Connecting to Kindergarten

When children enter school at age 4 or 5, they leave the home and preschool environment for the new adventure of school.   Working together – parents, preschool care providers, and Kindergarten teachers – we can make this transition a positive, healthy experience.  Upon entering Kindergarten, your child becomes a part of a new world in which she or he can explore and grow. 

School Readiness

Readiness means your child:

   * has a sense of self-worth

   * has a sense of trust, security and stability to be able to enter new situations and learn. 

   * can feel comfortable if s/he is away from you for several hours. 

   * is curious

   * can play with other children.

   * can play independently for short periods.

   * can listen to a story.

   * can use the bathroom by him or her self.

   * has the capacity to look and listen carefully and focus for short periods of time.

   * attend to and learn new skills and concepts.

When may my child begin school?

Children can enter school at the beginning of the school year if they will turn five years old by November 1^st of that year. Some children who enter school at age four are ready for Kindergarten; other children may not yet be ready.  You may not be sure if your child is ready for Kindergarten.  Talk with your child’s preschool teacher or the Kindergarten teacher before school starts to discuss any of these issues.  If your child has special needs,be sure to talk to the school and Kindergarten teacher before your child enters school.   Teachers and the school want to make sure that all children are successful as they transition to Kindergarten.

For those entering in 2012, children will need to by 5 by Nov 1, in 2013 children will need to be 5 by Oct. 1 and for 2014 and beyond, children will need to be 5 by Sept. 1 to enter Kindergarten.

Transitional Kindergarten Program

Not all children are ready for Kindergarten when they turn 5.  Because of this,

Black Oak Mine Unified School District now offers a Kindergarten Transitional program – a two-year Kindergarten experience for children who may not quite be ready for the full Kindergarten curriculum. 

Children who are 5 or will be 5 by Dec. 2^nd of 2012 may enter this program at the beginning of the school year; children who turn 5 after November 1^st may enter when they turn 5 may enter when they turn 5through the end of February 2013.  If you are interested in this option for your child, please discuss this with the school district personnel when you come to Kindergarten Round-up. 

A transitional year of Kindergarten means that your child will experience a positive socially and emotionally appropriate year and be exposed to the concepts and skills taught in Kindergarten at a pace that is appropriate for them.  Your child will then be fully ready for Kindergarten the following year.  We are very excited to offer this program to all families in our area.  For more information call Drew Woodall, Director of Educational Services at 333-8300 or Monica Woodall at Northside School 885-4079.

You are welcome to visit campuses throughout the district. Please call the school office just prior to your visit.

Thank You!