Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) in the Cheshire Public Schools Information Sheet May 2017 We are excited that Full Day Kindergarten is part of the Cheshire Public Schools! This information sheet is shared with you to provide you with the most up-to-date information related to our implementation of FDK during the 2017-2018 school year. Included in this document is information related to: methods for developing our FDK plan; the FDK plan for 2017-2018; the waiver process; current kindergarten enrollment figures; as well as various important topics. I am hopeful that this document will provide you with information about our implementation of FDK in the Cheshire Public Schools to ensure a successful beginning for our newest students. Thanks so much for your help and support! Shawn Parkhurst Assistant Superintendent

Developing a FDK Implementation Plan in Cheshire Each year, the district will review kindergarten registrations based on existing school district lines and matched to space availability to determine where a kindergarten student will attend kindergarten. We will make every effort to honor the home school concept with Darcey School being available to all schools based on space needs. All parents registered their kindergarten students at Darcey School beginning in January and will continue through June. Beginning each July 1st, the registration process for kindergarten will move to the individual schools.

FDK for 2017-2018 We have reviewed the kindergarten registrations and have determined a plan for implementing FDK for the 2017-2018 school year in Cheshire. The plan is as follows: 

Kindergarten students in the Norton District will attend Norton School for FDK.



Kindergarten students in the Chapman District will attend Chapman School for FDK.



Kindergarten students in the Doolittle District will attend Darcey School for FDK.



Kindergarten students in the Highland District will attend Highland School for FDK.

Waivers Any parent requesting a waiver for their child to attend a different school for kindergarten from the assigned school outlined in our plan must send a written request to the building principal. The building principal should forward the request to the Superintendent of Schools for a decision based on current enrollment and space availability.

Important FDK Topics: 1. We offered parents the option of a ½ day program for their child. The ½ day program will be held in the AM and students attending ½ day kindergarten will be integrated within an existing full day kindergarten classroom. Transportation home at the end of the ½ program (midday) will be the responsibility of the parent. 2. School principals will mail welcome letters to all kindergarten parents by May 26th indicating the school their child will attend during the 17-18 school year. 3. Each school that houses FDK will be hosting parent welcome sessions in June 2017. The welcome letter will include the date and time for the session. 4. Kindergarten teacher assignments will be made during the summer. Parents will be informed through an assignment letter and on PowerSchool after August 14th. 5. Kindergarten Orientation for students and parents is planned for Thursday, August 24th beginning at 9:00 a.m. This orientation will include a classroom visit, teacher introduction, tour of the school, and a bus ride. 6. The first day of school is scheduled for Monday, August 28th. FDK students will attend a full day on the first day and every day thereafter. 7. Beginning July 1, 2017, kindergarten registration will be completed at each school; health records/start of school health requirements will be handled by the nurse at each school. 8. Kindergarten will take part in the same parent conference schedule as grades 1-6. The parent conference dates for next year are: 10/24; 10/26; 3/20; 3/22. 9. Kindergarten will follow the same Open House schedule as grades 1-6. The Open House dates for next year are: 9/5; 9/12; 9/14. 10. Kindergarten report cards will be distributed in January and June (unlike Grades 1-6 report card distribution schedule that will continue to be December, March, and June). 11. Special Subject Area Schedules for art, music, PE, and library will be 45 minutes districtwide.