Seattle Schools Community Forum

New and clarified information on kindergarten enrollment from the district: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL – September 12 The first day of school for ALL kindergarten students is Monday, September 12 . The three-day delayed start enables teachers to launch “Family Connections” and meet with each family on September 7 , 8 or 9 to answer questions families may have and better support our youngest learners as they join our school and classroom communities. These teacher-parent visits will be available at every elementary and K-8 school, are an opportunity for teachers to hear families’ hopes and dreams for their children and shape instruction accordingly. Your conference will be scheduled by your child’s school. JUMP START, August 22-26 It is not too late to get a jump on the school year! This free transition-to-kindergarten program is offered at most Seattle elementary and K-8 schools. Jump Start offers children a chance to get comfortable in their new school, meet teach...

From SPS Communications: Get ready to join us for at the first ever Seattle Public Schools Kindergarten Kickoff! Seattle Schools is celebrating all the new adventures of learning that await our youngest students and we are spreading the word. Kindergarten Kick Off will be held at Van Asselt Community Center this Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. All are welcome.

Remember when we had the discussion about some kindergartners starting school later than others and that the District had let parents know this news as well as information about the before-school-readiness program, Jump Start?  Well, it got worse.

As a heads up, the district is offering (at nearly every elementary and K-8), Jump Start for kindergarteners.   Sounds like a great program.  From the flyer: It is a weeklong experience for new kindergarteners and their families to learn about their new school. Children will become familiar with the school building, staff, and typical school-day activities and practices. This summer, over 50 elementary and K-8 schools across the city of Seattle will offer Jump Start the week of August 18-22 . Jump Start will run for five consecutive half-days (usually 9 a.m. to noon). Parents/guardians will have a chance to meet with the school principal during the week. Interpreters will be available for children who are English-language learners. Families who have enrolled their child in kindergarten will receive a letter from their assigned school inviting them to participate. Families will need to reserve a space and return needed health and safety forms ahead of time. Not every ...