Cararissa Kester, the chief of staff for Stillwater Schools, began the meeting by addressing the first-time kindergarten parent meeting. With the kindergarten enrollment season in full swing, Kester highlighted the importance of meeting the “soft deadline” of January 15th for priority enrollment, especially for families considering alternative enrollment options outside their designated school zone. She emphasized that applications submitted by this deadline would be prioritized in the lottery process, though late applications would still be considered, albeit with a lower priority. This deadline also applied to families interested in the Amigos Unitos Spanish immersion program, with notifications about enrollment status expected by the end of January.

The meeting also addressed the anxieties parents often feel as their children prepare for kindergarten, touching on topics such as bathroom independence, lunch routines, and bus rides. Kester reassured parents that these concerns were common and that the school staff was well-prepared to support children through these changes. Orientation sessions were scheduled for April 9th and 10th, where children could meet teachers and experience the school environment, while parents could discuss expectations with principals.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a panel discussion featuring parents and teachers, who shared their experiences regarding the transition to kindergarten. Parents Tyler, Erin, Angela, and Matt contributed their insights, with Angela and Matt discussing their decision to delay their daughter’s kindergarten start by a year. They believed this additional year would allow their daughter to mature and gain confidence, a decision they ultimately felt was beneficial. Angela explained, “We heard arguments about like giving them an extra year of childhood,” and described the advantages of their daughter attending a nature preschool during that year.

The adjustment to full-day schooling was another focal point, with parents and teachers discussing the challenges children face in adapting to the longer school day. One parent shared that while their child found the day long, they were managing the transition well. Teachers echoed this sentiment, noting that the early weeks are dedicated to helping students acclimate to the classroom environment. Teachers emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment where children can learn independence, and shared anecdotes illustrating how shared experiences, such as bathroom accidents, foster connections among students.

The “Ready Set Go” conferences were introduced as a means for families to meet teachers one-on-one before the school year begins. These conferences allow teachers to assess each child’s needs and readiness, fostering open communication between families and educators. Parents were encouraged to prepare their children for school routines, emphasizing the development of independence in tasks such as managing snow gear and using the bathroom.

Social adjustment was another key topic, with discussions on the importance of helping children form friendships. One parent shared their concern over their child not quickly forming friendships, but later realized the child was adapting well to the new environment. Unstructured playtime was highlighted as a crucial component of the daily schedule, allowing children to develop social skills naturally.

The academic structure of the kindergarten day was outlined, with teachers explaining the curriculum, including morning meetings, reading lessons, phonics instruction, and writing exercises. The phonics curriculum, referred to as UFI, supports guided practice, allowing students to explore literacy with teacher support.

Communication between parents and teachers emerged as a crucial theme, with one parent expressing satisfaction with the level of communication received. Weekly emails from teachers provided updates on learning objectives and heart words, although some parents noted a difference in communication style compared to previous schools, where daily updates were more common.

Logistical information regarding the Adventure Club, the district’s before-and-after school care program, was shared, with registration set to occur in April. Transportation logistics were also addressed. Parents were reminded to complete early childhood screenings and school health exams before the first week of school.