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Auburn Union School District started their first Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at Skyridge School in August 2009. Due to the success of the program and the needs of our diverse and changing student population, a second Transitional K started at Rock Creek School in August 2011.
The Transitional K program has been developed to meet the needs of students who are not developmentally ready for kindergarten. Transitional K is for students who meet the kindergarten age criteria, but due to fall birthdays, maturities, and developmental readiness, are not ready for a regular kindergarten program. By increasing kindergarten readiness skills we reduce the number of students retained in our kindergarten program. Students who meet the kindergarten enrollment date and master kindergarten standards may continue to first grade. Students not meeting kindergarten enrollment criteria will have a two year kindergarten program, first year in Transitional K and second year in a regular program. As space allows, we will enroll students who turn 5 before December 31st.
The program provides students with a solid foundation and a start toward mastery of kindergarten standards. We know that some students benefit from having a two year kindergarten program and with this strong foundation, will be more successful throughout their school career.
The Transitional K provides a hand-on, interactive program, which offers:
- Highly qualified and certificated teachers
- Opportunity to meet high-quality state standards
- A smooth transition from Transitional K to kindergarten
- Developmentally appropriate activities including motor integration
- Special education and ELD services for identified students
- An opportunity to develop socialization skills
- An enriched environment for language acquisition
Priority placement will be made for students meeting the kindergarten enrollment date of December 2nd. Beginning in the 2012-13 school year the enrollment date will be November 1st, in 2013-14 October 1st, and in 2014-15 September 1st. After 2014, kindergarten enrollment will remain in September 1st. During this three year transition of the kindergarten enrollment date, the Transitional K will offer a transitional two year program.
The Transitional K is open to all students with in the district as space is available. Depending on enrollment we will accept students outside of the attendance area.
Power Point Presentation on Transitional Kindergarten
For more information call Rock Creek School (885-5189) or Skyridge School (885-7019)
Who is eligible to participate in Auburn Union’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program?
The Transitional K program is for students who meet kindergarten enrollment criteria, will be 5 years old by December 2nd (2011), and who are not ready for a regular kindergarten program. Students turning 5 between December 2nd and Dec 31st may also enroll but must attend a two year kindergarten program.
Why is the District implementing a Transitional K program?
Research shows the importance of kindergarten readiness. Students entering kindergarten with a strong foundation perform significantly better in language arts and math across all grade levels.
What is the benefit of a Transitional K program?
The Transitional K program was designed for students with fall birthday, who are immature, and experience developmental delays. Many students are not ready to meet the rigorous kindergarten standards and instead need a “bonus year”. The program gives the students an additional year to mature and learn the skills to be successful in a regular kindergarten program. In the program students will learn to interact and be a member of a classroom. The hands-on, interactive program will focus on language development, ELA and math readiness, as well as motor development. The curriculum is the foundation of the language arts and math program used in our K-5 classrooms and includes the Pre K and Kindergarten Content Standards.
Where will the programs be located?
Auburn Union has a Transitioanl K program at Skyridge School and at Rock Creek School. The programs are open to all students within the district. We will accept students outside of the district boundaries as space is available.
What commitments are involved for students enrolled in our Transitional K program.
Most parents who enroll their child in the Transitional K program are committing to a two year kindergarten program. If a student meets the age requirement and masters kindergarten standards, they may continue to first grade. Upon completion of the first year in Transitional K parent will need to sign a retention form and then will continue in regular kindergarten at their home school. This form is for district office records only. The student’s cum file will only be marked Transitional K and regular K to indicate the student was in a two year kindergarten program.
What is the daily schedule?
Our Transitional K follows the hours and days of the regular kindergarten classes. Check with Rock Creek and Skyridge for start and end times.
Is transportation available?
Transportation is available in the same manner as regular kindergarten within the school boundaries. There is no mid-day transportation. Parents must provide transportation for students living outside of the school’s attendance area.
What is the class size of the Transitional K?
The Transitional K will maintain no more than a 20:1 student/teacher ratio.
Who will teach the Transitional K program?
The Transitional K will be taught by highly qualified, NLCB compliant, and fully credentialed teachers.
Is Extended Day Care available for working parents?
Auburn Union does not provide extended child care. You may contact the school office, ARD, and or the Boys & Girls Club to see what is available.
Where do I register my child?
You may register at Rock Creek and Skyridge School from mid-August-mid-June. During the remaining summer weeks you may register at the District Office.
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