Night Before Kindergarten Message

Night Before Kindergarten Message

Dear Families,

We can’t wait to welcome your child(ren) back inside the walls of Oak Hill Elementary! I had the opportunity to visit classes on Friday to read a story and answer a few questions. I was so impressed with the listening skills of our Kinders and the great questions they asked. The kids, their teachers and all of you deserve a huge high five for the work you have done this year to assist our students to move forward with growing and learning!

For some of you, this will be your child’s first time at Oak Hill and you might be feeling a bit unsettled for your child. No need to worry! Mr. Credle and I will be there along with all of our Oak Hill staff to make sure students see many helpers. Our school counselors, Kim Gallagher and Christy Ryder, will also be there smiling under their masks and welcoming students.

There are a few things you can do to help your child get ready for his or her first day of in person learning.

  1. The night before, consider laying out your child’s outfit and explaining what they will eat for lunch, whether it be a school or packed lunch.
  2. Consider sending in a special item like a picture or small stuffed animal they can keep in their pocket or backpack. You can even watch this video of the book, “The Kissing Hand”, to remind your child that you’ll always be together even when you’re apart. 
  3. Practice a goodbye routine that you will do the next morning. Some children might prefer a hug, kiss, high five, or even a special handshake. Have fun and be as creative as you like! 
  4. After you say goodbye on the first day, encourage your child to walk to class with a teacher or staff member.
  5. Most importantly, stay calm and project positivity and excitement about the school day.  Tell your child you can’t wait to see him or her after school and hear all about it!

Here is a video from a few of our specialists who are ready for the first day!  If for some reason your child is unable to separate from you, we will make every attempt to encourage him or her to come inside and join us.  Please know that we cannot physically hold hands or hug students this year. If your child is unable to transition, he or she can join the class virtually back at home and we will work with you to come up with a plan for the next school day. 

Thank you for your support and please let us know what went well and where you might need a little help (hedevore@fcps.edu and cmcredle@fcps.edu). Our counselors can be reached at clryder@fcps.edu and kagallagher1@fcps.edu.

Sincerely,

Mrs. DeVore and Mr. Credle