Pleasanton Unified School District

Parent Information Handbook

Spring 2017

PLEASANTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL REGISTRATION 2017-18

(FORMERLY KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP)

PUSD has new procedures for enrolling new elementary students (grades TK - 5) for the 2017-18 school year. Registration will take place at your resident school beginning in March. Please read this handbook carefully.

In this handbook you will find:

Page 1 - Table of Contents

Page 2 - Parent meeting dates discussing Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten

Page 3 - 4 Neighborhood School Registration process start dates and directions for our online pre-enrollment process.

Page 5 - Four Steps to Registration - English

Page 6- Four Steps to Registration - Spanish

Page 7 - Transitional Kindergarten

Page 8 - Kindergarten/First Grade

Registration Request for Exception

Page 9 - Elementary School Sites (9)

Page 10 - Student Enrollment

Page 11 - Open Enrollment Process

Pages 12-15 Parent Questions/Resources

Pages 16- Resources for Parent

Page 17- Websites Registration Forms

Pages 18 Oral Health Assessment

PLEASANTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

MEETINGS FOR PARENTS OF INCOMING

KINDERGARTEN and

TK (Transitional Kindergarten) STUDENTS

For the 2017-18 school year

Parents who are planning to enroll their children for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten in Pleasanton Unified School District for the 2017-18 school year are invited to attend any one of the following meetings. For your convenience, the meetings have been scheduled on three different nights and locations.

Wednesday, January 25th 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Alisal Elementary 1454 Santa Rita Road Multi-purpose room

Thursday, February 2nd 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Valley View Elementary 480 Adams Way Multi-purpose room

English & en Espanol

Tuesday, February 7th 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Lydiksen Elementary 7700 Highland Oaks Drive Multi-purpose room

AGENDA

• Kindergarten teachers will talk about a typical kindergarten school day • Getting your child ready to attend school • Transitional Kindergarten (for children born between September 2, 2012 – December 2,

2012) • Representative from Kids Club will answer questions regarding onsite childcare • District Nurses will be available to address health concerns such as food allergies • Student Services representative will explain enrollment procedures • Neighborhood School Registration information is available on the PUSD website

www.pleasantonusd.net

These meetings are intended for P A R E N T S O N L Y .

Revised 1/2017

Neighborhood School Registration for incoming elementary students for the 2017-

18 school year. (Formerly Kindergarten Round Up)

This registration procedure is for PUSD residents enrolling new students into grades TK through 5th for the 2017-18 school year. If you are the parent of a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2017, and reside within the Pleasanton Unified School District boundaries you may enroll your child in Kindergarten.

• Students with birthdates of December 3, 2011 through September 1, 2012 will be enrolled in Kindergarten. • Students with birthdates ranging from September 2, 2012 - December 2, 2012 will be offered to enroll in

Transitional Kindergarten. We will begin accepting new applications on the dates provided below. • Parents may also register any other new elementary children in grades 1-5 on these dates as well.

Families anticipating a move into Pleasanton Unified School District boundaries need to know that registration procedures cannot be completed before the family moves into the district.

NEW PROCEDURES FOR THE 2017-18 SCHOOL YEAR

Parents will register their incoming elementary students at their resident school site. Step 1: To begin the registration process Parents/Guardians will need to link to the Online Pre-enrollment process.

Parents/Guardians are asked to complete, submit and download a copy of this pre-enrollment information for each student.

Step 2: Using the Checklist, provide the 7 necessary documents to the school site. • Copy of the Online pre-enrollment information (Step I ) • Original Birth Certificate or Passport • Immunization records (original & 2 copies)- reflecting what has been completed so far • 2 proofs of residency -{original & 1 copy) see checklist for explanation of acceptable items • Complete Registration form 50570

The sites will begin accepting new registrations for K & TK from 4 pm to 7 pm on the following dates: Monday, March 6th Donlon Fairlands

Wednesday, March 8th Hearst Valley View Vintage Hills

Thursday, March 9th Alisal Lydiksen Mohr Walnut Grove

Parents who are unable to attend one of these nights may go directly to their resident school during school hours to submit their registration packet beginning March 10th. Transitional Kindergarten applications will then need to be brought to the Student Services Office, 215 Abbie Street. Enrollment is not based on a first-come, first-served basis.

DUE TO FACILITY CONSTRAINTS. PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILDREN TO NEIGHBORHOOD

SCHOOL REGISTRATION.

OPEN ENROLLMENT Parents who prefer attendance at a school other than the one assigned to the home address will first need to complete the registration process at their resident school. Parents may then complete an Open Enrollment form and turn it in to their resident school representative. Open Enrollment applications will be approved on a space-available basis after resident students have been placed, a n d p a r e n t s w i l l b e n o t i f i e d i n August. An approved open enrollment to the school of choice is valid through 5th grade.

Pleasanton Unified School District does not provide transportation. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent for all students in the school district.

For more information check our website: www.pleasantonusd.net

Inscripción en la Escuela Primaria de su Vecindario para estudiantes de ingreso a

Primaria para el año Escolar 2017-18. (Kínder previamente

cursado)

Este procedimiento de inscripción es para los residentes del PUSD que matriculan a los nuevos estudiantes de TK(Transición a Kínder) hasta 5o grados para el año escolar 2017-18.

Si usted es el padre de un niño que tendrá 5 años de edad en o antes del 1 de Septiembre de 2017, y reside dentro del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Pleasanton, usted puede inscribir a su hijo en Kínder/Jardín de Niños.

• Los estudiantes nacidos del 3 de Dic. de 2011 al 1 de Sept. del 2012 serán inscritos en Kínder. • Los estudiantes nacidos entre el 2 de Sept. del 2012 y el 2 de Dic. del 2012 podrán inscribirse en TK. Recibiremos las nuevas solicitudes en las fechas que se indican a continuación. • Los padres también podrán registrar en estas fechas niños de nuevo ingreso a primaria de los grados 1-5.

Las familias que están planeando un traslado al área del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Pleasanton necesitan saber que los procedimientos de inscripción no pueden ser realizados antes de que la familia se haya mudado a este distrito.

NUEVOS PROCEDIMIENTOS PARA EL AÑO ESCOLAR 2017-18

Los padres tendrán que registrar a lo nuevos estudiantes de primaria en la escuela de su área.

Paso 1: Para comenzar el proceso de registro, los padres/tutores deberán iniciar el proceso de preinscripción en internet. A los padres/tutores se les pide completar, someter y guardar una copia de esta preinscripción por cada estudiante que registre. Paso 2: Guiándose en la lista de requisitos, proporcione a su escuela los 7 documentos necesarios. • Copia de la información de la preinscripción por internet (Paso I) • Original del Certificado de Nacimiento o Pasaporte • Registros de Vacunación (original y 2 copias) - reflejando lo que se ha completado hasta ahora • 2 pruebas de residencia - {original y 1 copia) revisar la lista de requisitos de la documentación aceptada • Complete la forma de inscripción 50570

Las escuelas aceptaran nuevas inscripciones para Kínder y TK de 4 pm a 7 pm en las siguientes fechas:

Lunes, 6 de Marzo Donlon Fairlands

Miércoles, 8 de Marzo Hearst Valley View Vintage Hills

Jueves, 9 de Marzo Alisal

Lydiksen Mohr Walnut Grove

Los padres que no pueden asistir a una de estas noches podrán ir directamente a su escuela residente a partir del 10 de marzo durante horario escolares a entregar su paquete de inscripción. Las solicitudes de TK tendrán que entregarse en la Oficina de Servicios Estudiantiles, Calle Abbie #215. La inscripción NO esta basado en el orden en que se recibe.

DEBIDO A LAS RESTRICCIONES DE LAS INSTALACIONES, POR FAVOR NO TRAIGA A SUS

HIJOS A LA ESCUELA EN DÍA DE REGISTRO

INSCRIPCIÓN ABIERTA Los padres que desean asistir a una escuela distinta a la asignada a la dirección del hogar, primero deberán completar el

proceso de inscripción en su escuela residente. Los padres pueden llenar una forma de Inscripción Abierta y entregarla al representante de la escuela residente. Las solicitudes de Inscripción Abierta serán aprobadas después de que los estudiantes residentes hayan sido colocados en base al espacio disponible, y los padres serán notificados en Agosto. Una inscripción abierta aprobada a la escuela elegida es válida hasta el Quinto grado.

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Pleasanton no provee transporte. El transporte para el estudiante es responsabilidad de los padres en todo el distrito escolar.

Para mayor información, visite nuestro sitio: www.pleasantonusd.net

Pleasanton Unified School District Spring, 2017

Four Steps to

Kindergarten Registration

STEP 1: KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT -for parents only -

• an optional but highly encouraged evening for parents to learn about the registration process and a typical Kindergarten day

All meetings will be held in the designated school's Multipurpose Room

January 25, Alisal Elementary School, 6-7 pm February 2, Valley View Elementary School, 6-7 pm

(English & En Espanol) February 7, Lydiksen Elementary School, 6 -7 pm

Please choose one date to attend as all three sessions provide the same information

STEP 2: TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN/KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

-for parents only-

Please visit the PUSD website: www. pleasantonusd.net for new enrollment procedures.

STEP 3: SPRING CLASSROOM VISIT for parents and kindergarten student -

• an optional but highly encouraged activity that helps smooth the transition from preschool to Kindergarten

• some schools will schedule an appointment at the neighborhood school registration, others will contact you later

STEP 4: WALK-THRU

-for parents only- • Required in August at your child's own school

• school sites will provide information • Step 4 finalizes your registration process at your school site

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Pleasanton, Primavera 2017

Cuatro Pasos para la Inscripción

en el Jardín de Niños/Kínder

PASO 1: NOCHE DE INFORMACIÓN SOBRE KÍNDER -Para los padres solamente-

• Una actividad opcional pero altamente recomendada ya que los padres tienen la oportunidad de aprender sobre el proceso de inscripción y observar un día normal en kínder.

Todas las juntas se realizaran en el Salón de Usos Múltiples de la escuela correspondiente

25 de Enero, Escuela Primaria Alisal, 6 a 7 de la tarde 2 Febrero, Escuela Primaria Valley View, 6 a 7 de la tarde

(en Inglés y en Español) 7 de Febrero, Escuela Primaria Lydiksen, 6 a 7 de la tarde

Por favor elija y asista solo a una de las fechas ya que se proporciona la misma información

PASO 2: INSCRIPCIÓN PARA KÍNDER/JARDÍN DE NIÑOS - Para los padres solamente-

Por favor ingrese al sitio de internet: www.pleasantonusd.net para realizar un nuevo proceso de inscripción.

PASO 3: VISITE EL AULA DE CLASES

-Para los padres y los estudiantes que asistirán al kínder/Jardín de Niños - • Una actividad opcional pero altamente recomendada que ayuda a una mejor

transición del pre-escolar al kínder • Algunas escuelas programan una cita para su inscripción, otras escuelas le

contactaran después.

PASO 4: DÍA DE INSCRIPCIÓN EN LA ESCUELA ASIGNADA - Para los padres -

• En Agosto, es un requisito asistir a la escuela de su hijo(a) • La escuela le proveerá la información

• El Paso 4 finaliza su proceso de inscripción, al presentarse en la escuela asignada

Pleasanton Unified School District

Pleasanton Unified School District

Transitional Kindergarten 2017-18

Transitional Kindergarten will be offered to those students with birthdates of September 2, 2012 to December 2, 2012. TK is the first year of a two year program. Students will attend class for 3 hour 20 minutes per day.

TK is not offered at all school sites. Your student will be placed at a site with availability for the first year, and may or may not be your resident school. The second year of the program, the student will be enrolled at his/her resident school.

The curriculum guidelines for this program can be found on the California Department of Education's website under Curriculum Standards for Transitional Kindergarten.

Please plan to attend the Neighborhood School Registration. Schedule provided on page 4.

Parents of TK students may register at either your resident school site or at the Student Services Office. For more information call 426- 4290 or come to the Student Services Office at 215 Abbie Street.

Pleasanton Unified School District Kindergarten/First Grade Registration Request for Exception

Pleasanton Unified School District registration policy strictly enforces the age requirements established by Education Code on registration for all students. Pursuant to Education Code Section 48200 school is mandatory for six year old students. Therefore, parents and guardians of six year old students must enroll their children in school. However, the district recognizes that students born in July or August whom are required to register for first grade during the current school year may have specific learning needs that allow for consideration for an exception to the policy. Pleasanton Unified will allow a request for exception to attend kindergarten rather than first grade for those students. If a parent of a child entering kindergarten that is born in July or August would like to request an exception to the policy, the following procedure must be followed: Special Education Students: If a student currently has an IEP, the Case Manager must be contacted with the request. General Education Students:

1. The parent must contact the school of attendance for procedures and required documentation.

2. Parent will complete kindergarten parent input form. 3. Prior to registration, the site administrator will meet with the parent to discuss the

student's educational needs and discuss options. 4. The site administrator will decide if an SST or assessments are needed prior to

making a recommendation. 5. The site administrator will make a recommendation to the Director of Student

Services. 6. The Director of Student Services will make decision based on parent and

administrator input. The parent has the right to appeal the decision of the Director of Student Services to the Director of Elementary Education. The Director of Elementary Education decision is final.

PLEASANTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 2017-18 Elementary Schools 4665 Bernal Avenue

Pleasanton, CA 04566-7498 925-462-5500

Alisal School Principal Karen Johnson 1454 Santa Rita Road Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-4200

Valley View School Principal Rafael Cruz 480 Adams Way Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-4230

Donlon School Principal Sebastian Bull 4150 Dorman Road Pleasanton, CA 94588 925-426-4220

Vintage Hills Principal Ann Jayne 1125 Concord Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-4240

Fairlands School Principal Shay Galletti 4151 W. Las Positas Drive Pleasanton, CA 94588 925-426-4210

Walnut Grove School Principal Chris Connor Harvest Road Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-4250

Hearst School Principal Elias Muniz Rodriguez 5301 Case Avenue Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-3772

Lydiksen School Principal Jacob Berg 7700 Highland Oaks Drive Pleasanton, CA 94588 925-426-4421

Mohr School Principal Julie Berglin 3300 Dennis Drive Pleasanton, CA 94588 925-426-4256

Student Service 215 Abbie Street Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-426-4290

Pleasanton Unified School District STUDENT ENROLLMENT

www.pleasantonusd.net

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AREAS Each school has residential attendance areas to determine the home school. Parents may go directly to their resident school to enroll their child at that school except during summertime. During summer months, new students may register at the Student Services office at 215 Abbie Street from 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m., phone 925/426-4290.

OVERFLOW ENROLLMENT Some elementary and middle schools may be at capacity or have impacted grade levels that have reached maximum class size based on state/district guidelines. In such cases, students will be overflowed to another school in the district. The district regrets this inconvenience. Staff will work with families to help place siblings of an overflowed student as the family wishes. Students overflowed have enrollment priority to attend their home school if space becomes available. Or, if desired, those students may choose to remain at the overflow school through 5th grade or 8th grade.

FAMILY RESIDENTIAL MOVES

AND STUDENT TRANSFERS When parents/guardians move to a different residence in Pleasanton, they must inform their child's school immediately and provide the school office staff with verification of the new address. The student's emergency card must reflect the correct address and any change in phone numbers. If space is available, the student may transfer to the school based on his/her new residential address. There is an option to remain at the original school.

For parents who move out of the Pleasanton Unified School District, residency status is lost, and continued enrollment is contingent upon the acceptance of an interdistrict transfer. Parents should first check with the Student Services Department for the latest information about interdistrict transfers. lnterdistrict transfers are valid for the school year and require satisfactory attendance, academics, and behavior (Board Policy 5117).

New Student Registration

The District will be accepting new student registrations for incoming elementary schools as follows. Parent must first complete the online pre- enrollment, submit and download form. T he sites w ill begi n accepting new registrations for K & T K fro m 4 p m to 7 p m on the follo w in g d ates:

OPEN ENROLLMENT

Monday March 6th

Donlon Fairlands

Wednesday March 8th Hearst Valley View Vintage Hills

Thursday. March 9th Alisa1 Lydiksen Mohr Walnut Grove

District residents currently enrolled, who wish their child to attend a school different from the school assigned by their home address, may apply through the open enrollment process. Forms are available at all school sites and online. The open enrollment period for current students entering grades 1-12 is the month of January. For new students forms may be completed at the time of registration. Assignment to a school of choice is based on space availability at the requested school/grade level. Once approved, that school becomes school of residence for school term (K-5, 6-8, or 9-12). Parents/guardians must re-apply through open enrollment to change schools. Proof of residency (see above) in Pleasanton Unified School District is required. No open enrollment request will be approved to schools that have impacted enrollment.

New Student Registration is intended for current Pleasanton Unified School District residents only. Families anticipating a move into Pleasanton Unified School District boundaries need to know that registration procedures cannot be completed before the family moves into the district. Parents are encouraged to enroll kindergarten-age students in the district at this time. This registration period is important for the district to determine the number of kindergarten classes necessary for the following school year. Children who will be 5 years of age by September 1st are eligible to register for Kindergarten. Transitional Kindergarten is for students with birthdates between September 2, 2012 and December 2, 20 12.

ENROLLMENT/REGISTRATION The parent/guardian of a new student must complete the online pre- enrollment process. After submitting and downloading a copy of the online pre-enrollment they bring it to their school of residence along with the following documents:

a. Registration Form 50750 b. 2 Proofs of residency. School district residents must

provide a current utility bill (such as PG&E, internet, water, garbage, or cable TV), recent (30 days)close of escrow papers, or recently (30 days) signed rental/lease agreement (with name, address and telephone number of lessor). If registration pre-dates the start of school attendance by more than a month, a second utility bill may be requested after the first month of student attendance. Post office box, bank statement, driver's license, credit card bills, personal check, property tax statement, mortgage statement, AFDC statements, or cell phone statements are not acceptable as proof of residency. Falsification of an address may result in denying the enrollment of a student.

c. Student immunization record signed by a doctor . d. Proof of age (Kindergarten only, must be 5 years of age on or

before September 1st"· Birth Certificate or passport e. Strongly Recommended: Parents' or legal guardian's

employment information (for emergency contact).

OPEN ENROLLMENT for

2017-2018 School Year

Month of January: Entering Grades TK-12 (current students) Students enrolling for the first time may complete the form at the time of registration.

Parents/guardians may request that their student attend a Pleasanton school different from their home school. In order to make the request, parents/guardians complete the Open Enrollment form and indicate the requested school. Approval is based on school capacity and space availability. The current impacted schools where we do not anticipate space for open enrollment students are Donlon, Fairlands, Lydiksen and Walnut Grove Elementary Schools, Harvest Park Middle School, and Amador Valley High School.

Should openings be available at a school, a random, unbiased selection process, a lottery, is used to determine which open enrollment requests are granted. If granted, the selected school become the student's new home school, until the completion of the highest grade offered at the school. Students return to their original residence attendance area for Middle and High School.

The Open Enrollment period for Grades 1-12 is during the month of January 2017. The Open Enrollment for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten and new elementary students’ grades 1-5 is the month of March 2017 during New Student Registration.

Applications are available at all school sites or the Student Services office, located at the district office site, 215 Abbie Street.

Families of students will be notified on the status of their application by August 1, 2017. Late applications received after the open enrollment period will be reviewed before the new school year begins.

Available Space is determined annually by:

a. Program capacity of the school or grade level b. Projected staffing entitlement c. Racial/ethnic balance

Special Day Class students do not participate in open enrollment. They are placed in programs and schools which serve their identified learning needs during the annual IEP process. Other special education students with resource or speech needs may participate in open enrollment if space is available in that program at the requested school. If you have specific questions regarding your child's special education needs, please contact the Special Education office at 426-4293.

Approved open enrollments are valid through the 5th grade for elementary students, 8th grade for middle school students and 12th grade for high school students. For Elementary and middle school students once they have completed that level the next level placement will revert to the students' resident school based on home address.

For additional information: www. pleasantonusd.net Board Policy # 5116.1

Questions about Kindergarten What does Kindergarten look like in Pleasanton?

• Kindergarten is for students who turn five on or before September 1, 2017. • Class size is 25 students to one credentialed teacher. • Most classes meet in the mornings (8:15- 1 1:30 am) or afternoons (11:30-2:50 pm).

Some sites have a staggered program and individual schools will give parents their schedule by the end of June.

• Each class has a fully credentialed teacher that will guide children through a variety of lessons and activities that are aligned with the California State Standards in language, reading, math, science, social studies, health, physical education, music, and art.

• Children will have opportunities to learn in many ways. This includes direct instruction from the teacher, small group activities, and student choice activities.

What will my child learn in Kindergarten?

All curriculum materials presented in the classroom are directly aligned with the California State Standards created by the State Board of Education and adopted by the Pleasanton Unified School District. These standards were "designed to encourage the highest achievement of every student, by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level." [California Department of Education] While the standards provide an academic road map, teachers will build upon each child's experience by working towards developmentally appropriate benchmarks in all academic areas, social/emotional interactions, and motor skill development. Additionally, the teacher will meet with you to discuss your child's progress and encourage parental involvement in the classroom, school, and at home. This parent-teacher partnership will provide a strong foundation for your child's success in kindergarten and beyond.

Do I get to pick what school my child will attend?

Students generally attend the school that is in their attendance area determined by their home address. Please visit the Student Services link at the Pleasanton Unified School District website at www.pleasantonusd.net and click on "attendance areas" or call Student Services at (925) 426- 4290 if you are unsure of your neighborhood school site. If you would like to attend a school not in your attendance area, please refer to the information regarding Open Enrollment.

What is a "Spring Classroom Visit"? The Spring Classroom Visit is a chance for both you and your child to visit a Kindergarten classroom and several teachers at your school site. Students will be invited to do a few activities while parents receive information about the school and fill out questionnaires regarding their child. The Spring Classroom Visit helps children transition into their upcoming Kindergarten year. Children who are unable to attend the Spring Classroom Visit will still be registered and placed in a Kindergarten classroom regardless of participation.

How does my child get placed into a specific kindergarten class? School staff place students into classrooms of approximately 25 student based on site

Enrollment, parent questionnaires, and Spring Classroom Visit information. Parents may indicative an AM or PM preference on the Kindergarten Questionnaire which is filled out at the time of New Student Registration or at the Spring Classroom Visit. Balance classes based on gender, age, and social needs are the first priority when creating classes. AM/PM placements are not guaranteed and are subject to change due to enrollment fluctuations. If you have questions or concerns regarding AM/PM placements, please contact your school site. What is “ Walk-Thur”? Your student will be enrolled in Pleasanton Unified School District as a result of New Student Registration in March. Individual school sites host Walk-thru which assists the school office with collecting necessary paperwork including emergecy contact information, volunteer clearance forms, school spirit wear, classroom supply and or donation information, etc. Walk-thru generally occurs 1-2 weeks prior to the first day of school in August. Packets are available prior to Walk-thru dates online and are to be turned in to your school site on the registration day. Look for detailed information from your school site in the mail this summer.

When will I know which teacher and classroom my child has been assigned?

School sites will send home via US Mail an AM or PM class assignment letter of notification by the end of June. Specific teacher's name and classroom assignments are generally published in August at Walk-Thru at each individual school site. If you have questions or concerns regarding your placement, please contact your school site.

Is my child "ready" for Kindergarten?

Many parents are concerned about their child's readiness for school. By law, the only requirement for entrance into Kindergarten is that your child meets the correct age requirement Pleasanton accepts all students regard less of their academic knowledge or abilities and teachers are prepared to meet all ability levels. Our teachers work diligently to provide, developmentally appropriate lessons for each child. Kindergarten readiness is not just about ABC's and 123’s. It is also important to take a closer look at how your child approaches learning new things. Think about if your child:

• shows an interest in the world around them • has a curiosity about what's new and different • clearly communicates feelings and ideas • can sustain his/her attention span • is able to control his/her impulses • can independently take care of personal needs

Remember that the child who begins school when he or she is developmentally ready is more likely to have a successful Kindergarten experience. Parents often ask advice from Preschool teachers or from Kindergarten teachers. While this advice may provide you with some guidance, ultimately you as the parent make the final decision on whether your child should start Kindergarten. If you are unsure, you are encouraged to register now to ensure a spot at your school.

How do I help prepare my child for Kindergarten?

• PLAY!! Go to the park, play a game, use your imagination! • Practice cutting with children's scissors: cut playdough, cooked spaghetti, or coupons from

the newspaper. • Set up play dates with children your child's age. • Visit the library, museums, zoo, and other exciting learning venues. • Encourage your child to take on new responsibilities: household chores, feeding the pet,

cleaning up after oneself. • Spend time reading and enjoying books with your child daily. • Color with crayons and chalk. • Practice counting objects to 10. • Play rhyming games, listen to and recite poems and songs. • Practice reading and writing his/her first name. • Identify basic shapes such as circle, square, and triangle. • Identify several letters of the alphabet. • Practice opening/closing snaps, buttons, and zippers.

What is the Dual Immersion Program at Valley View? The Dual Immersion program is a rigorous academic program in which Spanish is used as the vehicle of instruction beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through Fifth Grade. A six-year minimum commitment is required. Enrollment is open to any Pleasanton student. For more information about this program or about the enrollment process, please call the school at 426- 4230.

What can you tell me about the Special Education programs in this district? Pleasanton Unified School District is committed to providing quality education to all students. For some students with special needs, the educational program may include special education services. If you have concerns that your child may have special needs, please contact the Special Education Department at 426-4293.

Is there an on-site extended day or daycare option for my child to attend before and/or after school? Yes. Kids Club, YMCA, and Extended Day Child Care (EDCC) all offer services at various school sites. Child Care Links can also provide other child care options and referrals. Please contact these agencies directly for information and their enrollment process.

Kids Club Alisal 426- 9751 Donlon 462-7083 Hearst 417-6602 Valley View 462- 8805 Vintage Hills 484-4856 YMCA Fairlands 426- 1992

Lydiksen 426-9784 Mohr 484-9429 EDCC Walnut Grove 846-5519

Child Care Links Referrals 417-8733

Resources for Parents Books for Parents

There are many books that parents find useful as they prepare their child to enter Kindergarten. Here is a small sample of a few of our favorites.

Endangered Minds by: Jane Healy

Games for Learning by: Peggy Kaye

Kindergarten: It Isn't What It Used To Be by: Susan Golant and Mitch Golant

MegaSkills by: Dorothy Rich

Parenting With Love and Logic by: Foster W. Cline and Jim Fay

Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read by: Bernice Cullinan

Reading Magic by: Mem Fox

School Sense by: Tiffani Chin

The Hurried Chi l d : Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon by: David

Elkind The New Public School Parent by: Bob Chase and Bob Katz

The Over-Scheduled Chi l d by: Alvin Rosenfeld, Nicole Wise, and Robert Coles

The Read-Aloud H a n d b o o by: Jim Trelease

Books to Read With Your Children Reading stories about school will build excitement and it can help ease first day fears. Here is a small

sample of the many wonderful books available at the Pleasanton Library or at any local bookstore.

Annabelle Swift. Kindergartner by: Amy Schwartz

Froggy Goes to School by: Jonathan London

First Day, Hooray! by: Nancy Poydar

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by: Joseph Slate

The Kissing Hand by: Audrey Penn

We Share Evervthing! by: Robert Munsch

Welcome to Kindergarten by: Anne Rockwell

Will I Have a Friend? by: Miriam Cohen

Websites for Parents

Pleasanton Unified School District www.pleasantonusd.net California Department of Education www.cde.ca.gov Kindergarten Content Standards www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss Other Helpful Websites Handwriting Without Tears hwtears.com Zoo-phonics zoo-phonics.com Early Literacy and Reading Activities Starfall.com

Websites for Registration Information PUSD Registration Form http://www.pleasantonusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=296300&type=d&pREC_ID=684368 Report of Healthy Exam for School Entry http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/forms/Forms/ChildMedSvcForms/pm171a(bi).pdf Immunization requirement for School Entry http://www.pleasantonusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=306553&type=d&pREC_ID=708788 Oral Health Assessment http://www.pleasantonusd.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=306553&type=d&pREC_ID=708819

Dear Parent or Guardian:

California law, Education Code Section 49452.8, now requires that your child have an oral health assessment (dental check-up) by May 31 in either kindergarten or first grade, whichever is his or her first year in public school. Oral Health Assessments that have happened within the 12 months before your child enters school also meet this requirement. The law specifies that the assessment must be done by a licensed dentist or other licensed or registered dental health professional.

Take the attached Oral Health Assessment/Waiver Request form to the dental office. If you cannot take your child for this required assessment, please indicate the reason for this in Section 3 of the form. You can get more copies of the necessary form at your child's school or online from the California Department of Education's Web site http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/. California law requires schools to maintain the privacy of students' health information. Your child's identity will not be associated with any report produced as a result of this requirement.

The following resources will help you find a dentist and complete this requirement for your child:

1. Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal's toll-free number or Web site can help you to find a dentist who takes Denti-Cal: l -

800-322-6384; http://www.denti-cal.ca.gov. For help enrolling your child in Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal, contact our local social services agency, Alameda County Public Health Department, Dental Health at (510) 208- 5910.

2. Healthy Families' toll-free number or Web site can help you to find a dentist who takes Healthy Families

insurance or to find out if your child can enroll in the program: l -800-880-5305 or http://www.healthyfam ilies.ca.gov/hfoome.asp.

3. For additional resources that may be helpful, contact the local public health department at Axis Community

Health, (925) 462-1755. Pleasanton Clinic: 4361 Railroad Avenue; Livermore Clinic: 3311 Pacific Avenue.

If you have questions about the new oral health assessment requirement, please contact one of the D i s t r i c t s Nurses ( Susan Han, Mar y Anne Lindahl, or Tanya Mohan) at 925-462-5500 X 4168.

Sincerely,

Kevin Johnson, Senior Director of Student Services