A Smooth Transition: Kindergarten Orientation For Parents

Preparing for your child to go to Kindergarten is a special and exciting time and Bayport-Blue Point School District tries to make this transition smooth for parents by holding Kindergarten Parent Orientation.

On Thursday evening, held their orientation for parents with a child entering Kindergarten in September.

Academy Street principle Kerry Van welcomed parents to the orientation along with the Kindergarten teachers.  The educators gave an informative presentation that explained everything from drop off and homework to class parents and backpacks.

Van explained the orientation as a way to welcome the Kindergarten parents.

"It gives them an overview of school procedures and what the typical Kindergarten day is like," Van said.

Daniela May’s middle child will be starting Kindergarten in the fall and she feels orientation is good to help parents prepare for what is ahead. 

“I think it’s great. All the teachers talk, so you get to see what they are all about and what is coming up for the next year," May said.

Kim and Kevin Beebe are first time Kindergarten parents.  Kevin is happy that his daughter will attend the same elementary school he did, but his wife is nervous. 

“It will be a new environment and she will not be with me all day.  So I hope to find out what she will be doing on a daily basis," Kim said.

All three Kindergarten teachers gave presentations. 

Teacher Anthony Murphy said the orientation gives parents an understanding of what the expectations are coming into Kindergarten. 

"They want to know how to prepare their child, what to talk to their child about and what their child needs to start school," Murphy said.

“We want to go over the daily routines and the curriculum so they feel comfortable," teacher Monique Rodriguez said.

Kindergarten teacher Lindsey Aitken said, “This is a great opportunity for us to express to the parents what is expected. We know that they are nervous and we want to let them know that their children are in good hands.”

Catherine Cudmore son is starting kindergarten soon.

“I am excited, but a little sad because he is my youngest," she said. "This is a very positive thing and great for parents, especially if it's their first child going to Kindergarten.”

Having her third child going into Kindergarten Korey Smith felt it was still necessary to come to orientation. 

“They could have implemented new programs or changed things. It's important to be supportive of your child’s first steps into their education," she said.