WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN
August 5, 2022
Dear Kindergarten Families,
The countdown to kindergarten has begun! We’re just about a month away from welcoming your child to Montclair. We’re so excited about starting this long-term relationship with you. You’ll soon find that Montclair is really a family.
We know that our kindergarten families have lots of questions, especially if this is the first time that you’re sending a child to school. We’re here to support you! Below are answers to some frequently asked questions and information about your child’s first week. Please know that more information will be coming, as well.
Again, welcome to the Montclair community. We can’t wait to see you in person!
Angee Silliman
Principal
Kindergarten FAQ
When is the first day of kindergarten?
Half of our kindergarteners will start on Thursday, September 8 and be off on Friday, September 9. The other half will be off on Thursday and start on Friday, September 9.
Thursday (9/8) Last names A thru L 8:30 am to 3:05 pm
Friday (9/9) Last names M thru Z 8:30 am to 3:05 pm
ALL kindergarteners will attend school on Monday, September 12, 8:30 am to 3:05 pm.
Will parents be able to escort children to their classes on the first day of school?
With current covid guidelines, we should be able to allow parents to escort their children to the classroom on the first day of school. Due to security precautions, this may end after the first week of school. More information will be coming directly to you prior to school starting .
Will families be able to visit the school and kindergarten classrooms prior to the start of school?
Yes, Montclair has an open house on September 1, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, to meet your child’s teacher and bring supplies. Followed by PTO picnic, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
What are the normal hours for school?
Breakfast is available at 8:00 am until the bell rings at 8:25 am to go to class. School starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:05 pm
What is the process for picking up and dropping off kindergarteners?
Parents can drop their children off in the parking lot where staff will be there to direct the children into the cafeteria and then to classrooms.
Is after-school care offered at our school?
Vermont Hills Family Life Center is onsite at Montclair for after school care only,
3:05 pm to 6:00 pm. They can be reached at 503-452-8633. To register go to www.vhfl.org.
When do families find out who their kindergarten teachers will be?
Teachers will be available in ParentVue and ParentSquare by August 29.
How do families ensure that their child will have a lunch to eat on the first day?
Students can bring lunches from home or purchase lunches in the school cafeteria. Staff will be available to assist kindergarteners with purchasing lunches using their student numbers for the first few weeks of school.
If your child will be purchasing lunch, there are two ways to add money to your account: 1) pay at school; cash or checks are accepted in the school cafeteria or 2) pay online. SchoolCafé can be used for online payments. There’s a small fee for using SchoolCafé to make deposits.
How much does breakfast and lunch cost?
Breakfast costs $1.65; lunch costs $3.05.
If kindergarteners eat breakfast at school, when should they arrive? How do they get to class after breakfast?
Breakfast opens at 8:00 am in the cafeteria. The bell rings at 8:25 and staff will direct them to their classrooms.
How do families apply for free or reduced-cost school meals?
If you believe your student qualifies for free or reduced-cost meals, please visit the Meal Benefits webpage to apply.
How are food allergies handled?
When enrolling your child, any food allergies listed will go directly to the Cafeteria Manager. This information is kept confidential. When your child purchases a breakfast or lunch they use their student ID number and this information will come up on the computer screen as the child checks out.
How do families find out about bus routes? Do families need to register?
If a student qualifies for busing, families will receive a message from Transportation with their student’s route information via ParentSquare on Monday, August 29. Elementary students who live more than one mile from school qualify for busing; families do not need to register.
Do families need to buy school supplies for kindergarteners?
Yes, on the Montclair website is a list of supplies by grade level. Visit https://montclair.beaverton.k12.or.us.
What will kindergarteners need to bring to school on their first day?
Kindergarten supplies (unless they are dropped off at the open house). A change of clothes in the back pack is not required but recommended to have in case needed.
If families have other questions prior to the start of school, when will the school office be open to call and speak to a staff member?
School office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 503-356-2190. Feel free to call with any questions.
I know this can be a very exciting and emotional time for both students and parents. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. We want to make sure you feel comfortable and have the information you need as your child starts school.
With Excitement,
Angee Silliman
Principal of Montclair
For more back-to-school information, visit the district’s website.
MONTCLAIR NEWSLETTER
The Hawkeye News goes out electronically on Thursdays to Montclair families through ParentSquare.
To view on our website, go to https://montclair.beaverton.k12.or.us, click on ABOUT US, and then Newsletter.
Ms. Jill Solheim
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Mrs. Solheim has been teaching for 25 years with the latter 8 in kindergarten. She has taught both internationally and here in the Pacific NW. Her classroom is a place full of joy, wonder and discovery! Students will learn to collaborate, communicate, and problem solve through playful inquiry.
MS. MARJORIE RIOS-NOGALES
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Mrs. Rios-Nogales has been teaching kindergarten for 14 years, and has had the experience of teaching world languages at other BSD schools. She has been with Montclair since 2019. Her passion for language can be found in her classroom, where children incorporate world languages into their daily tasks. Through song, art, play and exploration kindergartners understand the importance of kindness and collaboration.
GETTING READY FOR KINDERGARTEN
Getting ready for Reading - your child:
- Holds a book and turns pages correctly
- Understands the sounds that letters make
- Recognizes a few simple words (sight words such as a, the, and)
- Reads every day/enjoys listening to stories
Getting ready for Writing - your child:
- Can write first and last name
- Understands that words are written from left to right
- Can print letters and numbers 1 to 10
- Writes often, enjoys writing
Getting ready for Math - your child:
- Counts objects from 1 to 10
- Recognizes numerals 1 to 10
- Recognizes shapes: circle, square, triangle, oval, rectangle
- Knows basic colors
Getting ready for Learning - your child:
- Can correctly hold and use a pencil and crayons: traces, colors
- Cuts with scissors: cuts on line, holds correctly
- Organizes own materials: backpack and coat
- Works independently
- Follows directions
- Handles disappointment appropriately
- Cooperates with other children: sharing, taking turns
- Keeps hands and feet to self
Your child should know how to zip, snap, tie, button, and fasten velcro. Be sure that your little one can also take care of his or her bathroom needs well before the first day of school. It is important that your child feels confident and secure in making decisions and handling separation from parent(s) for an extended period of time.
LUNCH
- USDA lunches are provided each day
- To apply for Meal Benefits online visit:https://www.schoolcafe.com
RIDING THE BUS~
- Bus information for your student is available on the Beaverton School District website
- Bus Drivers are not able to wait if students are not at the bus stop on time
- Any student who stays on the bus will be returned to school
- Transportation changes - notes, calls, emails - communicate early
- Routes, stops, locate your child's bus: There is an app available
