Bloomington Public Schools
For Parents of Incoming Kindergarteners
Bloomington Public Schools District 87 provides full-day kindergarten programs in each of its six elementary schools. Children in District 87 are eligible to attend kindergarten if they will be 5 years old by September 1st of the school year. Parents must verify birth dates by showing a certified copy of the child's birth certificate and proof of residency in the district before a child can enter school. Each elementary school holds Kindergarten Registration in the spring of each school year.
Things You Should Know
Attendance
The habit of regular school attendance begins in kindergarten and is very important to your child's educational progress. Irregular attendance makes your child feel insecure when at school and requires a period of readjustment which slows learning.
Learning activities take place in District 87 elementary schools beginning promptly at 9:00am. It is important that all students arrive to school on time. When students are tardy, they miss the valuable opening of the day activities. Please assist your child with arriving at the bus stop or at school at the designated time.
If children leave school before their regular dismissal time, parents must provide a note and/or telephone call to notify the school staff.
Getting Ready for Kindergarten
You can help prepare your child for an enjoyable, successful kindergarten experience. If children start kindergarten ready to learn, they increase their chances for a smooth transition and future academic success.
Before the big day and beyond . . .
- In every way possible, help your child become independent. Most kindergarten children are capable of basic self care (e.g. using the restroom appropriately, dressing themselves, asking for help when necessary). Help your child become used to taking care of these needs.
- Teach your child his/her full (first and last) name, complete address and telephone number. You may also want to teach your child your full name and where you can be reached.
- Provide your child with appropriate family and/or household responsibilities (e.g. picking up toys, feeding a pet, setting the table) and allow your child to fulfill these responsibilities independently. Encourage your child to finish their jobs.
- Teach your child to use a pencil, crayons, scissors and glue. Many children enjoy "playing" school. This is an excellent way to help your child build skills.
- Establish a bedtime schedule and stick to it. Kindergarten classes do not take long naps in the afternoon as many preschool programs do. Most kindergarteners need 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night.
- Before purchasing clothing, check to be sure that fasteners are easy for your child to manipulate. School clothing should be appropriate for working in the classroom as well as for sitting on the floor, playing in the gym and running outside. All students need tennis shoes for P.E. class. You may want to save fancy sandles and shoes with high heels for special occasions.
Helpful Resources for Preparing for Kindergarten
10 Ways to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten