žNorwich Elementary School’s educational program is based on the belief that all children can learn but that each child learns in his or her own way and at his or her own speed.

Learn more about Kindgergarten at Norwich!

Why Kindergarten Screening?

• žA timely and efficient screening for hearing, vision, speech/communication, and special medical needs PRIOR to beginning of school.
• žAn opportunity for parents and school officials to complete all necessary registration procedures.
• žTo provide building principals and classroom teachers with an opportunity to collect developmental information about a child’s social, physical, and emotional readiness through observations.
• žIt is NOT a definitive ‘test’ intended for school officials to tell parents if a child is ready or not.
• žAn opportunity to tell you about NORWICH!  To provide you with important information about the school and district kindergarten program.

What is multiage?

• žNorwich opened in 1993 at the District’s first multiage alternative school.
• žMultiage means placing students of different ages in the same classroom so their learning can be enriched and accelerated.
• žOur multiage classes include eight Early Primary (K/1) classes, seven Primary (2/3) classes and seven Intermediate (4/5) classes.

Academic Advantages to Multiage

• žFacilitates a developmentally appropriate learning environment by allowing students of diverse abilities and backgrounds to proceed at their own pace.
• žStudents become more intrinsically motivated and positive about learning.
• žInteractions with younger peers enhance older children’s motivation and self-confidence.
• žOlder children in mixed-age groups provide ‘scaffolding’ for younger children.
• žYounger children engage in more interactive and complex types of play when older peers are accessible to them.
• žYounger children have opportunities to observe and learn from others.

Social Advantages of Multiage Grouping

• žPromotes a family-like climate (Children have the same teacher for 2 years).
• žPromotes helping and cooperative behaviors.
• žCreates social and academic continuity.
• žPromotes bonding between students, teachers, and parents.

What can you expect from Kindergarten?

• žOur curriculum in all of the academic disciplines is aligned with National and State Academic Content Standards.
• žCareful attention is directed toward instruction that is based upon educational research, best practice, and the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children.
• žThe development of the Language Arts (reading, writing, and oral communication) is facilitated through the Literacy Collaborative Framework, which centers on the following elements of reading and writing:  Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Shared Writing, Interactive Writing, Writer’s Workshop, and Independent writing.
• The Kindergarten math curriculum focuses on allowing students to develop a common understanding of how math concepts relate to their world.  Mathematics is more than facts and computation.  In kindergarten, students build a ‘hands-on” and “concrete” sense of number, value and mathematical thinking.
• žScience Curriculum is facilitated through a combination of factual knowledge acquisition, ongoing inquiry, and hands-on explorations.
• žSocial studies for kindergarten students is focused on a child’s place in time and space.  They learn about rules, responsibility, and decision making as they are introduced to the cultural heritage of the United States.  They also learn about other cultures in and beyond their classroom and community.
• Wellness curriculum provides students with the knowledge, skills, and understandings that lead to lifelong positive attitudes and behaviors related to healthy living.

Learning Through the Related Arts

• Music, Gym, Art for all students, everyday.
• Flexible Schedule for Media Center
• Band, 1st Year Strings, Advanced Strings for 4th and 5th Grade Students

Core Virtues

• žThe work and play of Norwich is guided by our commitment to seven core virtues which helps support character development in our students.
• žHonesty, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Giving, Self-Discipline, and Perseverance

Parental Involvement

• žStudent success is greatly contributed to the partnership between the school and parents.  At Norwich, we value parent involvement.
• žBackground checks are required to work with students.
• žOur PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) is very active in working to provide opportunities for our families.
• žInformation from Mrs. Woo and Mrs. Cushnie about our PTO.

What skills are helpful for an incoming full day Kindergarten student?

• žBe able to sit and listen attentively for 15 minute periods.
• žHave developed enough independence to follow simple directions as far as classroom routines are concerned such as:  checking-in, deciding about lunch options, turning in notes, handling own clothing (backpack, coat, lunch box, etc.), knows how to fasten and undo pants and belt, knows how to wipe and take care of themselves in the restroom, knows how to tie shoes.
• žBasic Social Skills (sharing, personal space, manners)
• žRecognizes names and sounds for many letters of the alphabet.
• žCounting
• žHolding a pencil and knowing how to use scissors.
• žBeing familiar with books and how to handle them.
• žRecognize and write own name.
• Does not require a daily nap.

What’s next?

• žYou will receive a letter from Norwich with the results of your child’s screening.  The letter might indicate areas to work on during the summer with your child (i.e. exposure to books, visual motor, language development) to support them for entering kindergarten.  Remember, screening is not pass or fail, it simply allows us a ‘first look’ at your child as a learner.
• žWe will have lots of events for you and your child before school starts to help introduce you to Norwich.  Plan to attend our Kindergarten Connection Night, Play Date, and Meet the Teacher Night!
• žIn middle of May, Norwich will send out a school supply list (pre-order is available through the PTO) and a practice pin pad to practice your child’s lunch ID number.  This letter will also have dates for our Kindergarten Connection Night, Play Date, Meet the Teacher, and beginning of year events.

Class Placement Process