For any new mom or dad in the same boat as me, getting ready to send your son or daughter off to Kindergarten in the fall seems very overwhelming, sad, and exciting all at the same time, especially during these times!! Weren’t they just our babies a few weeks ago, asking to be picked up and rocked to sleep?! Now they are 4, or 5, or 6yrs old…ready to take a HUGE step into the world without us right by their sides. To be prepared as possible (even though I’ll be crying on the first day…don’t judge!), FairfieldMoms wanted to keep you up to date on everything you need to know about sending your kids off to Kindergarten…from orientation, to registration, to after-school programs. Read more below!
**This post has been updated with the new guidelines due to COVID.
Registration
Registration for Kindergarten for 2020-2021 school year is currently open. The first thing on your check list is to head to this website – Student Registration, and register your child. First day of school is September 1st, 2020!
Due to the current state of the world, we have changed our registration process (for the time being) while safely working remotely. Once you have registered your child, we will send you an email (that will include our email addresses) to request documentation to have your son/daughter enrolled in the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. We prefer all documents be in a PDF format, but will accept picture format if necessary. Once we have returned to the office, all registrations will need to take place in person.
Documentation Required To Complete The Registration Process: All originals will be returned to the parent/guardian. Your child’s enrollment is conditional upon a physical review of their original birth certificate / passport, upon our return to Central Office.
- Official original birth certificate is required. If not available, a Passport will be required
- Proof of Residency: mortgage statement OR deed to property OR current lease agreement (original signed and executed by all parties)
- Two (different) current utility bills showing mailing address (no cell phone bills)
- Parent’s valid driver’s license or passport (no copy accepted)
- Automobile registration certificate (no copy accepted)
- If applicable, legal guardianship document(s).
Appointment with the School Nurse to review health information: The third item on your checklist – While school is not in session, please mail all health forms to the Public Health Nursing Office, 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824). You will be informed if the records are in complete.
Health Documentation Required To Enroll Your Child:
- Health Assessment Record (available online at fairfieldschools.org/parent‐resources)
- Immunization Notification Form (available online at fairfieldschools.org/parent‐resources)
**No student will be permitted to enter Fairfield Schools without this Health Information
Not sure what school district you are in? Head here and input your home address to find out – Find Your School
Orientation – Virtual
All of these events will be posted on the school’s website.
Burr – May 26th live presentation at 10am | May 28th live Q/A at 10am and 2pm
Dwight – May 26th live presentation at 10:30am | May 27th live presentation at 12pm | May 28th live Q/A at 3pm
Holland Hill – May 26th to send video | May 27th for live Q/A 6:30pm and 7:30pm
Jennings – May 27th live presentation with Q/A at 1:30pm
McKinley – May 26th (posted on website at 8:30am)
Mill Hill – May 26th live presentation at 2pm
North Stratfield – May 26th (posted on website at 8:30am) | Q/A at 10am and 6pm
Osborn Hill – May 25th (posted on website at 8am) | May 28th live Q/A at 9:15am and 1:30pm
Riverfield – May 27th (posted on website at 8:30am) | June 1st Q/A at 2pm | June 2nd Q/A at 11am
Sherman – May 26th live presentation and Q/A 2pm – 3pm
Stratfield – May 27th (posted on website at 8:30am) | June 3rd Q/A at 11am (LAST NAMES A-L) , 2pm (LAST NAMES M-Z)
Kindergarten Information
School Hours are M-F 8:55am – 3:30pm (expect Holland Hill which is 8:10am – 2:45pm)
The kindergarten curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health and safety, music, art, physical education and library media. Instruction by specialists takes place once a week in art and twice a week in music and physical education. A lunch period, recess and quiet time are provided daily. The kindergarten program emphasizes physical, social, emotional and academic development. Each child will progress based on his/her individual developmental needs.
Parent Information
School communication is done through what is called Infinite Campus. Infinite Campus is a web-based student information system that gives parents and guardians access to important school and student information and enhances communication between faculty, parents and students.
Transportation
Children who live a distance of three-fourths of a mile or more from school will be eligible for bus transportation. If you are uncertain if your address qualifies for transportation, you may call the Transportation Office at 203-255-8385. NOTE – Kindergarten students are not discharged from the bus unless an adult is present or with a sibling at the bus stop to meet the child. Students will be returned to school if an adult is not present
More information can be found here – Transportation
After School Programs (Still pending due to COVID) – will release more information when available.
Burr – After the Bell
Burr – Kid’s Care (Before & After)
Dwight – Wakeman (Pick up afterschool)
Dwight YMCA – After School Care
Holland Hill YMCA (Pick up afterschool)
Holland Hill Wakeman Boys and Girls Club, Burroughs Clubhouse, (Pick up afterschool)
Holland Hill Easton Community Center (Before & After)
Jennings Child Link (Before & After)
Jennings Wakeman (Pick up afterschool)
McKinley Kid’s Place (Before & After
Mill Hill YMCA (After School until 6 p.m.)
Mill Hill Kid’s Care (Before & After)
North Stratfield Easton Community Center (Before & After)
Osborn Hill Kid’s Place (Before & After)
Riverfield Kid’s Care – Before & AfterSchool
Riverfield Wakeman (Pick up afterschool)
Riverfield YMCA (After School until 6 p.m.)
Sherman Kids Time By the Sea (Before & After)
Stratfield Kid’s Club (Before & After)
Meet New Students
Camp Champs – run by Fairfield Parks and Rec. CANCELLED
Camp Champs is a fun-filled program led by preschool teachers and geared specifically toward Pre-K aged children. This is a 2-week program during the SUMMER that offers a variety of activities including music and movement, arts & crafts, active, calming and educational games, as well as several on-site special events! Staff to child ratio is 1-7. Each staff member is certified in Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
Your child will have the opportunity to participate in engaging teacher-led and child-centered activities. They will be happy to bring home art projects, discuss books they’ve read, and share songs they’ve learned at the program. Your child will also be able to join in many themed activities, such as water day, dress-up days, and on-site entertainment.
Check back here closer to summer for updates on playgroups that will meet up prior to the start of the school year at your local park!
Help Prepare your Child for Kindergarten
- Teach your child his/her full name, address (including town and state) and telephone number.
- Help your child to assume responsibility for dressing himself/herself as best as possible. Label all outerwear.
- Teach your child the proper use of bathroom facilities.
- Encourage clear and proper speech.
- Help your child to be a good listener and to respond at appropriate times.
- Listen to your child and show genuine interest in what your child has to say.
- Ask questions to prompt your child to think such as “Why do you think so?” or “What do you think that means?”
- Teach your child to develop an appreciation and respect for the rights and property of others.
- Provide opportunities for your child to play with other children to learn sharing and taking turns.
- Read to your child. Choose material appropriate to your child’s level of development, interest and maturity.
- Limit the amount and monitor the quality of television your child watches