Kindergarten Parent Information
2023-2024
Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Meeting:
March 9, 2023 | 6:30-7:30 PM | Nitrauer Elementary (811 Ashbourne Ave. Lancaster, PA 17601)
Building Contact Information
Brecht Elementary
717-291-1733
Principal:
Dr. Nicole Irish
irishni@mtwp.net- Bucher Elementary
717-569-4291
Principal:
Dr. Andrew Martin
martinan@mtwp.net - Neff Elementary
717-569-8502
Principal:
Ms. Travis Bash
bashtr@mtwp.net Nitrauer Elementary
717-569-4239
Principal:
Mr. Dana Schrodel
schrodda@mtwp.netReidenbaugh Elementary
717-626-1000
Principal:
Ms. Lindsay Capoferri
capofeli@mtwp.netSchaeffer Elementary
717-392-6797
Principal:
Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards
edwardel@mtwp.net
Requirements
- Age Eligibility: Children must be 5 years old on or before August 31st.
- MTSD Elementary Handbook outlines attendance policy.
How do we register for Kindergarten?
https://www.mtwp.net/about/student-services/student-registration/
Please upload required documents.
Health Services Information
- Certified School Nurse/Health Room Nurse
- Immunization Information
- Significant Health Concerns--contact the CSN
- Update Emergency Contacts
- Medications
- Health Services Web Page
What does the Kindergarten school day look like?
- 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.
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
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 walker 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.
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.
At this time, the format and timing of the check-ins is undetermined. More information will be shared with families at a later time.
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?
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
Kindergarten Storytime
The storytime event for incoming Kindergarten students takes place in the spring.
You can look forward to a storytime once you have registered your child for Kindergarten.
More information about Kindergarten storytime will be shared by your building principal.
Transportation/Safety Orientation
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.
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.
MTSD Early Childhood Programs
- Plant the Seed of Learning - Birth to age 2
- Grow the Seed of Learning - ages 2-4
- Sprouting Learners - ages 3-5
- Pre-K Counts (Owl Hill) - ages 3-5
- Thrive To Five )Community Action Partnership) - ages 3-5
- STEM Starts Now - Birth to age 5 - online digital STEM program
Click here to access more information about early learning at Manheim Township on our website.