Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

for Kindergarten Families

Welcome to Gateway Elementary! This is an exciting year for you and your child and we want it make it as stress-free as possible. Some former Kindergarten parents have put together this Q&A to make Kindergarten a wonderful experience for you as well as your child. These questions come from parents who have walked in your shoes - wondering how everything works and understanding how overwhelming it can all seem. If you have any more questions, please feel free to contact the front office or your child’s Kindergarten teacher. We want you to feel comfortable leaving your child in Gateway’s care each day and show you how it is truly a rewarding time.

Q:      What is the difference between Kindergarten Round-up and Gateway Open House? Do we need to attend both events?

A:      Kindergarten Round-up, held each April, is an event for kindergarten parents to:

·        enroll your child into Gateway Elementary School;

·        complete emergency contact information for your child;

·        present vaccination updates to the school nurse;

·        pay any fees such as lunch tickets;

·        enroll in the P.A.L (preschool) program;

·        join the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO);

·        receive the Kindergarten school supplies list your child will need to purchase;

·        see the school for yourself;

·        and, most importantly, ask questions.

Gateway Open House is held the week before school starts in August. This is a time to bring your child to see their classroom, meet their teacher and possibly meet other students in the class. It is also when you can bring in all your school supplies.

Attending both events is strongly encouraged so everyone can face the first day of school ready to go!

Q:      Where do I drop my child off in the morning? And what time do we need to be here?

A:       See link to online handbook_pdf.pdf

Q:      Where do I pick up my child after school?

A:       See link to online handbook_pdf.pdf

Q:      What if I need to bring something to my child during the day or need to come to the school?

A:       To drop an item off for your child, please leave it in the office and staff will deliver it to the classroom in a timely manner. If you are visiting for a special event, everyone who comes into the school must check in at the office. This includes all parents too. For security reasons, everyone is asked to sign in and leave a picture I.D. with the office personnel. You will then be given a pass while you are in the school building. You also must check out so the school knows you have left the building and to receive your I.D. back before you leave.

          We would love to have you volunteer with us! If you will be volunteering at the school frequently, see the office for instructions on how to get a permanent badge for the school year. Whether it is through the PTO or with your new Kindergartener’s teacher, Gateway always welcomes volunteers.

Q:      What do I do if my child is sick or will be absent?

A:      Please call the school at 686-2051 in the morning to let the office know your child will be out that day. If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent for two or more days you will need to fill out a Pre-Arranged Absence Form. This will allow the proper notification to your child’s teacher so any work that will be missed can be collected ahead of time.

Q:      I’ve never been away from my child all day, so what will his/her schedule be in kindergarten?

A:      The morning block of the day includes literacy and math activities. Following lunch is recess and rest time. The afternoon activities are focused on social and emotional skills. A detailed schedule is available from the teacher.

Q:      If my child gets hungry during the day? Can I send a snack?

A:      See link to online handbook_pdf.pdf

Q:      I am worried about my child having lunch in the cafeteria. How do they know what to do? Do they have enough time for lunch? What if he can’t open his milk? Is there someone there to help and supervise? What if I send a lunch and it needs to be heated?

A:      The cafeteria can seem intimidating, but be assured that kids catch on to routine quickly. The first few days the class is walked through each step on how to get a tray, choose a meal and proceed to the table. Children who bring their lunch are also shown where to sit and to leave their lunch bag in the appropriate area to be taken back to the class at the end of the day. The Kindergarten class has about 25 minutes to eat their lunch. There are always adults in the room supervising and helping the children. There are also microwaves available to heat lunch if necessary.                                          

Q:      What if my child gets tired during the day? Is there nap time? Can I send a blanket or favorite personal item?  

A:       See link to online handbook_pdf.pdf

Q:      What if my child has an accident during the day? Should I bring extra clothing?

A:       Although bathroom breaks are taken at a regular basis, accidents will happen. If you feel more comfortable sending a change of clothing, please do. Remember to label everything. We also have items on hand to be borrowed during these incidents.

Q:      What if my child needs help with winter clothing? Will someone be available to make sure he zips his coat? Ties his shoes? Remembers his hat?

A:       Kindergarten teachers are very instinctive of the clothing needs of 5 and 6-years-olds. During cold weather, they will start preparing the children for recess earlier. Help your child practice fastening skills.

Q:      How long are recesses? When are they? Are they supervised by more than one teacher? What if my child gets hurt on the playground?

A:       Children are supervised at all times of the day. Kindergarten students have two 15-minute recesses; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There is also a 20-minute lunch recess. All classified staff are trained yearly on First Aid and CPR. They also carry radios that are linked to the office radio for any emergency situations.

Q:      How much homework should I expect my child to bring home? Will it be labeled?

A:       Homework information will be given to you from your child’s teacher at the beginning of the year. The amount of homework given varies with each teacher. Please feel free to discuss this with your child’s teacher at the Open House.

Q:      What is the best way for me to communicate with the teacher? Should I call, email or write a note?

A:       Any of these forms of communication will work great. AllGateway teachers are currently moving toward emailing information to parents as a class but written notes are helpful as a visual reminder to the teachers.

Q:      How do I get involved at the school or volunteer in my child’s classroom?

A:       If you are interested in volunteering in your child’s classroom, wait until the Open House. There will be sign-up sheets for parents to help with parties, special events and/or in the classrooms.

Communication with you is very important to us. For that reason, we have a website filled with helpful information for you and your child. Please be sure to check it out at the web site at gateway.woodlandparkschools.org. There you will find information about our kindergarten curriculum, tips for starting school, learning websites for your child, and even your Kindergarten teacher’s email. We look forward to an exciting year!