Kindergarteners head to Roundup

Future kindergarteners for the 2006-2007 school year received their first taste of what “big-kid school” was like Tuesday evening and Thursday morning during Kindergarten Roundup. Kindergarten Roundup gave both parents and future kindergarteners the opportunity to ask questions, meet teachers, tour the campuses of the elementary schools in Maricopa and to learn about the various kindergarten options available.

Future kindergarteners Aidan Tellez, Alissa Diehnelt and Alex Madrigal waiting to see a “big kids” classroom.

A Santa Rosa Elementary School kindergarten room.

With big and excited eyes, many children were awestruck when they saw the kindergarten classrooms and, of course, the ever popular cafeteria. When Alissa Diehnelt was asked what she thought of Kindergarten Roundup, she gave the typical five-year-old response, “Good.” On the other hand, future kindergarten parent, Traci Manoguerra, thankfully, had more than one word answers about Kindergarten Roundup.

“I thought it was a good idea,” stated Manoguerra, “for parents who were not familiar with the process.”

“I am very glad the principal was there to speak, and we were able to meet him on a more personal level,” continued Manoguerra, “I also liked the fact that he did try to address our questions and concerns as best he could.”

The calendar board (above) and the alphabet board (below) in Jason Burr’s kindergarten classroom.

Many parents had questions on start times and were still unsure of what school their child would be attending. Parents were encouraged to look to the upcoming school board meetings on April 26 and May 11 for more definitive answers regarding start times and school boundaries.

All parents were given informational brochures and handouts that explained curriculum standards as well as what their new students will be learning during the school year. According to the Maricopa United School District, kindergarten curriculum is based on state standards. Some things that kindergarteners should know by the end of the school year include identifying parts of a book, recognizing and naming the letters of the alphabet (both lower and upper case), reading at least 25 common sight words, recognizing U.S. coins, and being able to identify and classify geometric figures and much more.

Santa Rosa Elementary Principal Rick Abel.

Excited future students Elijah Baxter, Conner and Phillip Burish, Madison Tucker, Alissa Diehnelt and Noelle Vangilder enjoy the cafeteria while their moms look on.

For the 2006-2007 school year, the Maricopa Unified School District will be offering three different options for kindergarteners. The first is called “Young Learner’s Kindergarten;” this is a half-day program available to children born between September 1, 2001 and December 31, 2001. Full-Day kindergarten will be offered to children born before September 1, 2001; in addition to regular kindergarten curriculum, children will be participating in “enrichment activities and special classes.” The third option is half-day kindergarten, which will follow the regular curriculum, for children born before September 1, 2001. This will be available based on parental interest.

When asked if half-day or full day made a difference, Santa Rosa Elementary Principal Rick Abel said, “Data will say kids make more academic gain if here for a full day.” When deciding between half-day and full day, it depends on “how ready and excited (the child) is to be in school,” Abel explained, “and how well it works for the family.”

“Big-kid school” actually begins on August 8, with a “Meet the Teacher” night scheduled for August 7.