The transition to kindergarten is a significant time for a rising kindergartner, their family, and their community. Transitioning in a time with COVID restrictions in addition to the ongoing stress of these times can be challenging. It is important to have grace for yourself and your community. Remember, however you are connecting with your child,  is appreciated! Below are a few easy tips for families that can support your child’s kindergarten transition. 

• • Participate in transition activities (In whatever ways you feel comfortable during these times)Try to find and participate in transition activities at the school that will make your child feel more comfortable with their new school environment.

• Advocate

• • • You know your child best. Talking to the school about your child’s strengths and needs is a great way to help him or her succeed in school.

• Educate. 

• • • Read, talk, play and encourage your child. When your child goes to school your role in your child’s education continues as your partner with their teacher.

• Plan

• • • Make sure your child gets enough sleep, is up and ready on time to get to school every day, has a good breakfast either at home or at school, and completes any assigned homework.

• Communicate

• •  To support your child through the year, try to maintain frequent contact with your child’s teacher. Check your child’s folder or backpack daily for communication from your child’s classroom.

Have you visited Durham’s Partnership for Children Transition to Kindergarten page? On this page, you will find activities to do with your children, culturally responsive resources from community partners, literacy tips, and general guidance to help with the transition this year. 

The Durham community is also here to support our young learners to still make this transition smooth. Here are a few upcoming Kindergarten events. If you have additional questions about Kindergarten registration, please call Durham Public School’s Office of Student Assignment at 919-560-2059 or the Early Education Department at 919-560-3505 for more information.

Glenn Elementary: 

• Glenn’s Open House will be Thursday, August 19th from 5:30-7:30 PM. At this event you will have a chance to meet all five of Glenn’s Kindergarten teachers, hear about what your child will learn in Kindergarten, find out what bus they will ride, and pick up valuable resources to help.

• Popsicles on the Playground Thursday, August 26th from 5:30-7:00 PMPlease come join us to enjoy popsicles, play on our Kindergarten playground, and meet teachers, administrators, and support staff. We ask that you bring your child’s school supplies to this event so your child doesn’t have to carry them to school on their first day.
• Follow them on Twitter at @GlennPride and visit our website at glenn.dpsnc.net

Eastway Elementary: 

• Eastway will host all kindergarten parents and students on August 18th from 5:30-7:00 PM at Eastway for “meet the teacher night”

EK Powe: 

• Popsicles at Walltown Park on Sunday, August 15
• OPEN HOUSE for K- 5TH Graders on Thursday, August 19th from 5:00-7:30 PM at E.K. Powe Elementary 

Forest View: Forest View will host their Popsicles on the Playground event on Saturday, August 14 from 10:00-11:30 AM 

Merrick-Moore: Kindergarten Open House will be on Aug. 17, 2021 from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Eno Valley: They will host their first New Scholar and Kindergarten Orientation on Wednesday, August 18 at 5:30PM.  This event will serve as an Open House for our Kindergarten Scholars, so we strongly encourage Kinder families to attend.  Families of new scholars in grades 1-5 are welcomed to attend as we will be highlighting all things Eno Valley, touring the campus and outlining expectations for the year.  However, the official Open House date for grades 1-5 is August 23 at 5:30PM. Kindergarten scholars will begin their beginning of school assessment on August 23.