Kindergarten Curriculum
The goal of the Kindergarten Curriculum, whether whole or
half day, is to provide a flexible atmosphere where there are opportunities
for young children to pursue individual interests and participate
in large group activities. Children with special needs are integrated
into the regular Kindergarten classrooms. Through these interactions,
opportunities to increase confidence and build self-esteem abound
while children learn about cooperation, sharing and taking care
of others as well as themselves.
The Tyngsborough Early Childhood Center follows the Massachusetts
State Frameworks for the curriculum areas of English Language Arts,
Math, History and Social Science, and Science, Technology and Engineering.
The learning standards provide teachers with a comprehensive planning
tool for curriculum at all grade levels. Please see the Kindergarten
Curriculum Handbook for further information regarding the State
Frameworks.
The activities of this curriculum provide a wide range of open-ended,
hands-on projects that are developmentally appropriate for five
and six year olds. A balanced literacy approach to learning to read
and write is utilized in all classrooms. Tyngsborough Public Schools
has adopted a new math program titled “Investigations”
which will be implemented in grades K-4. These programs provide
continuity of skills from grade to grade and consistency of curriculum
at each level. A child’s daily program includes many expressive
experiences such as storytelling, art, music, movement, dramatic
play and opportunities to talk with peers and adults alike. Children
are encouraged to initiate their own play activities and to solve
the many problems/conflicts that arise during the day. Science units
at the Kindergarten level include the Five Senses, Transportation
and Ecology. The Social Studies Curriculum is being developed to
coincide with the State Frameworks. In a positive consistent environment,
teachers are able to help children clarify their experiences through
fact and imagination. Experiences brought from home and shared in
school are applied to the world around us, helping to make life
relevant.
The Full Day Kindergarten Program will follow the general routine
of the half-day program except for lunch, a recess and a rest time
when children will be encouraged to sleep or listen to music. The
extra time allows for enrichment activities that extend the basic
Kindergarten curriculum from the morning. All Kindergarten classes
meet once a week with the enrichment teacher.
Program Options for Kindergarten
In an effort to meet the varying needs of children and their families,
the Early Childhood Center staff will offer two options for Kindergarten
next year. Transportation is provided for all programs. At the time
of registration, we request that you select a program. Should the number of students registered for Option #2 exceed what we can accommodate, selection
will be made by lottery. Should there be insufficient interest in
Option #2, this program will not run. Confirmation regarding
your child’s schedule will be provided approximately three
weeks after Kindergarten registration. Changes from one program
to another will be made on a first come first serve basis until
the programs are full.
OPTION
# 1: Five half day session
This option is the traditional Kindergarten schedule. Most
students attend either a 5 morning or 5 afternoon session.
At mid-year, the students will switch sessions. Information
regarding the date of the changeover will be addressed through
the monthly newsletter. |
OPTION
# 2: Full Day session
The School Committee approves the full day Kindergarten program
with the stipulation that it be self-supporting. Therefore,
parents interested in this option are charged a fee of $310
per month from September through June for the additional three
hours and forty-five minutes beyond the half-day session.
The June 2008 tuition payment will be required as a non-refundable
deposit once you are notified of your child’s placement
in early spring. Without this deposit your child’s placement
will be given to another child on the waiting list. Students
can either bring their lunch or purchase a school lunch.
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Kindergarten Entrance Policy
Children must be five years old by September 1st of the year they
enter Kindergarten. Parents will be contacted regarding registration
after they have completed the town census. A copy of the birth certificate
and immunization record are required at the time of registration.
State law requires proof of a completed medical exam by a licensed
physician prior to school entrance.
Kindergarten Progress Reports
Four progress reports are sent home during the school year at approximately
eight-week intervals. This year’s reports will be sent home
on the following dates: November 10, 2007, January 26, 2008, April
5, 2008 and on the last day of school.
Clothing and Individual Supplies
It is important to label mittens, hats, coats, boots, sweaters,
raincoats, etc., since many of these are lost each year. A labeled
backpack is vital for each child to carry treasured possessions
to and from school. Please note that backpacks on wheels are not
allowed in kindergarten. Full day kindergartners will need a small
labeled pillow and a small blanket to leave in school.
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