Kindergarten teachers are committed to helping your child have a successful introduction to school. Below is some general parent information to help make the transition easier. Please contact your child’s teacher if you desire more details in any area.

District kindergarten teachers practice a developmental approach to teaching. This means using a variety of techniques involving station rotation, hands-on activities, and manipulatives. Examples of kindergarten homework include finding a picture of an item beginning with a specific letter, bringing an object of a particular shape to school, and practicing counting. 

A nightly reading program for kindergarten students will begin by October. This program encourages students to read nightly with their parents using literature from the child’s classroom library. Please take these opportunities to become involved in your child’s education.

Children who ride District transportation should do so on the first day of school so they can adjust to the procedure. Walkers and car riders should arrive on time - not several minutes early or late. Procedures for arrival and dismissal can be different at each school. Please check with your child’s teacher for specific details on which door to enter and how to line up at the beginning of the school day. 

If your child is being picked up at dismissal, a written note indicating who will pick up your child is necessary. To ensure your child’s safety, any changes in pick-up arrangements must be made in writing. Additionally, all children leaving with an adult must be signed out in the office. 

Kindergarten students will not be dropped off at an unattended bus stop. A parent or guardian must be waiting at the stop to meet the student. If a parent or guardian is not present, the child will be brought back to their school and a parent contacted. 

Kindergarten is an active time. Activities which are messy or require physical movement are conducted on a regular basis. Dress your child in clothes that allow participation in these activities. Also, please check your child’s clothes to be sure he/she is able to take care of bathroom needs independently. This includes unfastening and fastening buttons, zippers, and snaps. 

For safety reasons, sneakers are required for physical education class. Also, consider the weather when deciding if jackets or boots are needed. Please consult the Parent & Student Handbook for more details.

 

Snack time is handled differently throughout the District. Your child’s teacher will inform you about the procedures in his/her classroom.

Fall parent conferences will typically be held in October and November. At this time, the teacher will discuss your child’s progress and set goals for the school year. Spring conferences will be scheduled according to teacher or parent requests. If you have questions or concerns at any other time during the year, contact your child’s teacher and a conference will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

Seven primary schools, two intermediate schools and one Virtual Learning Academy operate within the District. Varying in size, buildings are organized for teaching according to individual building needs and physical 
make-up. 

The District’s language arts curriculum is based on the Pennsylvania Academic/Core Standards for reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using an instructional model, based on the Science of Reading, the elementary program provides a strong foundation in basic skills. Classrooms use a structured literacy approach, which includes instruction in phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Daily writing, grammar, and language practice are also integral components. 

The District has developed a rigorous elementary math program based on the Pennsylvania Academic/Core Standards and recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The curriculum builds a strong foundation for successful learning in math. Both intervention and enrichment opportunities are incorporated to meet individual student needs. 

Following Pennsylvania Academic/Core Standards, students also receive instruction in STEM, science, health, and social studies. These subjects offer opportunities for hands-on, interactive learning through experiments, technology, and thematic integration with other subjects.

The classroom teacher infuses technology instruction with current curricular content. iPads in K-4, Chromebooks in grade 5, and interactive white boards in all grades extend classroom instruction at all elementary buildings. 

Elementary libraries contain a current and extensive collection of children’s literature and reference materials, an automated card catalog system, and inter-library loan.

Elementary students have the opportunity to expand their talents and skills through specialized classes in art, music, library, and physical education. String and band instrument instruction is offered in the fourth and fifth grades. 

All students are able to participate in a variety of activities, including instrumental and choral performances, dramatic productions, school spirit days, community service projects, and 
the West Shore Foundation Academic Bowl.

The District believes that homework, work that is planned and approved by the teacher to be completed outside the regular classroom setting and without the direct supervision of the teacher, is an essential part of the educational process.

Homework should reinforce school learning by providing practice activities and other activities designed to expand the application of knowledge and skills. Homework should also foster the development of student independence, self-discipline, and good work habits.

 

In order for homework assignments to be effective, cooperation and communication between the home and the school are essential.

A minimal amount of age and grade level appropriate homework should be assigned in the primary grades. In grade 1, homework assignments shall not exceed 30 minutes per day. In grades 2-3, homework assignments shall not exceed 45 minutes per day.

 

Homework assignments should be gradually increased in the upper elementary grades, but should not exceed 60 minutes per day.

The elementary program encourages active family involvement. Parent conferences are held in the fall and spring. Report cards are issued three times during the school year and provide parents with ongoing information about student progress.

All parents have access to current grades and attendance information through PowerSchool. Contact your child’s building secretary for information on setting up a PowerSchool account.

For updates on upcoming events and general building information, parents are encouraged to follow their child’s elementary school on social media, visit the school website, and check their email for school newsletters and principal communications. Additionally, classroom teachers communicate directly with families regarding classroom events through the Seesaw platform.

All buildings have an active PTO which provides resources for field trips, assemblies, playground equipment, and other building activities. PTO meeting dates may be found on the calendar. 

Parents and family members are encouraged to attend school and PTO events. Please contact your teacher or building principal if you would like to visit the school during the school day. 

Parent volunteers are an integral part of the elementary program. To become a District volunteer, please follow the procedures described on the District webpage.  

The elementary program provides resources including counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, social workers, behavioral therapists, and a dental hygienist for students and their families.  

Intervention services for reading and mathematics are available for students in all elementary grades. Special programs are also available to assist children in speech, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. 

A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Team is available to provide assistance to students with academic, social, and/or behavioral concerns. 

The English Language Development Program offers our English Learners (EL) specialized programs to meet their needs.