Kindergarten

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Naugatuck Public Schools' Kindergarten!

We are so pleased that you have chosen Naugatuck Public Schools and are committed to partnering with you to ensure your child receives high quality education. Kindergarten is an important learning year for your child. As we get to know you and your child, we want to do everything we can to make kindergarten a positive experience that sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.

During kindergarten, we will focus on the social, emotional and academic development of your child. We will teach them to be active learners and community members. We will build their confidence as learners, encourage them to ask questions and take risks as they explore the world around them. We will show them how to solve problems, to work with their classmates on tasks, and to be thoughtful and caring
citizens. We want to find and celebrate their talents as we cultivate their academic skills and habits of mind that will ensure years of school success.

This webpage will answer most of your questions about kindergarten. Here, you will find registration information, tips for preparing your child for kindergarten, and other useful information.

We suggest that you bookmark the school calendar for future reference. 

Please contact us if you have additional questions or if we can assist in any way. Contact information for each school is included on "Stay Connected" section of this page.

On behalf of the Board of Education and the staff of the Naugatuck Public Schools, I wish you a happy and successful kindergarten year!

Sincerely, 

Christopher Montini
Superintendent of Schools

Kindergarten is a wonderful time for four and five-year-olds. It is their first formal school experience - a year to wonder and be curious, to meet new friends and try new ideas, to walk to school or ride a bus, to be away from home for a few hours each day.

Kindergarten is often the first time children learn how to participate in group situations, under the watchful eye of the teacher. They practice their communication and persuasion skills. As the year progresses, the teachers introduce lessons concerning reading readiness, language arts, number readiness, social studies, science, art, music, physical education, and health.

Today we try to teach the whole child. We are focused on both academic growth and on the physical, social and emotional well-being of your child. We want our kindergartners to feel comfortable exploring and learning, meeting challenges, and learning to try again.

The following are some of the ways parents/guardians can help children develop a positive feeling and attitude toward school so that they will want to be in that exciting learning environment.

1. Teach children their full names, addresses (including town and state), and telephone numbers. Children should also know their parents/guardians’ names.
2. Teach children basic safety rules. Discuss how important it is to listen to all school personnel: the bus driver, crosswalk guard, teacher and principal.
3. Encourage children to use these words and phrases: please, thank you, excuse me, and I’m sorry.
4. Drive by the school with your child. As opening day nears, walk to the school or to the bus route several times so children will know the route.
5. Make sure children have a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Set times for bed, arising, resting and playing.
6. Begin each school day early enough so that children have ample time to wash, brush their teeth and eat a good meal.
7. Before children leave the house, check to ensure they are wearing clothing that is appropriate for the weather and for school.
8. Provide children with a book bag or backpack for carrying notices and papers home. It is not necessary for parent/guardian to provide crayons, paper, pencils, or other such items.

On June 29, 2023, the Connecticut General Assembly passed Public Act 23-208.  The law changes the kindergarten entrance age from age 5 by January 1 to age 5 by September 1 of any school year.  The law states specifically that “public schools shall be open to all children five years of age and over who reach age five on or before the first day of September of any school year.”  

Public Act 23-208 also includes the following provision: “A child who has not reached the age of five on or before the first day of September of the school year may be admitted  (1) upon a written request by the parent or guardian of such child to the principal of the school in which such child would be enrolled, and (2) following an assessment of such child, conducted by such principal and an appropriate certified staff member of the school, to ensure that admitting such child is developmentally appropriate.” 

In alignment with the law, parents or guardians of children born between September 2, 2019 through December 31, 2019 may request approval to have their child attend kindergarten, pending a kindergarten entrance evaluation by district staff that finds kindergarten to be the developmentally appropriate placement for that child.  The assessment process will include a written request to the school principal from the parent or guardian, an assessment of the student by district staff, and a discussion with the family.  Parents or guardians who are making this request should indicate such during the registration process.

The Kindergarten Assessment/Screening will take place February 5 through 9 for all children who are 5 by September 1, 2024 and for those whose families are requesting early entrance (for children born between September 2, 2019 - December 31, 2019).  Parents/Guardians should call the Elementary School that their child will attend to schedule an appointment during the week of February 5 through 9, 2024.

Parents who registered and requested to have their 4-year-old attend kindergarten in 2024-2025  will receive notification regarding early entrance prior to March 1.

We will need the following records at the time of registration:

1. Birth Certificate
2. Completed physical, including vision and hearing screenings. Please discuss the need for these screenings with your physician at your child’s appointment. Physicals conducted within one year of the start of kindergarten will be acceptable. Physicals must be submitted on the "blue form" called HAR-3 Health Assessment Record. Yellow Pre-K forms are not acceptable. 
3. Record of immunizations:

• DTaP: At least 4 doses; the last dose must be given on or after 4th birthday
• Polio: At least 3 doses; the last dose must be given on or after 4th birthday
• MMR: 2 doses separated by at least 28 days; the 1st dose on or after 1st birthday
• Hep B: 3 doses; the last dose on or after 24 weeks of age
• Varicella: 2 doses separated by at least 3 months; 1st dose on or after 1st birthday, or verification of the disease
• Hib: 1 dose on or after 1st birthday for children less than 5 years old
• Pneumococcal: 1 dose on or after 1st birthday for children less than 5 years old
• Hepatitis A: 2 doses given six calendar months apart; 1st dose on or after 1st birthday

4. For any new student enrolling in a Connecticut school for the first time who is originally from a high risk country or area (nurse will determine this if there is a question), a tuberculosis (TB) test (called PPD) must be done. The results must be certified by the physician before the student is enrolled. If the test is positive for exposure to TB, documentation of a negative chest x-ray must be provided before enrollment. BCG testing is not acceptable for confirmation of TB exposure, so those having BCG test results will still be required to have the TB test and results before enrollment.

Per State of Connecticut requirements, we cannot admit your child to school unless all of the above records have been completed. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask us at the time of registration.

5. The State Department of Public Health also recommends that students have a blood lead level and a tuberculosis test before entering kindergarten.

The First Day of School: The first days of school can be quite an adjustment for children – and parent/guardian. Children may appear tense or anxious and parents/guardians may be a little sad to realize that their children are really growing up. Children may want to cling to a parent/guardian and not leave home. A firm “good bye” at the building entrance may help the child over this hurdle. Kindergarten follows the regular school calendar – the first day of school is a full day.

Student Assessment and Support: We use a variety of assessments throughout the year to monitor each child’s progress. Intervention teams at each school provide support as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact your child’s teacher.

Reporting System: Three report cards will be sent to parent/guardian (December, March and June). Two parent/guardian conferences will be held (October and March) and the teacher will review each child’s progress at that time. As part of the total kindergarten experience, time for such conferences has been included in the calendar since we believe very strongly that good communication between the parent/guardian and teacher will ensure every child’s success. Parent/guardian who would like a conference at some other time during the year are encouraged to make an appointment with the teacher.

Special Services: We are fortunate to have an excellent special services staff available to help those children identified as requiring additional assistance.

Attendance: It is very important that children attend school regularly if they are to achieve the maximum benefit from our kindergarten program. Research has shown that students who are chronically absent from school (missing 10% or more) often struggle academically. Regular attendance is important. Students should stay home from school only when he or she is ill. Chronic attendance issues will be addressed by a support team in each school. We want to work with you to make sure that your child is at school every day.

Absences: If a child is absent or tardy for any reason, you should call the school in the morning immediately to notify us. Additional documentation may be required for school absences. This method ensures that both the school and parents/guardians are aware that the child is absent.

Late Arrivals: Parent/guardian should escort children who are tardy to the main office. Ring the bell located outside of the school building and wait for instructions. Please do not leave children at the front entrance to the school and drive off.

Early Pickup: Parent/guardian should send a signed, dated note explaining the need for early pickup. This can also be done via Parent Square. Children will wait in the main office area and will be dismissed from there. In the event someone other than the parent/guardian is meeting the child, parent/guardian should notify the school in writing identifying the person who will meet the child. This is for the protection of the child.

Bus Riders: Bus transportation is provided for students who live more than one mile from school. Parent/guardian may make other arrangements, but must notify the school in advance via our messaging system, Parent Square.

Cancellation of School: Should school have to be cancelled, released early or delayed, because of inclement weather or an emergency, an announcement will be sent through Parent Square, our messaging system and major television channels. Again, it is important that you keep your contact information up to date so that you receive these important messages.

Communication with the Teacher: We recommend that parent/guardians convey messages in writing, via phone, email or Parent Square. Parents/guardians are encouraged to meet with their child’s teacher – especially if parent/guardian have a question, problem or concern. We ask that parent/guardians call the main office and we will arrange a mutually convenient meeting time so that the normal kindergarten program will not be interrupted.

Money: Money sent to school should be in a sealed envelope and marked with the child’s name and the purpose for which the money is intended. 

Emergency Numbers: We must have the parent/guardian’s current home phone, work number, email and at least two other emergency numbers to contact should your child become ill at school. Friends, neighbors and relatives may be good people to use for emergency numbers. If any of these numbers change during the year, let us know immediately.

Health Services: A school nurse is available to every student in the school during the week. The nurse conducts various health screenings and physicals, and provides students and teachers with general health awareness information.

Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, we will contact parent/guardian. If we cannot reach them, we will handle the emergency in a professional manner, but we will keep trying to contact parent/guardians. The health and welfare of the child will be our utmost concern.

Medication: We require that the child’s doctor and parent/guardian complete a medication form available in all schools. The parent/guardian should then deliver the medication to the principal or nurse. The medication should be in the original container from the pharmacist and should be properly labeled. School personnel will administer all medicines. We also treat items such as cough drops or throat lozenges as “medicines”, and require you to bring cough drops to the nurse in the original container. Please note: Children are not allowed to have medicines in their possession at any time.

Food Allergies/Restrictions: Schools limit celebrations that involve food. Foods brought in from home must have a food label on them so the ingredients can be reviewed for potentially hazardous ingredients. You will be notified each year if specific food items will be excluded in your child’s classroom activities based on the individual medical needs of children in that classroom. Children are discouraged from sharing foods with other children during meal and snack times due to concerns about allergies and other restrictions on some children’s diets.

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ParentSquare 

Naugatuck uses the ParentSquare app to keep parents informed and facilitate participation at school. It provides a safe way for the school principal, teachers, staff, and parents to: 

• Send and receive school and class information
• Share pictures and files
• See calendar items
• Sign up to volunteer
• and much more . . . all in one centralized place!

Learn more here.

All school, grade level and classroom information will now be sent to your computer or phone via email and/or text or you can download the free App. The Help & Support question mark in the top right corner can help answer most of your questions. So join in!

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Social Media

Naugatuck Public Schools is social! Connect with our community and see what's going on across our district on our social media pages:

District Social Accounts

• Facebook Group: Naugatuck Public Schools Community
• Facebook Page: Naugatuck Public Schools
• Instagram: Naugatuck Public Schools
• Twitter: Naugatuck Public Schools

Elementary School Social Accounts

• Facebook Page: Andrew Avenue Elementary School
• Facebook Group: Andrew Avenue PTO
• Facebook Page: Hop Brook Elementary School
• Facebook Group: Hop Brook PSA
• Facebook Page: Maple Hill Elementary School
• Facebook Group: Maple Hill PTO
• Facebook Page: Salem Elementary School
• Facebook Group: Salem PTO
• Facebook Page: Western Elementary School
• Facebook Group: Western PTO