KENT CITY SCHOOLS

KINDERGARTEN HANDBOOK

2016-2017

Calendar Hearing Date: November 4, 2015

Board Approved: December 16, 2015

School not in session

Teacher Work days;

School not in session for students

Parent/Teacher Conference Day

New Minimum school year requirements:

455 hours = 1 “year” (half-day kindergarten)

910 hours = 1 “year” (full-day K, 1-6)

1001 hours = 1 “year” (7-12)

Early Release Day HS/MS ELEM.

Wed., Dec. 21 12:15 PM 1:00 PM

August= 11 student days & 13 Teacher Days

September= 21 student days & Teacher Days

October= 21 student days & Teacher Days

November= 20 student days & Teacher Days

December= 15 student days & Teacher Days

January= 19 student days & Teacher Days

February= 19 student days & Teacher Days

March= 18 student days & Teacher Days

April= 19 student days & Teacher Days

May= 18 student days & 19 Teacher Days

First Semester= 88 Second Semester= 93

Student Days = 181 Teacher Days = 184

KENT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

2016-2017 Calendar

AUGUST 2016 SEPTEMBER 2016 OCTOBER 2016

M T W TH F M T W TH F M T W TH F

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31

NOVEMBER 2016 DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY 2017

M T W TH F M T W TH F M T W TH F

1 2 3 4 1 2 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 9 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 12 13 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 19 20 21 22 23 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 26 27 28 29 30 30 31

FEBRUARY 2017 MARCH 2017 APRIL 2017

M T W TH F M T W TH F M T W TH F

1 2 3 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 7

6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 12 13 14

13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21

20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28

27 28 27 28 29 30 31

MAY 2017 JUNE 2017

M T W TH F M T W TH F

1 2 3 4 5 1 2

8 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 9

15 16 17 18 19 12 13 14 15 16

22 23 24 25 26 19 20 21 22 23

29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30

Convocation Day ......................................................................... Monday, August 15, 2016

Teacher Work Day ...................................................................... Tuesday, August 16, 2016

First Day for Students ........................................................... Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Labor Day ................................................................................ Monday, September 5, 2016

End of First Nine Weeks ............................................................. Friday, October 21, 2016

Inservice Day ........................................................................... Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Parent/Teacher Conferences . Mon. Evening, November 21 & Tue., November 22, 2016

Thanksgiving Recess ................ Wednesday, November 23 – Friday, November 25, 2016

End of Second Nine Weeks ............................................. Wednesday, December 21, 2016

End First Semester ........................................................... Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Winter Break ........................ Thursday, December 22, 2016 – Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Inservice Day ......................................................................... Wednesday, January 4, 2017

School Reopens ......................................................................... Thursday, January 5, 2017

Martin Luther King Day .......................................................... Monday, January 16, 2017

Presidents Day ......................................................................... Monday, February 20, 2017

End of Third Nine Weeks ............................................................. Friday, March 17, 2017

Spring Break ............................................... Monday, March 27 – Friday, March 31, 2017

Good Friday ....................................................................................... Friday, April 14, 2017

Roosevelt Commencement ............................................................... Sunday, May 21, 2017

End of Fourth Nine Weeks ....................................................... Wednesday, May 24, 2017

End Second Semester ................................................................. Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Last Day for Students ................................................................ Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Records Day ................................................................................... Thursday, May 25, 2017

Parent/Teacher Conference Day

School not in session for students

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DIRECTORY – ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS .............................................................. 1 KENT CITY SCHOOLS VISION .................................................................................. 2 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 2 ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 3 WHAT IS KINDERGARTEN? ...................................................................................... 4 GETTING READY .......................................................................................................... 5-6 YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH ............................................................................................ 7 Communicable Diseases .................................................................................................. 8-9 THE KENT KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

August/September Screening Program .............................................................. 10 Curriculum ...........................................................................................................10-11

WHAT TO DO ABOUT . . .

Absences, Classroom Visitations, Emergencies, Money, Parent/Guardian Volunteers, Safety, School Bus Procedures ..........................12-14

KINDERGARTEN WALKING AREAS BY STREET ................................................14-15 ORIENTATION, CONFERENCES, REPORT CARDS, CLASS FEE ....................................................................................................................... 16 BOOK LIST ...................................................................................................................... 17 NOTES ............................................................................................................................... 18

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DIRECTORY – KENT CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS April, 2016

DAVEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

196 North Prospect Street Kent, Ohio 44240

(330) 676-7400

HOLDEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 132 West School Street

Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-8400

LONGCOY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1069 Elno Avenue Kent, Ohio 44240

(330) 676-8350

WALLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 900 Doramor Street Kent, Ohio 44240

(330) 676-8300

KENT BOARD OF EDUCATION 321 North DePeyster Street

Kent, Ohio 44240 (330) 676-7600

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KENT CITY SCHOOLS VISION

We love and respect all of our students every day. They learn skills that prepare them for successful, productive lives.

INTRODUCTION

The Kent City School’s kindergarten staff have prepared this handbook to help children get the right kind of start in their school careers and to begin communication between the school and the home. This handbook outlines the kindergarten program, its purposes, and procedures. The important kindergarten year helps prepare a child for the more highly formalized schoolwork which will follow. Anything you can do to create a favorable impression about school, and show your child that learning is fun, is beneficial. You have been your child’s most important teacher. Your child’s first contact with school will be one of the most exciting events in his/her life! We look forward to having your child in school, and want to work closely with you. You will always be an important teacher and role model. When home and school are partners, children learn best. This booklet has been specially prepared to assist you in understanding our kindergarten program. Together, we can make sure your child gets off to a good start! If you have any questions not answered in this handbook, you are encouraged to call the teacher or principal for further information.

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ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

AGE: To be eligible to enter kindergarten, your child must be five years of age on or before August 1st.

REGISTRATION: Kindergarten registration takes place in April of each year at the four

elementary schools. The date of registration is publicized in the newspaper, school newsletters, and on the district web site. Parents/guardians must bring the following documents that evening: • Government issued picture identification; • Proof of Residency – Must provide TWO of the following documents

with parent/guardian(s) name(s): 1) Driver License or State Identification Card (will only be used if the

address matches one of the documents listed below) 2) Purchase Agreement or Rental Agreement; 3) Current utility bill; 4) Work record (pay stub); 5) Public assistance (e.g., check stubs, form); 6) Voter’s registration card;

• An authentic health department copy of the child’s Birth Certificate (hospital birth record not accepted) or Passport;

• Child's immunization records; and • Custody or guardianship papers, (if applicable). If student is not living

with both natural parents, court documentation is required. It must be time-stamped or sealed by the Court.

IMMUNIZATIONS:

Parents/guardians of a child who is entering a public school must comply with the state law. The Ohio Department of Health Immunization Summary for School Attendance is located in the packet titled “Health Information for All Children Entering School.” Any special health conditions should be discussed with the school nurse. Although not required, it is recommended that your child have a tuberculosis test. The health records, filled out by the family doctor, must show that the child has had immunization within the last five years. These records must be on file at the school along with the Emergency Medical Authorization form.

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WHAT IS KINDERGARTEN?

Kindergarten is frequently a child’s first contact with formal education. It is a place to learn many new things. In addition to specific academic skills, s/he will learn to:

• Get along with others, to be respectful, polite and fair.

• Explore new things and ideas.

• Plan ahead, ask questions and anticipate future events.

• Use new words learned from people, experiences, programs, books and pictures.

• Be safe, by taking part in safety lessons, fire drills and supervised playground activities.

• Share toys, games and experiences with others.

• Express him/herself with words, art materials, movement, music, etc.

• Listen to stories, to directions and to others.

• Care for self and belongings by going to the bathroom alone, hanging up clothes and putting toys and supplies away.

• Play fair, follow rules and take turns.

• Protect him/herself and know where to go for help.

• Care for living things, by giving pets and plants food and water.

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GETTING READY Your child’s attitude toward school is usually established long before he/she arrives that day in August. The following suggestions may help your child make a smooth transition into the kindergarten program.

• Talk about school as a pleasant future experience. It is reassuring to your child to have some idea about the friends he/she will meet and the activities he/she will participate in during the day.

• Help your child to think of teachers and principals as his/her friends. • Show your child the school and the playground area. • Read many stories and rhymes so your child will know the joy that comes from books.

Take him/her to the library. • Provide many experiences in meeting others, both adult and children, and allow him/her

to be away from you at least for short periods of time. • Encourage him/her to listen when others speak.

Children in kindergarten are physically, mentally, and emotionally in many different stages of development. Therefore, it is often difficult to define specific skills that all children are able to perform. However, most five-year-old children can accomplish many of the following tasks:

• Listen to a short story when read and talk about it. • Color beyond a simple scribble. • Alternate feet walking down stairs. • Walk a straight line, walk backwards, and stand on one foot. • Print his/her name.

• Express himself/herself without using baby talk.

• Be responsible for his/her own clothing by mastering such skills as zipping, buttoning,

snapping, tying, and buckling. • State full name (first and last), phone number, and address.

• Carry out a series of two or three simple tasks or directions after being told once.

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GETTING READY (continued) • Identify the basic shapes and colors.

• Identify parts of the body.

• Count objects.

• Cut with scissors and glue with a glue stick.

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YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH A healthy body supports a healthy mind! So nurture your child's physical well-being: To teach your child about good nutrition:

• Offer him/her a variety of foods each day. Include a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products.

• Limit sweets. Treats like candy and cake are just that - treats.

• Offer water. Don't go overboard on juice and sweetened drinks.

• Eat together. At mealtime, be a role model for proper eating habits.

• Don't label foods as "good" or "bad". Instead, talk about healthy portions and making smart food choices.

To promote exercise:

• Go out and play! Toss a ball. Take a walk. Experts suggest that kids get at least an hour of physical activity each day.

• Don't drive when you can walk. Is the store just around the corner? Skip the car and grab your sneakers.

• Limit TV and video-game time. Couch potatoes aren't born, they're made. So don't let you child "veg out" in front of the tube.

To preserve rest time:

• Enforce a regular bedtime. Be sure your child gets 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night. That's the amount experts recommend for school-age kids.

• Adopt a nightly routine that includes quiet activities (no TV). • Beware of hidden caffeine in things, like cocoa, that can interfere with sleep.

To promote healthy habits:

• Stress frequent washing of hands, especially before eating and after going to the bathroom.

• Teach him/her to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. • Allow ample time for him/her to dress, eat and get to school in a relaxed, happy frame of

mind.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

DISEASE

INCUBATION PERIOD/ SPREAD

SYMPTOMS

DURATION

WHEN CHILD MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL

CHICKEN POX

14-21 day incubation period. Spread by air droplet, direct contact, articles freshly soiled by discharge from blisters.

Slight fever, small blisters that pop. Do not give aspirin. Consult your physician when treating the fever.

7 days or until the blisters are dry and scabbed over.

7 days from first appearance of blisters.

IMPETIGO 2-10 day incubation period. Spread by direct contact with draining blisters.

Itchy blisters that develop into crusted, yellowish sores on face, elbows, and knees.

Approximately one week.

24 hours after antibiotic treatment and after all blisters are dry.

PINK EYE (bacterial)

1-3 day incubation period. Spread by direct or indirect contact with eye drainage.

Redness, swelling, burning, or itching of eye. Yellow drainage. Sensitive to light.

Depends on response to treatment.

After diagnosis is made and has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.

HEAD LICE Incubation can be 3-4 weeks. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days. Spread by direct contact with infected person or indirectly with objects that are infested.

Itchy scalp. Redness and irritation of scalp. Presence of louse insects and/or nits (eggs) attached to hair shaft.

Gone as soon as shampooed and nits removed.

After treatment and recheck. Kent City Schools has a no LIVE lice policy.

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (continued)

DISEASE

INCUBATION PERIOD/ SPREAD

SYMPTOMS

DURATION

WHEN CHILD MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL

RINGWORM 10-14 day incubation period. Spread by direct or indirect contact or from contact with articles of infected person. Can be found on feet (athlete’s foot), scalp, or body.

Ring-like areas on exposed skin. May be dry, scaling, moist, or crusted. May itch or burn.

Can last 2-3 weeks with treatment.

24 hours after following treatment.

FIFTH’S DISEASE

4-20 day incubation period. Spread by personal contact with droplets from infected person.

Facial rash (slapped check appearance). Rash will then spread head to toe. Looks fine and lacy. May/may not have very slight fever.

Rash can come and go for up to one month. May return due to stress or exposure to heat and sunlight.

Once diagnosis is made and child is comfortable.

General Guidelines: If your child is sick with a temperature over 100o, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, the following guidelines should be followed:

1) Your child’s temperature should be in the normal range for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications, before returning to school.

2) If illness involves vomiting, your child needs to be eating regular foods, without vomiting, before returning.

3) Diarrhea should be completely gone and s/he tolerating regular foods.

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THE KENT KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER SCREENING PROGRAM At the time of registration, you will hear about the kindergarten screening program which takes place in early August/September during the regular school day. Each of the tasks that are part of the screening program are administered by Kent City School personnel, including your child’s kindergarten teacher. The kindergarten screening program is NOT a test to determine readiness for school or whether your child should start kindergarten. The purpose of the screening is to gather information to help the school staff plan an appropriate instructional program. Many of the assessment tasks are part of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment developed and mandated by the Ohio Department of Education. The results of all the screening assessments are sent home to parents/guardians. If needed, individual programs will be developed to help your child learn and grow in the areas related to his/her own specific needs.

CURRICULUM Following the home experience, kindergarten continues to meet the individual needs of your child and varies its curriculum according to his/her needs. Kent's Kindergarten program is designed to help your child develop in all areas of the curriculum. The Ohio Department of Education has established specific learning targets for each area of the Kindergarten Curriculum. Please visit the following web site http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Early-Learning/Guidance-About-Kindergarten/Ohios-Kindergarten-Readiness-Assessment for additional information and resources. A few samples of these targets include:

LANGUAGE ARTS

The child listens attentively and gains confidence when speaking with others. S/he increases vocabulary skills by showing and sharing pictures, books, stories, poetry, experiences, and dramatic play. By listening to stories, the child builds a desire to read. S/he learns that the printed word has meaning and that we read from left to right, top to bottom. A major emphasis is on the development of phonological awareness. Phonemes are the smallest units in spoken language (i.e. “she” has two sounds or phonemes). Separating spoken words into separate sounds, identifying and making oral rhymes, and identifying syllables in spoken words are all components of phonological awareness.

MATHEMATICS

The child learns to use numbers meaningfully through ordering, comparing, reading and writing whole numbers up to 20. S/he learns to associate each numeral with a group of objects and learns to rote count to 100. S/he learns the foundation concepts of addition as putting together and adding to, and subtraction as taking apart and taking from. The child learns to work with the numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value. S/he identifies and sorts two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects and compares units of measure.

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CURRICULUM (continued)

SCIENCE

Specific units of study include: Daily and Seasonal Changes: which focuses on observing, exploring, describing and comparing weather changes and changing seasons; Properties of Everyday Objects and Materials: which focuses on the production of sound and comparing the properties of objects and materials with which the student is familiar; Physical and Behavioral Traits of Living Things: which focuses on comparing living things in Ohio.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The child uses terms related to location and direction and makes maps that represent real places. S/he recognizes our national symbols and the reasons for celebrating our state and federal holidays. S/he identifies goods and services and learns about the customs of people who have come to the United States.

SAFETY, HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The child learns basic rules of health and safety. S/he is given opportunities to develop large and small muscle coordination. Daily outside recess and weekly physical education instruction by the school’s P.E. specialist, supplements the classroom program. Tennis shoes should be worn or brought to school on scheduled physical education days.

MUSIC The child learns to express and enjoy him/herself through song, dance,

musical games, and rhythmic activities. S/he listens and responds to music of different composers and of different cultures. The child plays a variety of classroom instruments and learns to maintain a steady beat. Weekly music instruction by the school’s Music specialist supplements the classroom program.

ART The child is given many experiences to use and enjoy various art media

and is encouraged to be creative in his/her expression. Weekly art instruction by the school’s art specialist supplements the classroom program.

WORK HABITS The child learns to develop basic skills that promote successful learning,

such as: • listening to and following directions within a given amount of time • completing a task • working independently • making good use of time and materials • thinking through and solving problems

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT . . .

Some practical suggestions to aid in better communication between you and the teacher are: ABSENCES: If it is necessary that your child be absent from school, please

call the school secretary or the Absence Hotline at (330) 678-7500 to report the illness and how long your child will be absent. State law requires that each absent child be accounted for on a daily basis, so please help by notifying the school. A doctor’s note is required when your child is absent due to a scheduled appointment. A complete description of our student attendance guidelines will be provided to you. If your child is absent and we are unable to contact you, we are required to notify the Kent Police Department with your child’s name, address, telephone number and parent/guardian(s) name.

CLASSROOM VISITATIONS:

Scheduled visitations to your child’s classroom are welcome! To schedule a visitation, please call the school office or send a note to the teacher and a visitation day and time will be arranged for you. If you would like to meet with your child’s teacher individually, a conference time can also be arranged. Teachers generally have conference times available both during the school day and before/after school. Please know that unscheduled mini-conferences and unexpected visits with your child or teacher interrupts the learning process for all children in the class. Your adherence to this guideline is very important and greatly appreciated.

EMERGENCIES: In the event of an emergency, it is very important that the school

be able to contact you or a specified person. Please notify the school office when your child’s address, phone number, or baby-sitting arrangements have changed.

MONEY:

When necessary for your child to bring money, place it in an envelope labeled with the child’s name, the teacher’s name and the purpose for which the money is sent. Money may be sent daily or placed in your child's lunch account.

PARENT/GUARDIAN VOLUNTEERS:

Parents/guardians are partners in the education of their children. Feel free to ask about and to be a part of the volunteer program in your school.

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT . . . (continued)

SAFETY: Be sure your child knows important information and can tell it to others who s/he knows can be trusted to help. This includes: first and last name street address parents’ or guardians’ names phone number. Remind your child not to accept rides from strangers. Children must go home in their usual manner unless the

teacher receives a note or telephone message indicating the specific change in arrangements.

SCHOOL BUS PROCEDURES:

When your child rides the school bus, please reinforce the bus safety procedures which include: staying seated with back against the bus seat using a quiet voice using good manners not distracting the bus driver You will be notified if your child is having difficulty following bus rules. Repeated warnings will result in removal from the bus for a designated period of time. Please refer to the list of streets included in this handbook to

determine if you live in a designated kindergarten “walking area.” Students living on these streets will not be bused to school.

Due to safety concerns, it is our policy not to leave a Kindergarten child at a home where no parent/guardian or other adult is waiting. If you cannot be at home when your child arrives, please arrange for another responsible adult to meet your child. If no one appears to be at your home when the bus arrives, the driver will return your child to school. If this problem occurs more than once, we have an obligation to notify the Department of Job and Family Services and/or the Kent Police Department.

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT . . . (continued)

SCHOOL BUS PROCEDURES (continued):

Students can only be transported by bus within assigned attendance areas for each neighborhood school. If daycare arrangements make is necessary to permanently change pick-up or drop-off locations, these locations must be within the school attendance area. This location must be the same every day of the week as we are unable to accommodate different locations on certain days. If an emergency arises and you need for your child to be transported to a different location, please contact the school and the Transportation Department.

The telephone number for the Transportation Department is (330) 676-7690.

KINDERGARTEN WALKING AREAS BY STREET

Davey Bryce Road Earl Avenue South side of Fairchild Avenue from Woodard Avenue to North Mantua Street Forest Drive Lowell Drive North Chestnut Street West side of North Mantua Street from Fairchild Avenue to Main Street North Pearl Street North Prospect Street Park Avenue Pioneer Avenue Rockwell Street West Main Street from Forest Avenue to North Mantua Street Whittier Drive Woodard Avenue Holden Cedar Street Cherry Street from Mogadore Road to South Water Dodge Street Franklin from Oak Street to Cherry Street Harris Street Pine Street Walnut Street West side of South Water Street from Oak Street to Cherry Street West Street West Elm Street West Oak Street West School Street

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KINDERGARTEN WALKING AREAS BY STREET (continued) Longcoy Ada Street Beech Drive Elno Avenue (east of Francis Street) Francis Street from Leonard Boulevard to Elno Avenue Gardenview Street (west of Longmere Drive) Gill Drive Jessie Avenue Leonard Boulevard from Francis Street to Longmere Drive Longmere Drive from Leonard Boulevard to Middlebury Road Meredith Street Norwood Street (west of Longmere Drive) Roosevelt Street Walls Birchwood Circle Burr Oak Drive North side of Crain Avenue from North Willow Street to Wilson Avenue Dansel Street Doramor Street Edgewood Drive Elmwood Drive (north of Crain Avenue) Fairview Drive Frances Drive Gatun Street Harvey Street South side of Lake Street from North Willow Street to Wiley Court Miller Avenue Normal Boulevard Oakwood Drive Overlook Drive Steele Street Wiley Street North Willow Street from Lake Street to Crain Avenue Woodhill Drive Woodside Drive

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KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

In order to make the opening of the school an enjoyable one for you and your child, we have planned a special schedule. This schedule introduces both you and your child to his/her kindergarten room and his/her teacher. Class placements will be assigned in August. You and your child will also be assigned to either a morning or afternoon orientation time designed to introduce him/her to the classroom, bus, playground, and building.

CONFERENCES

Parent-teacher conferences are held in the Fall for all students, and again in February for selected Kindergarten students. This individual conference with teacher should be a priority as it is the most effective way to hear a report on your child’s progress. You are encouraged to contact the teacher to schedule a conference whenever you believe that one is needed.

REPORT CARDS Kindergarten report cards are completed four times per year. Report cards are sent home each nine weeks according to an annually established schedule. Please refer to the school calendar for specific grading period dates.

CLASS FEE

An annual class fee for the Kindergarten program is established by the Board of Education to cover the expense of snacks and consumable supplies for the school year. If fees are not paid, the child’s report card will be held. Partial payments are welcome or you may make a payment using the MyPaymentsPlus system. Additional information to set up a MyPaymentsPlus account will be provided at the beginning of the school year. Kindergarten students who apply and qualify for free lunches or breakfasts, under the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program, are eligible for a 100 percent waiver of fees. Kindergarten students who apply and qualify for reduced-price lunches or breakfasts, under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program, are eligible for an 80 percent waiver of fees.

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BOOK LIST

These books help kids ease their way into the first day of school: Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner by Amy Swartz. Annabelle Swift is more than ready

for kindergarten for she has been tutored by her older sister, Lucy. Poor Annabelle embarrasses herself but proves her mettle by becoming the first kindergarten milk monitor.

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes. When this little mouse starts school, she learns to

embrace her unique name, despite teasing from her classmates. She also learns that she will always have the love and support of her family.

I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas. “Do I have to go?” Owen asks.

Yes,” his mother replies. But his mother sends him off with more than just his lunch. She promises that no matter where he is and no matter what he’s doing, whether Owen is making a new friend or spilling his juice, she’ll love him all day long, from the moment they part until the moment Owen is back in her arms again.

Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come! by Nancy L. Carlson. The first day of

kindergarten is finally here and Henry can’t wait to paint pictures, sing songs, and practice counting. When he gets to school, though, he’s not so sure he’s ready for kindergarten. But before long, Henry discovers that the only thing he’s not ready for is how much fun he’s going to have at school!

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate. In an inviting look at

the first day of school, simple rhyming text tells of animal children getting ready for the big event.

Mouse’s First Day of School by Lauren Thompson. When he goes to school, Mouse

finds a world of new objects, colors, and letters to spell with and new friends. Tucker's Best School Day by Susan Winget. It’s the first day of school for Tucker and

he’d rather be anywhere else! Luckily wise Miss Blossom knows just how to welcome a small bunny to her classroom. After school, Tucker finds he has a lot to tell his family and he basks in their praise of his accomplishments.

Wemberly Worried, by Kevin Henkes. Wemberly worried about everything. Big

things, little things, and things in between. Then it was time for school to start and Wemberly worried even more. What will happen on the first day of school? Wemberly worries until she finds a friend who is worried, too.

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NOTES