This document provides information about the Kindergarten program at Montgomery-Lonsdale School. It discusses the engaging curriculum including a focus on 21st century skills, technology, literacy, collaboration, and social development. Parents are encouraged to schedule a school tour or register their child by calling the provided numbers. The Kindergarten program offers two options - a part-time every other day program with no fee, or a full-time all day program through KinderCONNECTS for an annual fee.

1. Welcome to 2011 Kindergarten at Montgomery-Lonsdale SchoolE View our slideshow from Kindergarten Round-up to learn more about our Kindergarten Program! We invite you to call to schedule a school tour, see the classrooms, meet the teachers, visit with Principal Dave Dooley, or for registration information. Please call: 507-744-3900, M-L East (Lonsdale) or 507-364-8119 M-L West (Montgomery) We look forward to meeting you!

2. Montgomery – Lonsdale Schools Preparing our future leaders! “We work hard to provide an engaging Kindergarten experience. M-L is a place where we build a strong foundation of creativity, working together, and learning the foundational skills needed in the 21st century world. Kindergarten at M-L is a terrific opportunity for youngsters to begin their formal education in a small nurturing environment ‘neighborhood school’ with an emphasis on 21st century learning skills. Students are welcomed each day from a professional and dedicated staff that build students up to reach their fullest potential. Parents are a BIG and important part of the process! WELCOME to our educational team!”

3. Presentation by Dave Dooley and Karen Donahue

4. 21st Century Learning Skills SMART RoomCreating - Movement -Performance Technology and the WEB Early Literacy Development Collaboration Together

5. Social Development in Young Kids “Supporting children, parents and staff so students have a positive learning experience.” --Karen Donahue, School Social Worker Kindergarten Club Assets for young children Social Skills that lead to a healthy development Mediation and resolution Social groups to help children Feeling of acceptance, belonging and security

6. KinderCONNECTSprovides: Interpersonal development Academic reinforcement Interdisciplinary activities Create and explore Thematic units A sense of belonging/unity /building strong social skills Working together and as a team

7. Mrs. Bethke leads kindergarten activity

8. A Day in the Life… Classroom “Morning Meeting” Reading Block – 90 minutes Morning Snack and Exploration Math Block – 50 minutes Lunch and Recess KinderCONNECTS Responsive Classroom – creating a community of learners to respect each other and build unity and belonging for kids Social Studies – skills in collaboration, social development, and working as a “team” to create projects Science and health integrated throughout the curriculum Exploration in science and inquiry-based thinking skills

9. Important Staff in Your Child’s Day Mr. Dooley – Principal Kindergarten Teachers Music Teacher Art Teacher Phy-Ed Teacher School Social Worker Classroom Assistants Secretary School Nurse Kitchen Staff Custodians Special Education Director School Psychologist KinderCONNECTS Instructor – TBD

10. Principal Dave Dololey educates parents on the Kindergarten Program

11. Bright Horizons for M-L Students Summer 2010 - New district strategic plans and K-12 Study groups to design programs for all of our students. This Spring - Ground breaking for a New High School and renovated WEST K-8 building. Fall of 2012 – All ML Redbirds will attend school in modern learning environments with enhanced technology and curriculums to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

12. Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten Vocabulary Development Interact with your child by conversing, reading, playing games, taking trips to park, zoo, library, science museum, etc. Prepare your child for success in education and life by focusing on his/her vocabulary development. The Educational “Team” Working together as a partnership between home and school will help your child get the most out of school and increase their chances for success. Importance of Assets Outside of School Allow your child to interact with other trusted adults. Get your child involved in organized activities outside of school--community education classes, church, sports, Boy and Girl Scouts, music, drama, etc. “Screen Time” Monitor and limit your child’s “screen time” (TV and video/computer games).

13. So Much to Learn…