1. Novato Unified School District Kindergarten Information Night September 27, 2012

2. What will we cover tonight? Background of Novato Unified School District (NUSD) Transitional Kindergarten Kindergarten Description Curriculum and Standards Kindergarten Readiness Registration Nuts and Bolts Time for Questions and Answers

3. Background of NUSD • 8 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 2 high schools and 1 alternative education center • Neighborhood schools that provide a cohesive progression from grades K-12 • 8,000 students • Achievement for All-Our Call to Action • Technology • Communication and Collaboration • College and Career Ready

4. What is Transitional Kindergarten? • State-wide reform (SB 1381) • Shifts the kindergarten entry date over three years • Research based • Alignment with the nation • bridge between preschool and kindergarten for children turning 5 years old between August 2 and December 2 • NUSD Transitional Kindergarten 2013-14 • birthdays between October 2 and December 2. • children who may not be socially and/or academically ready • “Gift of Time” • build the necessary social and academic skills • focused instruction in literacy and numeracy and a strong emphasis on self-regulation and social engagement

5. What is Kindergarten all about in NUSD? Beginning of a journey for your child. Communication between home and school is essential in helping your child succeed. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning journey at home and at school. Assessments and teacher observations will be used to monitor your child’s growth and progress throughout the yearin order to prepare them for success. Kindergarten’s daily schedule includes whole group instruction and activities, small group instruction, and independent “hands-on” learning.

6. What will the curriculum look like? • Partnership for 21st Century Skills: The 4 “C”s • Communication: Sharing thoughts, questions, ideas and solutions • Collaboration: Working together to reach a goal – putting talent, expertise and smarts to work • Critical Thinking: Looking at problems in a new way, linking learning across subjects and disciplines • Creativity: Trying new approaches to get things done equals innovation and invention • Common Core State Standards (CCSS) • Preparing students for College and Career • Cohesive and Consistent • Higher Level Thinking Skills

7. How can I help make sure my child is ready? • Academic • Math skills - such as counting, number order, one-to-one correspondence • Early literacy skills - rhyming, any kind of play with ABC's and books, practice to write their names, trips to the library, read aloud • Play – make-believe and pretend play, encourage your curiosity, outdoor play is so important • Focus – tasks for 10-15 minutes, wait their turn, • Social and Emotional • Talk - frequently with your child about her interests • Play dates - Set up some play dates with other kids • Health and Wellness - regular health and dental check-ups • Empathy - build friendships and think about how others may be affected

8. Registration Nuts and Bolts • Kindergarten packets • Available online as of November 1st • Sites will begin accepting enrollment on November 5th • Parents must provide: • Copy of your child’s birth certificate • Copy of your child’s immunization record • Two forms of address verification • Forms to complete: • Student Registration Form • Declaration of Residency • Student Health Appraisal • Report of Health Examination for School Entry (completed by physician) • Oral Health Assessment (completed by dental professional)

9. Novato Unified School District Introductions Questions? Amanda Langford Elementary Curriculum Coordinator (415) 897-4269 alangford@nusd.org