July 2019
Kindergarten Countdown: 4 Weeks
Countdown to
Kindergarten
Welcome to the official Edina Public Schools Pre-K newsletter. We are excited that you will soon be joining the EPS family. In this newsletter you will find helpful tips, resources, and advice from kindergarten experts at all of our elementary schools that will ease your child’s transition into kindergarten. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact us with Countdown to Kindergarten in the subject line.
Activities
Recommended Books by Highlands Elementary Media Specialist, Kip Dooley
Countdown to Kindergarten by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Harry Bliss

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Jack's Talent by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Ask an Educator
by Highlands Elementary Kindergarten Teachers
To ensure success in kindergarten, we count on parents to partner with us throughout the school year. By creating open lines of communication, fostering good habits at home, and staying up-to-date, we can work together to provide the best possible experience for your child this year. 

Open lines of communication
  • Communicate openly about your child’s areas of growth
  • Share about your family’s culture and traditions

Fostering good habits
  • Send your child to school on time and make sure he or she is ready to learn every day
  • Create a schedule and routine for before and after school, including a plan for emptying the backpack every night, library books, and snacks
  • Read with your child every night
  • Promote and celebrate independence

Staying up-to-date
  • Read teacher emails and/or newsletters
  • Attend a conference with your child’s teacher


Click to read more.
Ask a Parent
Prior to the first day of kindergarten, I remember asking my son whether or not he was nervous. I could see that he was, but he would simply not admit it. I later asked if he was "just a little bit scared" and a tear rolled down his face as he said yes.

I told him that it's ok to be scared and that I was scared too when I started kindergarten. He was surprised by this. I reminded him of his neighborhood friends and teammates that would be joining him in kindergarten. Our conversation helped a lot.

Our child took the bus to school his first day. Just prior to stepping on the bus our son turned around and told us he would be OK. Naturally, this made my wife cry, and I had a few internal tears as well. We watched him walk right up, and sit on the second seat directly behind the bus driver. We took a photo of him walking onto the bus and I'm thankful we did. I remember the day like it was yesterday.


Click to read more.
My daughter was excited and curious about starting kindergarten. She was also nervous about the unknown. We talked a lot with her about how it would be different from Pre-K and focused on the exciting parts such as riding the bus and getting lunch.

We reassured her about making new friends and being in school with older kids. There were several books about starting kindergarten that we read to her. She was able to meet her classmates and other kids who were starting kindergarten at her school by attending the playdates. One thing that was very helpful was going to the classroom before the first day to familiarize herself with the classroom and school.

As a parent, I knew my daughter was ready for the next challenge, so I was excited for her, but also sad. Starting kindergarten marked the end of her childhood season. I was nervous about all the new responsibilities she would have. Would she remember her pin, bus number, or bus stop? Would she be able to find friends to play with?

Click to read more.
2019-20 Family Handbook
The online handbook is designed to provide you with everything you need to get your kindergartner ready for the school year

  • View or print the back to school checklist to be sure you are completing all of the necessary things for a successful first day
  • Find important resources such as Health Services for immunization information
  • Find links to each elementary back to school page


Upcoming Events
Aug. 27: First Day of Kindergarten
Watch for other important information to come from your child's school
Aug. 19: Concord New Family Popsicle Play Date, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Concord Elementary Playground
Aug. 22: Concord Elementary Open House, 7:30-9 a.m.
Aug. 15: Cornelia Elementary Play Date, 5-7 p.m. at Cornelia Elementary Playground
Aug. 20: Cornelia Elementary Play Date, 5-7 p.m. at Cornelia Elementary Playground
Aug. 23: Cornelia Elementary Play Date, 8:30-10 a.m. at Cornelia Elementary Playground
Aug. 23: Cornelia Elementary Open House, 7:30-9 a.m.
Aug. 14: Countryside Elementary Popsicle Play Date, 5 p.m. at Countryside Upper Playground
Aug. 22: Countryside Elementary Open House, 8-10 a.m.
Aug. 21: Creek Valley Elementary Kindergarten Families Get Together, 4-5 p.m. Creek Valley Playground
Aug. 23: Creek Valley Back to School Meet and Greet 8-9:30 a.m.
Aug. 19: Highlands Elementary Play Date, 4:30-6 p.m. at Weber Park
Aug. 22: Highlands Elementary Open House, 4-5:30 p.m.
Aug. 22: Normandale Elementary Kindergarten Open House, 8-9:30 a.m.
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