While grades 1-12 start school on Wednesday, September 3, Bremerton School District kindergarten students don’t start until Monday, September 8. This is because the elementary schools participate in the Kindergarten Family Connections - also known as Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) transition process.
During the first week of school for the District (next week!!), kindergarten students and their guardians are invited to the school to have an individual meeting with their kindergarten teacher. During this meeting, the teachers get to know more about each student. There will also be some time for students to see and learn specific routines of their classroom.
Kindergarten parents in the Bremerton School District should have heard from their child's teacher to schedule an appointment. If they haven’t, parents should contact their child’s school.
As the first day of school approaches, families of incoming kindergarten students may be focused on school supplies and emotional readiness. But beyond ABCs and 123s, a few often-overlooked practical skills can make a huge difference for a kindergarten student!
First, think about clothing independence. While adorable, outfits with tricky buckles, multiple buttons, or overalls can become a hurdle during bathroom breaks. Opt for elastic waistbands and simple closures your child can easily manage on their own. Practice using the restroom independently and good hand hygiene.
Next, master the lunchbox challenge. Does your child know how to open every container in their lunchbox? Can they easily peel a yogurt, unwrap a sandwich, or insert a straw into a juice box without a struggle? Practice these fine motor skills at home to make lunch time less stressful for our youngest learners.
Finally, empower them with backpack basics. Can they zip and unzip their backpack independently? Do they know how to put their folder or artwork inside without crushing it? These small acts of self-sufficiency build confidence and free up valuable class time for learning.
Finally, empower them with listening skills. It's incredibly helpful if your child is used to sitting down and listening to a story from beginning to end. This not only prepares them for classroom expectations but also, reading to your child is the most powerful thing you can do to help them learn to read!
These small acts of self-sufficiency and attentiveness build confidence and ensure a smoother, happier transition into their big kindergarten adventure!
We can’t wait to see all of our kindergarten students on Monday, September 8.
