BIENVENUE! Welcome new families!
Dear Kindergarten and Transfer Families:
Welcome to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion parent community! To help make the start of your new school year as smooth and stress-free as possible, parents of past Kindergarteners and Transfer students did some brainstorming to gather helpful info, advice, and tips to share with you during this exciting, emotional time.
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of school is a huge moment for both parents and children--especially when starting at a new school. Please rest assured that the staff is prepared to spot children who need assistance and will make sure all of the students meet up with their class.
Many parents choose to drive their children to school on the first day. Please note that the school parking lots will be filled with cars from eager parents and students on the first day of school. Please also be aware that parking not on school property can result in your car being towed, so leave yourself plenty of time and patience. Don’t forget that special first day photo either at the bus stop or outside of the school building!
Your child doesn’t need to bring all school supplies on the first day! Send items in their backpack as space permits or bring them with you to Back-to-School night if that makes things easier for you and your child. Please be aware that our teachers pool the classroom supplies. Your child doesn't need to label their supplies with their name, as everything will be used by all members of the class.
Dismissal on the first day usually takes longer than usual because such care is taken to ensure that students who are riding the bus end up on the correct one. Consequently, bus arrival times at the stops can vary during the first couple of weeks. Please note that the bus times as listed on the PGCPS transportation letters are also approximate, and may change. Do not be surprised if the bus is 15-25 minutes later than the time listed; conversely, the bus may also be 5 minutes early. Keep track of the arrival times for the first few weeks; by the end of that time you will probably have your correct time for the year. Keep your PGCPS transportation letter handy—it contains all the information you need should you have to contact the Transportation hotline or visit the web page on the PGCPS site.
THE FIRST FEW WEEKS
Within about two weeks, most children become comfortable with the classroom routine, rules, and daily schedule and homework. They will be very tired at the end of the day as they adjust to life at their new school.
Some important things to be aware of during this time:
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Keep in mind that classroom supplies will need replenishment -especially the pencils, crayons, erasers, and glue sticks that are so heavily used.
There are lots of ways to get involved, and it’s the best way to get to know other families and help your child feel connected to their school. Check e.Journal -- the DKFI newsletter -- for the monthly calendar of events including volunteer opportunities and fun after school activities. Some annual favorites are:
• Green Clean-Up Saturday, our Fall spruce-up of the school grounds
• Book Fairs
• National French Week
• DKFI Talent Show
• Friday Bingo/Movie nights
If you plan to volunteer as a field trip chaperone or in the classroom at some point during the year (which your child will want you to do!), be aware that PGCPS requires a background check/fingerprinting process for parents and guardians to complete in order to be eligible. Information about this process can be found on the PGCPS Security office website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does my child buy lunch at school?
PGCPS uses an online tool for meal payments and aftercare fees called MySchoolBucks. Students will receive a PIN from their teacher that is associated with their account to enter when they buy lunch. More information, as well as monthly lunch menus, can be found on the PGCPS website.
Can my child bring a snack to school?
Yes! The Kindergarteners eat lunch early in the day, so they have a brief snack time near the end of the day. Please send an individual snack with your student each day.
If my child doesn’t ride the bus, where should I meet them for pick-up at the end of the day?
The Kindergarten teachers bring their classes to gym 5-10 minutes before dismissal where students wait to line up for their bus or for pick-up by a parent or other authorized adult.
What should I do if my child is absent?
It is necessary to send a note to your child’s teacher when the student returns to school in order for the absence to be marked excused.
How can I get involved in the school?
Support your school’s PTA! The PTA offers many chances for you to get involved, whether you can be at school during the day, or if you have a skill that you can use from home at night or on the weekends. PTA appreciates your skills and your ability to share them with the school community. You can join online at Pay4SchoolStuff.
Never forget to check in with the teacher. They may have projects that are needed for just their class. Teachers always appreciate hearing, “How can I help?”
How can I communicate with other parents?
We are preparing a new communications platform. Please check back for updates.
If you want to communicate with parents of the whole school (and alum parents), join the school-wide listserv by sending an email to [email protected].
We're also on social media!
Dear Kindergarten and Transfer Families:
Welcome to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion parent community! To help make the start of your new school year as smooth and stress-free as possible, parents of past Kindergarteners and Transfer students did some brainstorming to gather helpful info, advice, and tips to share with you during this exciting, emotional time.
CLICK HERE FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of school is a huge moment for both parents and children--especially when starting at a new school. Please rest assured that the staff is prepared to spot children who need assistance and will make sure all of the students meet up with their class.
Many parents choose to drive their children to school on the first day. Please note that the school parking lots will be filled with cars from eager parents and students on the first day of school. Please also be aware that parking not on school property can result in your car being towed, so leave yourself plenty of time and patience. Don’t forget that special first day photo either at the bus stop or outside of the school building!
Your child doesn’t need to bring all school supplies on the first day! Send items in their backpack as space permits or bring them with you to Back-to-School night if that makes things easier for you and your child. Please be aware that our teachers pool the classroom supplies. Your child doesn't need to label their supplies with their name, as everything will be used by all members of the class.
Dismissal on the first day usually takes longer than usual because such care is taken to ensure that students who are riding the bus end up on the correct one. Consequently, bus arrival times at the stops can vary during the first couple of weeks. Please note that the bus times as listed on the PGCPS transportation letters are also approximate, and may change. Do not be surprised if the bus is 15-25 minutes later than the time listed; conversely, the bus may also be 5 minutes early. Keep track of the arrival times for the first few weeks; by the end of that time you will probably have your correct time for the year. Keep your PGCPS transportation letter handy—it contains all the information you need should you have to contact the Transportation hotline or visit the web page on the PGCPS site.
THE FIRST FEW WEEKS
Within about two weeks, most children become comfortable with the classroom routine, rules, and daily schedule and homework. They will be very tired at the end of the day as they adjust to life at their new school.
Some important things to be aware of during this time:
- Visit the PGCPS website to sign up for text/email alerts about weather-related delays and cancellations.
- Be on the look out for the class field trip t-shirt order form in your child’s backpack. They will need it for school events throughout the year—not just field trips!
- Currently, most teachers use the School Max portal to post grades. You can visit http://www1.pgcps.org/sis/index.aspx?id=72414 to learn more about this important online tool.
- PGCPS runs on an A/B Day schedule. While this impacts the older grades more, you will need to know what day it is so that your child is properly prepared for their specials-art, PE, music, etc.
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Keep in mind that classroom supplies will need replenishment -especially the pencils, crayons, erasers, and glue sticks that are so heavily used.
There are lots of ways to get involved, and it’s the best way to get to know other families and help your child feel connected to their school. Check e.Journal -- the DKFI newsletter -- for the monthly calendar of events including volunteer opportunities and fun after school activities. Some annual favorites are:
• Green Clean-Up Saturday, our Fall spruce-up of the school grounds
• Book Fairs
• National French Week
• DKFI Talent Show
• Friday Bingo/Movie nights
If you plan to volunteer as a field trip chaperone or in the classroom at some point during the year (which your child will want you to do!), be aware that PGCPS requires a background check/fingerprinting process for parents and guardians to complete in order to be eligible. Information about this process can be found on the PGCPS Security office website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does my child buy lunch at school?
PGCPS uses an online tool for meal payments and aftercare fees called MySchoolBucks. Students will receive a PIN from their teacher that is associated with their account to enter when they buy lunch. More information, as well as monthly lunch menus, can be found on the PGCPS website.
Can my child bring a snack to school?
Yes! The Kindergarteners eat lunch early in the day, so they have a brief snack time near the end of the day. Please send an individual snack with your student each day.
If my child doesn’t ride the bus, where should I meet them for pick-up at the end of the day?
The Kindergarten teachers bring their classes to gym 5-10 minutes before dismissal where students wait to line up for their bus or for pick-up by a parent or other authorized adult.
What should I do if my child is absent?
It is necessary to send a note to your child’s teacher when the student returns to school in order for the absence to be marked excused.
How can I get involved in the school?
Support your school’s PTA! The PTA offers many chances for you to get involved, whether you can be at school during the day, or if you have a skill that you can use from home at night or on the weekends. PTA appreciates your skills and your ability to share them with the school community. You can join online at Pay4SchoolStuff.
Never forget to check in with the teacher. They may have projects that are needed for just their class. Teachers always appreciate hearing, “How can I help?”
How can I communicate with other parents?
We are preparing a new communications platform. Please check back for updates.
If you want to communicate with parents of the whole school (and alum parents), join the school-wide listserv by sending an email to [email protected].
We're also on social media!
Preparing for the first days
First Month of School
• Prepare for your child to be exhausted after a full day.
• Be aware of how your child handles stressful situations.
• Write your child’s name and your contact information on all clothing items.
• Send in extra set of clothes in a gallon sized Ziplock bag.
• Be sure to send in a snack everyday with your child.
• Go to Kindergarten Orientation and Back to School Night.
• Sign up for the grade-specific listserv.
• Give your child a quiet period before starting homework.
• Establish a routine homework time and setting.
• Ask open-ended questions about your child’s day.
During the First Year
Online Resources:
Parent Resources
Dora Kennedy French Immersion school website
Prince George’s County Public Schools website
- Visit the school grounds with your child so they can get familiar with the building prior to the first day of school.
- Talk with your child about what they may experience, for example, not understanding the language. Assure them that they will start to understand, possibly using their process of learning the English language as an example.
- Help your child develop ways to communicate verbally and non-verbally about their needs. For example, how to ask permission to use the bathroom and get water.
- Prepare your child for the school routine and if possible create a mock school schedule at home from breakfast to dismissal.
- Give your child positive reinforcement for successfully completing independent tasks.
First Month of School
• Prepare for your child to be exhausted after a full day.
• Be aware of how your child handles stressful situations.
• Write your child’s name and your contact information on all clothing items.
• Send in extra set of clothes in a gallon sized Ziplock bag.
• Be sure to send in a snack everyday with your child.
• Go to Kindergarten Orientation and Back to School Night.
• Sign up for the grade-specific listserv.
• Give your child a quiet period before starting homework.
• Establish a routine homework time and setting.
• Ask open-ended questions about your child’s day.
During the First Year
- Complete all homework assignments.
- Check your child’s book bag and lunch box every day for uneaten food and paperwork from the school.
- Attend monthly PTA meetings to stay informed. Meetings typically take place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 pm.
- Check communication folder for notices from school.
- Volunteer at least twice a year, preferably more.
- Have your child look at online French resources used in class on the weekends. Many age-appropriate French videos that review alphabet, numbers and basic words are used in class and can be found on You Tube.
- Don’t hesitate to contact the teacher if you have any concerns.
- Check out French picture books from your local library.
- Have your child read French and English books at home.
- Attend the scheduled Parent-Teacher Conference in November.
- Ask the teacher about your child’s social interaction with others.
- Celebrate each report card.
- Attend birthday parties of other classmates to get to know other classmates.
- Attend PTA events. Family Bingo Night and Movie Nights are great ways for your child to have fun with their classmates outside of school.
Online Resources:
Parent Resources
Dora Kennedy French Immersion school website
Prince George’s County Public Schools website
