Kindergarten Information

• Read to your child regularly to foster a love for books and build language skills.
• Encourage your child to recognize letters and their sounds.

• Strengthen fine motor skills through activities like coloring, cutting, and drawing.
• Practice holding and using pencils or crayons.

• Promote sharing and taking turns during play.
• Develop good listening skills and the ability to follow instructions.  
• Help your child express emotions and understand the feelings of others.
• Foster resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Support your child's natural curiosity by exploring the world together.
• Arrange playdates or activities to help your child become comfortable with social interactions.
• Ask open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking.
• Attend events or groups where your child can interact with peers.

•  Develop a daily routine a few weeks before school begins.
• Talk about your child's new school and listen to any concerns they may express.
• Establish open communication with your child's future kindergarten teacher.
• Share information about your child's strengths, interests, and any concerns.

Remember that every child is unique, and these tips serve as general guidelines. Pay attention to your child's individual needs and interests while providing a supportive and encouraging environment. We look forward to partnering with your family in this exciting new time. 

Student Schedules

• Elementary School Hours: 7:40 a.m. - 2:10 p.m. Classroom assignments are typically released the Friday before the first day of school at 3 p.m. This information will be located in Skyward Family Access.

Transportation

• Transportation is available to all students attending their assigned school. Students are automatically assigned to a bus route. Bus information will be available the week before school begins. Once the routes are finalized, parents will receive an email with instructions on how to check for detailed route information. Please note that buses may experience delays during the initial days of school, as drivers and students familiarize themselves with bus operations.  

Technology

• Hamilton Southeastern Schools embraces a 1:1 learning environment, utilizing iPads as essential tools in the classroom. We are delighted to announce that every incoming kindergartner will be provided with a district-owned iPad at absolutely no cost, ensuring seamless integration of technology into their educational journey.

School Supplies

• Your child’s school will post supply lists on their school website. If you have questions, please contact the school directly.

Food Services

• Hot breakfast and lunch is served daily to students. The cost for breakfast is $1.50 and lunch is $2.80 (elementary). However, pricing for the 2024-25 school year has not yet been finalized. Families may qualify for Free and Reduce Meal Rates based on income. Visit Food Services on the district website for more information, menus and payment options.

Health Services

• Each school building is equipped with a dedicated, full-time registered nurse. The school nurse plays a vital role in providing care for students. Furthermore, required immunizations must be completed for students to attend school. For more information, visit Health Services on the district website.

Communication

• While there are several ways you can receive information regarding your child, be sure to familiarize yourself with both Skyward Family Access and ParentSquare. In Skyward, you can manage student information, make fee payments, and receive alerts for attendance, grade thresholds, and missing assignments. ParentSquare is the platform for communication, and while no action is necessary to receive messages, it's advisable to adjust your settings to ensure you stay connected and do not miss crucial updates.

After-School Care

• The YMCA provides after-school care in all 13 HSE elementary buildings. The hours are from 2:10 - 6:00 p.m. Care is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and often reaches capacity. If you not able to secure a spot, many local childcare providers offer transportation from our schools to their facility. Please contact your child’s school for more information.

Download a copy of the Kindergarten Parent Information