KindiePrep to Kindergarten The Transition

APRIL 2016 Mission Statements

KindiePrep American Academy K-8 American Academy KindiePrep will prepare children with an early American Academy will achieve academic excellence through foundation for educational success, emphasizing a whole-child a challenging sequenced curriculum that emphasizes math, science, approach to academics, social-emotional development and technology, to provide our children with the tools to become and creative play. the leaders of tomorrow. Together, our students, faculty, parents, and community will cultivate character, civic responsibility, and intellectual development. Similarities and Differences

Similarities • It’s all about the children • Caring teachers and staff • Curriculum -- KindiePrep provides a taste of what we teach in Kindergarten • Building solid foundations of knowledge • Ability grouping and data tracking • Partnership with parents and teachers Similarities and Differences

Differences • Private preschool vs. public charter school • Class set-up and sizes • Office and visitation procedures • Daily schedule • Ability grouping and data tracking • Academic expectations • Communications Private Preschool vs. Public Charter School

KindiePrep is a private preschool • Tuition fully paid by parents • Student-to-teacher ratio required to be very low • Follows state rules and regulations for preschool

American Academy is a public charter school • Half-day tuition is paid by the state and additional full-day tuition is paid by parents • Report out to district on finances • Class sizes are based need for per pupil revenue and are larger, though not as large as a neighborhood schools • Not as many rules and regulations Class Set-up and Sizes

Typical KindiePrep Class Size • 3 year olds – 10 students • 4 year olds – 12 students

Typical Kindergarten Class Size • 23-24 (ability group numbers change based on level and need)

Typical 1st Grade Class Size 26 students

Set-Up for Kindergarten • 3 full-day classrooms • 1 half-day classroom (AM and PM) • 1 additional ability group classroom (for AM and PM math and reading) Office and Visitation Procedures

KindiePrep • State regulations require parents to come in and sign their child in to and out of school

American Academy • Kindergarteners must be dropped off in carpool o Carpool staff nearby to guide them to the correct classroom. • Parents welcome to volunteer by scheduling with teacher in advance o Must check in through the front office o Must wear volunteer badge at all times o Valid driver’s license required the first time • Parents welcome to talk to teacher o Please set up a meeting ahead of time • If dropping off item for student, leave it with front office -- staff will deliver to your child Daily Schedule

Full-Day Kindergarten Schedule Half-Day Kindergarten Schedule

7:35 am - 8:05 am Students arrive 7:35 am - 8:05 am AM Kindergartners arrive

8:05 am - 8:10 am Homeroom 8:05 am - 8:10 am Homeroom

8:13 am - 9:10 am Math 8:13 am - 9:10 am Math

9:17 am - 9:35 am Snack and Recess 9:17 am - 9:35 am Snack and Recess

9:40 am - 11:05 am Reading 9:40 am - 11:05 am Reading

11:08 am - 11:30 am Read Aloud 11:05 am Dismissal

11:32 am - 12:17 pm Lunch 12:35 pm PM Kindergartners arrive

12:20 pm - 1:05 pm History/Science 12:20 pm - 1:20 pm Math

1:45 pm - 1:53 pm Rest Time (gets shorter as year goes on) 1:20 pm - 2:41 pm Reading

1:56 pm - 2:41 pm Specials 2:50 pm - 3:15 pm Snack and Recess

2:50 pm - 3:15 pm Recess 3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Pack Up / Dismissal

3:15 pm - 3:30 pm Pack Up / Dismissal Ability Grouping and Data Tracking

KindiePrep • Modified grouping by observations • CPAA assessment • Three ability groups per pod • 24 students divided between 3 ability groups • Saxon Assessments are used for math leveling

American Academy • Kindergarten’s ability grouping is more defined by data • AM and Full day are split between 5 ability groups • PM is split between two ability groups. • Students are measured and placed in ability groups according to MAP, ISTATION and Dibels data • Flexible ability grouping so students change levels often NOTE: ability groups are determined by comparing data for over 100 students, so your KP child’s ability group will probably change in Kindergarten Academic Expectations

KindiePrep • More play due to developmental needs • State requirements for play

American Academy • Less play, more academics in classroom • Some repetition in content as in KindiePrep o Intentional and best practices • Homework • Grading through Infinite Campus o Parents will set up an Infinite Campus portal during the summer for access o Contact registrar (Joanie Wherry, [email protected]) for help • Attendance very important o Avoid scheduling vacations during school year! Communications

KindiePrep • Email and face-to-face contact time are the norm due to the requirement that parents walk children into and out of the building

American Academy • Email is best for communication and scheduling contact time with teacher • Conferences are a great way to communicate with the teacher. • Schedule parent/teacher meeting in advance through email • Dropping by not allowed - Structured classes and movement between classrooms - School safety rules and procedures Q&A Welcome to Kindergarten and thank you for choosing American Academy!