summer?

Play
Talk with your child
Read with your child
Review the ABCs (lower and uppercase) and numbers daily
Encourage coloring and writing
Practice holding a pencil correctly
Practice making and playing with friends
Have a set bedtime
Practice getting dressed, zipping coats, and tying shoes
Establish predictable routines
Teach and practice good hygiene
Teach and practice good safety
Role play the first day of school

Return To Top

Kindergarten Storytime

More information on this storytime event for incoming kindergarten students to come.

Return To Top

The transportation/safety orientation is an opportunity for your child to learn important bus safety tips and learn about riding the school bus. The orientation typically takes place in August.

More information about the format of the orientation will be shared with you by your child’s building principal.

Transportation/Safety Orientation

Return To Top

How can you get involved at school?

PTO - You can see PTO events on your school’s website.
Volunteer - Visit the district website for information about how to obtain your volunteer clearances.
School Calendars - Calendars for each elementary school are available online.

Return To Top

MTSD Early Childhood Programs

Do you have younger children at home? Be sure to check out MTSD's early childhood
programs:

Plant the Seed of Learning - Birth to age 2
Grow the Seed of Learning - ages 2-4
Sprouting Learners - for children ages 3-5
Pre-K Counts (Owl Hill) - ages 3-5
Thrive To Five - ages 3-5
STEM Starts Now - Birth to age 5 - online digital STEM program

More information about early learning at Manheim Township can be found on our website at this link:
https://www.mtwp.net/community/mt-early-childhood-education/

Return To Top