Kindergarten registration and open house for the 2012-2013 school year is April 24, 2012.
If you would like to be notified when this page is updated for registration and program information for the 2012-2013 school year, please subscribe here.
Start Planning Now for Your Kindergartner's College Education! As you begin planning for your child's academic future, now is the perfect time to learn about the Virginia College Savings Plan. By visiting the Virginia College Savings Plan's website at virginia529.com or calling toll free at 1.888.567.0540, parents can find out about the three savings plans that can help save for their kindergartner's future after high school graduation.
Kindergarten is an exciting time for your child. Important information about kindergarten and the registration process is provided on this site. Remember, your interest and involvement in your child's education will instill a positive attitude toward learning and promote academic achievement.
This section will provide you with an overview of the kindergarten program and guide you through the registration process as your child begins his/her scholastic years.
Should you have any questions about Virginia Beach City Public Schools, please contact your child's school principal.
The Kindergarten Program
Kindergarten is an important part of the K-12 educational program. Virginia Beach City Public Schools offers half-day classes for 5-year-olds in most elementary schools, and students are assigned by neighborhood to attend either morning or afternoon sessions.
Parents should know the primary focus in every grade level is on teaching and assessing those skills our students need to thrive as 21st century learners, workers, and citizens. In support of this, the school division’s kindergarten program is developmental; lessons and activities are designed to meet the needs of students based on their individual stages of development. All areas of the curriculum offer students opportunities to construct understanding through systematic and varied instructional experiences. The kindergarten program integrates the teaching of language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and health through a language-rich curriculum.
The identification of students’ needs through daily observation and informal assessment serves as the basis for instruction. Teachers plan lessons for whole class, small group, and individuals based on this information. Parental involvement in the learning process is highly valued. Parents and teachers work together as a team to maximize learning for all students. Ongoing communication regarding student progress is provided through a variety of methods, including notes, e-mails, phone calls, the Internet, and conferences. In addition, class work is sent home on a regular basis and report cards are issued four times per year.
Should you have any additional questions about the kindergarten program, please contact the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at 757.263.1070.
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Enrolling Your Child in Kindergarten
The office staff in every school is able to assist you with registering your child for kindergarten and answering questions you may have about your child’s school. Elementary school office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. During the summer months, office hours may vary. It is recommended that you call the school your child will attend to determine its operation hours during the summer.
What should I bring to register my child in kindergarten?
To register your child in kindergarten, please bring:
- two proofs of residence/address (lease agreement and current gas, electric, or water bills)
- certified birth certificate
- physical examination report (dated within 12 months prior to starting kindergarten)
- current immunization records
- Social Security number
- two current emergency contact phone numbers
What requirements must I follow in order to register my child/children for school?
The following Virginia state guidelines are required for enrolling a student in a Virginia public school:
- A child must be five years old on or before September 30 of the upcoming school year to enroll in kindergarten.
- A certified birth certificate is required of any student being admitted for the first time to any public school in Virginia.
- The student must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and must submit two proofs of address (lease agreement and current gas, electric, or water bills) when registering at a new school.
- Virginia law requires that a student must present a Social Security number upon enrollment. Virginia Code §22.1-260 requires that a student present a federal Social Security number within ninety days of enrollment. Parents who are unable or unwilling to present a federal Social Security number may request that the school division provide an alternative identification number. No student will be denied enrollment or services based upon not providing a Social Security number.
- No student shall be admitted for the first time to any public kindergarten or elementary school in a school division unless the student furnishes a copy of a comprehensive physical examination from a qualified licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner, dated within 12 months prior to starting kindergarten or elementary school. When a physical is completed for first-time entry to kindergarten, the Virginia Form MCH-213G must be used. This form
and directions , are available through all schools offices and the school division’s website vbschools.com by selecting the category Student Health Services on the home page. - If transferring from another school, school division, or from out of state, a copy of a comprehensive physical examination must be in the previous school’s record and available upon request. The need for a physical examination does not apply to pupils entering secondary schools, although this report is often very beneficial.
- Virginia law requires proof of immunizations for all students entering a public school. Month, day, and year of immunizations must be reflected. Kindergartners, entering school for the first time, must have immunizations verified on either a Virginia Form MCH-213G , public health department form, or an immunization document from a qualified licensed physician or licensed nurse practitioner.
What immunizations are required of my child/children prior to enrollment as a Virginia Beach City Public Schools student?
- DPT - A minimum of four doses, with at least one dose administered on or after the child’s fourth birthday.
- Polio - A minimum of four doses, with at least one dose administered on or after the child’s fourth birthday.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) requirements:
- Measles (Rubeola) - Two doses of the Measles (Rubeola) vaccine are required for all students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12. The first dose must have been at age 12 months or older; the second dose no sooner than one month after the first dose.
- Rubella - A minimum of one dose of each administered at 12 months or older. This is usually given in combination with Measles (Rubeola) as the MMR vaccine.
- Mumps - Two doses of the Mumps vaccine is required before entering kindergarten. This is usually administered in combination with the Measles (Rubeola) as the MMR vaccine.
- Hepatitis B - A series of three vaccines is required for all students born on or after January 1, 1994. The third dose must not have been given before 24 weeks of age.
- Varicella (Chickenpox) – A minimum of two doses are required before entering kindergarten (effective March 3, 2010) unless a history of chickenpox disease or lab tests are provided by a licensed qualified physician or licensed nurse practitioner. The first chickenpox dose must have been administered after 12 months of age.
- Tdap (Booster) - Rising 6th graders and new enrolling 7th – 11th graders are required to have a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). If a tetanus containing vaccine has been administered in the five years prior to sixth grade entry, this booster vaccine is not required. Tetanus containing vaccines can be documented as DPT, Td, Dtap, or Tdap.
A student whose immunizations are incomplete may be admitted conditionally, if the student provides documentary proof at the time of enrollment of having received at least one dose of the required immunization(s) accompanied by a schedule from their healthcare provider for completion of the remaining required dosage(s). At the time of enrollment, ALL immunizations must be as current and as up-to-date as possible. Enrollment and attendance can be delayed if compliance with immunization requirements is not met.
Questions and the need for further clarification of immunization requirements may be directed to your school nurse or to the Student Health Services Office at 757.263.2025.
Immunization Clinics: Virginia Beach Department of Public Health
Required immunizations for kindergarten students are available at the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health at no charge and without an appointment. The required kindergarten shots can be administered on or after your child's 4th birthday.
Location
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health is located at: 4452 Corporation Lane, Virginia Beach, 23462
Walk-in Clinic Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 8:00 a.m.– 10:00 a.m.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Clinics spaces are limited.
Appointment Hours
Fridays: 8:15 a.m. –10:30 a.m.
Schedule an appointment by calling 757-518-2700.
You must bring your child's updated shot record to sign in for immunization clinic.
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Student Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Besides a doctor’s office, where can I have my child/children immunized?
Routine immunizations for children are provided free of charge through the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health. Please call ahead for clinic hours: Virginia Beach Department of Public Health, 4452 Corporation Lane, phone: 757.518.2700 or 757.518.2716.
We are a military family moving to Virginia Beach. What health facilities are available to my family?
School physicals are offered by appointment only through TRI-CARE North Region,
1.866.MIL.HLTH 645-4584 or at tricareonline.com. Immunizations can be obtained at Boone Clinic, 757.953.8351 or at Oceana Clinic 757.953.3805. It is advisable to call for clinic hours. Please have medical records, immunization records, military ID cards, and the
Virginia Form MCH-213G with you.
Where do I register my child for school?
Registration for all students is conducted at the assigned home school based on your current Virginia Beach address. Elementary school office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday. During the summer months, office hours may vary. It is recommended that you call the school your child will attend to determine its operation hours during the summer.
How do I find out what school my child/children will attend?
If you are planning on relocating to Virginia Beach or recently moved to the area, you can find your assigned elementary, middle, or high school by visiting our School Locator/Map Center – found on the school division’s website vbschools.com. The School Locator/Map Center will also provide you with a detailed map of the geographic location for each school.
You may also call the Office of Demographics and Planning at 757.263.1055 or email vbschzones@vbschools.com.
If I have additional questions about registering my child as a student who should I contact?
Should you need additional information about the registration process, please contact your neighborhood school. If you have a question about immunizations or entry physical exams, please contact the Coordinator of Student Health Services at 757.263.2025.
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- Shared Housing
- Child Custody
- Residency
This information can be found by reading School Board Regulation 5-10.1 available on the school division’s website vbschools.com.
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Important Information for Every Parent
Breakfast/Lunches
The Office of Food Services offers healthy nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch every day. Breakfast is offered to kindergarten students that attend morning classes. Lunch is available for Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) and full-day kindergarten students. Information on menus, pricing, and nutrition is included in the Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook distributed during the beginning of the school year and is posted on the school division’s website vbschools.com.
Course Information
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s Kindergarten Parent/Student Course Information Guide is available to students the first week of school and provides insight into the instructional program and learning expectations for your child. This helpful publication highlights essential grade-level Virginia Beach objectives that include the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL). This information is also available on the school division’s website vbschools.com.
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Extended Day Kindergarten
Extended Day Kindergarten (EDK) is a program that provides kindergarten students with additional instructional time in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Each elementary school will offer at least one EDK class with 15 students – smaller in size than the school division’s average kindergarten program.
Every student enrolled in kindergarten is screened either prior to the start of the school year or during the first two weeks of the school year to determine if the student would benefit from additional instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics. The EDK program will begin no later than September 30. Parents will be notified if their child has been selected.
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Health Insurance
Health insurance is available for children, of families who qualify based on income, through Family Access to Medical Insurance Security FAMIS . FAMIS is Virginia’s program that helps families provide health insurance to their children. Health insurance is important for every child to ensure they have access to the resources needed to grow up healthy.
For more information or to determine eligibility, call 1-866-873-2647 or visit their website at famis.org.
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Medication/Special Care Needs
Medication should be taken to school by parents or guardians or an adult designee. All medication, prescribed (in original labeled container) and over-the-counter (in new sealed container), should be accompanied by a Request for Administration of Medication in Hampton Roads School form completed by either a physician, nurse practitioner, or dentist and include the parent’s signature. This form can be found on the school division’s website vbschools.com. Contact your child’s school for guidelines on administering medicine to children.
Parents are asked to contact the school nurse if a child has any special nursing care needs that must be provided during school hours. Examples of this include catheterization, blood sugar checking, seizure precautions, and other medical needs. The nurse will facilitate and coordinate arrangements for meeting these needs, along with parent and physician collaboration and input.
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Out-of-Zone Attendance
The Virginia Beach School Board has established criteria for students to attend a school out-of-zone (a school other than the student’s established attendance area). The criteria (School Board Regulation 5-14.1) to determine eligibility for attending an out-of-zone school along with a Student Placement Request Form are available in each school or the school division’s website vbschools.com. To apply for an out-of-zone transfer, a Student Placement Request Form must be completed annually.
For additional information, please contact your school principal.
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Parent/Student Handbooks
In order to provide parents with an overview of the operation of their child’s school, the Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook is distributed to all elementary level students during the first week of classes. In this handbook, parents will find helpful information about breakfast and lunch programs, guidance services, homework, parent/teacher conferences, procedures to follow for school emergencies, closings and cancellations, student conduct, and reporting student progress.
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Television and the Internet
Television and the Internet are two of the most powerful influences on children today. For this reason, it is important that parents monitor their children’s television viewing habits and stay in close touch with your children as they explore the Internet.
Be sure to assist your child in selecting television programs that present appropriate ideas, behaviors, and attitudes. Discuss program content with your child. Set an example by limiting your own television viewing.
Between 4-7 years of age, children should be able to explore the Internet on their own. Encourage your child to show you what they can do online, and visit his or her favorite sites. It is very important for parents to closely monitor the sites their child has access to and restrict his or her access to sites that you have visited and feel are appropriate. The school division’s website vbschools.com has wide selection of Internet safety tips for parents and students to follow.
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Keeping in Touch with Your Child's School
As a parent of a kindergarten student, keeping in touch with your child’s school and teacher is important to the academic success of your child’s education.
Parents are always encouraged to communicate with teachers about their child’s progress. This can be done by participating in back-to-school and orientation programs scheduled at each school, arranging a meeting with your child’s teachers and school counselor to monitor their progress, and contacting teachers using email or telephones. The email addresses of all teachers are posted on every school’s website.
Another convenient way for a parent to stay in touch with school activities and news is through MySchool Mail – an email subscription service used by all schools to distribute announcements and news. You may subscribe to this service by visiting your child’s school website or by visiting vbschools.com and selecting vbschools x-tra found on the homepage.
AlertNow, a rapid notification system, is used by every school to contact parents about important school information and events, testing schedules, report card distribution, open houses, delayed buses, field trips, emergency situations, and more. Messages will typically be delivered to your home or primary use phone.
All parents have access to the VBCPS Parent Portal. The VBCPS Parent Portal is an online tool that allows parents the opportunity to monitor their child’s progress in school. The VBCPS Parent Portal can be accessed from the home page of every school’s website.
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Riding the Bus to School
Bus transportation is provided to and from school for students enrolled in Virginia Beach City Public Schools and is based on each school’s transportation zone. The school principal will assist you with determining if your child will be riding the bus to school.
Bus routes and pickup times are posted on the school division’s website vbschools.com.
Your child’s assigned bus driver will contact you prior to the first day of school with pick-up and drop-off time and location information.
School Bus Safety Tips
Safety Tips for Students Walking to School
Safety Tips for Motorists
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Reading to Your Child
Reading aloud is one of the most important experiences you can provide your child, as it increases vocabulary, builds story understanding, and encourages a love of reading.
Four- and five-year olds enjoy listening to all kinds of literature. Stories read to them should be short with attractive illustrations.
Included is a list of suggested authors and titles. Many other wonderful children’s books are available at libraries and bookstores.
Nursery Rhyme Books
Anglund, Joan Walsh. A Mother Goose Book
Briggs, Raymond. The Mother Goose Treasury
Moore, Raina. The Tall Tale of Mother Goose
Tudor, Tasha. Mother Goose
dePaola, Tomie. Tomie dePaola’s Mother Goose
Other Recommended Books
Alexander, Martha. Nobody Asked Me If I Wanted a Baby Sister
Everyone admires the little boy's baby sister, and he decides to give her away.
Ayelesworth, Jim. Naughty Little Monkeys
A rhyming tale of monkey mischief told through the letters of the alphabet.
Bridwell, Norman. Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford is a pet dog that is bigger than a two-story house.
Brown, Margaret Wise. Goodnight Moon
A bunny says goodnight to everything in his room as it grows darker and darker.
Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Jobs are scarce for Mike Mulligan because his steam shovel, Mary Anne, is sadly out of date.
Christelow, Eileen. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed
A counting book in which one by one the little monkeys jump on the bed only to fall off and bump their heads..
Clements, Andrew. Big Al
A big, ugly fish has trouble making the friends he longs for because of his appearance--until the day he saves them all from a fisherman’s net.
Edwards, Pamela. One Duck Stuck
In this counting book, increasingly larger groups of animals try to help a duck that is stuck in the sleepy, slimy marsh.
Falconer, Ian. Olivia
Whether at home getting ready for the day, enjoying the beach, or at bedtime, Olivia is a feisty pig who has too much energy for her own good.
Freeman, Dan. Dandelion
Dandelion, the lion, receives an invitation to a party and decides to get a haircut, shampoo, and manicure.
Fox, Mem. Time for Bed
As darkness falls, animal parents everywhere try to get their children ready for sleep.
Gramatky, Hardie. Little Toot
Little Toot, the son of the biggest tugboat in New York harbor, plays around until a storm forces him to become a hero.
Hoban, Russell. Bedtime for Frances
Frances tries many ways to postpone bedtime.
Joose, Barbara. Mama, Do You Love Me?
A parent’s love is forever even when a young child tests the limits of independence.
Kraus, Robert. Milton, the Early Riser
Milton, an early rising panda, copes with early morning loneliness.
Mayer, Mercer. There's a Nightmare in My Closet
A little boy is afraid of the nightmare in his bedroom closet, but one night he decides to confront it.
McCloskey, Robert. Make Way for Ducklings
A family of mallard ducks finds living in the Public Garden of Boston a delightful adventure.
Potter, Beatrix. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Peter gets into trouble when he does not obey his mother.
Rey, H. A. Curious George
George, a very curious monkey, finds himself in a nice, safe zoo.
Schenk de Regniers, Beatrice. May I Bring a Friend?
A small boy brings a giraffe, then a hippo, and then monkeys on his daily visits to see the King and Queen.
Sendak, Maurice. Where the Wild Things Are
Max imagines a visit to the land where the wild things are and finds them friendly.
Shaw, Nancy. Sheep in a Jeep
A flock of hapless sheep drive through the country in the rhyming picture book.
Slate, Joseph and Wolff, Ashley. Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
This rhyming, brightly illustrated book is an ideal way to practice the alphabet while introducing young children to
kindergarten.
Wells, Rosemary. Noisy Nora
The middle child in a mouse family does many things to get attention.
Wood, Audrey. King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub
Despite pleas from his court, a fun-loving king refuses to get out of his bathtub to rule his kingdom.
Wood, Audrey. The Napping House
Everyone is asleep in this house, until a wakeful flea causes a commotion with just one bit.
Wood, Don and Audrey. The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear
Little Mouse worries that the big, hungry bear will take his freshly picked, ripe, red strawberry for himself.
Zion, Gene. Harry, the Dirty Dog
Harry, a white dog with black spots, does not like to take baths.
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Kindergarten Preparation Suggestions
Help prepare your child for kindergarten by exposing him/her to the following:
- Listening to stories and rhymes
- Counting out loud to 10
- Recognizing numbers 0-10
- Recognizing capital and lowercase letters of the alphabet
- Recognizing and drawing the four basic shapes (square, circle, rectangle, triangle)
- Recognizing and writing first name
- Buttoning and zipping clothing
- Tying shoelaces
- Coloring and cutting
- Listening and following directions
- Sharing and taking turns
- Recognizing basic colors - red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, black and pink
- Exploring the Internet with close supervision by a parent.
During the Spring or Summer Months
Begin getting your child up early if he/she will be in the morning kindergarten session.
On the First Day of School
Make sure that your child wears his/her nametag. It is recommended that your child rides
the bus on the first day.
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21st Century Kindergarten Classroom
Our primary focus is on teaching and assessing those skills our students need to thrive as 21st century learners, workers, and citizens. Listed below are some of the skills that you will see in a 21st century kindergarten classroom. This list of skills was developed by Virginia Beach elementary kindergarten teachers.
- Generating ideas and unique solutions
- Identifying problems, questioning strategies, and developing solutions
- Asking how and why questions and having students defend their answer and explain their thinking
- Using logical puzzles
- Listening attentively and communicating ideas
- Collaborating to solve a problem and develop a product
- Searching for and using information from print and pictures to comprehend text
- Retelling a story or summarizing information
- Sharing and supporting opinions about a text, illustrations, and/or characters
- Using technology to support learning
- Using technology to write and illustrate stories or to dramatize a skill, or to make a movie after a field trip.
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Kindergarten School Hours
Elementary school office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. During the summer months, office hours may vary. It is recommended that you call the school your child will attend to determine its hours of operation during the summer. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KINDERGARTEN HOURS |
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Group "A" Elementary Schools Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Student Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
Group "B" Elementary Schools Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Student Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
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Morning Kindergarten: 8:00 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Afternoon Kindergarten: 11:20 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. |
Morning Kindergarten: 8:30 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. Afternoon Kindergarten: 11:50 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
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| Arrowhead | Ocean Lakes |
Alanton |
New Castle | |
| Bayside |
Pembroke |
Brookwood | Newtown | |
| Birdneck | Providence | Cooke | North Landing | |
| Centerville | Red Mill | Corporate Landing | Parkway | |
| Christopher Farms | Rosemont | Creeds | Pembroke Meadows | |
| College Park | Seatack | Diamond Springs | Point O'View | |
John B. Dey |
Shelton Park | Green Run | Princess Anne | |
| Fairfield | Thalia | Hermitage | Rosemont Forest | |
| Glenwood | Three Oaks | Indian Lakes | Salem | |
| Holland | Trantwood | Kempsville | Strawbridge | |
| Landstown | Williams | Kempsville Meadows | Tallwood | |
| Luxford | Windsor Woods | King's Grant | Thoroughgood | |
| Lynnhaven | Kingston | White Oaks | ||
| Linkhorn Park | Windsor Oaks | |||
| Malibu | Woodstock | |||
Adjusted Dismissal Schedule for Elementary Schools
| Group "A" Elementary Schools | Group "B" Elementary Schools | |
| Elementary Schools | 8:00 a.m. - noon | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
| Kindergarten Morning | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. |
| Kindergarten Afternoon | 10:00 a.m. - noon | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
Delayed Starting Times Due to Weather
At times, school opening is delayed due to weather conditions. Should the school opening time be delayed for two hours, kindergarten operation hours will be as follows:
| Group "A" Elementary Schools | Group "B" Elementary Schools | |
| Kindergarten Morning | 10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. |
| Kindergarten Afternoon | 12:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. | 12:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Notification Process of School Emergencies, Closings, or Cancellations
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Helpful Tips for Parents
In order to prepare your child for kindergarten, Virginia Beach elementary school principals recommend the following helpful tips:
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Help your child practice writing his/her first name using a capital for the first letter and lower case letters for the remainder of the name. |
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Take time to read to your child daily for 10-15 minutes. Pause during the reading and ask questions about the story. |
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Allow your child to practice using scissors and work on cutting skills.This includes a straight line, square, triangle, and circle. |
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Encourage your child to know and verbalize their address and phone number. | |
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Practice sitting properly in the car as this will prepare your child for riding the bus. | |
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Your child should know how to use the bathroom. Your child should know how to button and zip his or her pants. | |
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Have your child ride the school bus on the first day of school to familiarize him/her with the routine. |
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Work on identifying letters and numbers in the environment – on signs, restaurants, license plates, storefronts, etc. |
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Have conversations with your child about his or her interests. |
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Listen to educational music with ABC’s and rhymes at home or when traveling in the car. |
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Teach your child mom and dad’s full name and how to contact you. |
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Your child should know his or her full name, address, and phone number. |
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Take a “picture walk” with your child using their favorite book. This can be accomplished by asking your child to tell you what he/she thinks is happening in the picture. |
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Write your child’s name on all personal items brought to school, including their coat, hat, and gloves. |
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Encourage your child to wash their hands often to wash away germs! |
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Helping Your Child Succeed in Life and School
Become Involved with Your Child’s School
Research indicates that when parents and families are involved in their children’s education the chances of student academic success are greatly improved. With this in mind, Virginia Beach City Public Schools encourages all parents to play an active role with their child’s education -- starting with kindergarten.
As a parent of a kindergartner, it is important to share with you that children learn best when their parents are engaged with their education. You can become involved at home or school by helping with homework, visiting your child’s school website for updated information, accessing the VBCPS Parent Portal, or monitoring your child’s teacher’s webpage or blog. If you have the opportunity or time, talk to your child’s teacher about ways you can help out at school.
Use Parent Connection as a Resource to Help Your Child Succeed
Parent Connection is a resource intended to link Virginia Beach families to classes, training, resources, and other opportunities to help with all facets of parenting. Visit the Parent Connection page on vbschools.com and check out the calendar of events updated on a regular basis.
Summer Kindergarten Academy
Your child could be eligible to attend our Title I Summer Kindergarten Academy program available at selected schools. Find out if your child is eligible upon kindergarten registration. The program begins on Tuesday, June 28, 2011.
*Take Note of the Five Critical Needs of Children
Throughout your child’s life – regardless of their age – he or she has five critical needs that will help them develop into an emotionally healthy child. We would like to share these with the parents of all our kindergartners in order to place our youngest students on a continuous path to success -- inside and outside the classroom. These five critical needs are:
- The Need to Feel Respected
Children need to be treated in a courteous, thoughtful, attentive, and civil manner. When children are not treated with respect, it can lower their self-esteem.
- The Need to Feel Important
Feeling important for a child reinforces they are useful, have value, and have power. If children do not feel important, they may seek negative ways to feel important by becoming rebellious and hostile.
- The Need to Feel Accepted
Children have a right to their own feelings, opinions, ideas, concerns, wants, and needs – not to be shaped in the image of what parents believe their ideal child should be like. Ignoring a child’s feelings or opinions affects communications in a negative way and weakens relationships.
- The Need to Feel Included
Children need to feel they belong, are connected to others, and have a sense of community. It’s important for parents to create opportunities for their children to join clubs, teams, and participate in organized activities in school and in their neighborhood. People who do things together feel closer to one another.
- The Need to Feel Secure
Creating a secure environment where people show affection and openly care about one another is important for the well-being of every child. Differences should be accepted and conflicts should be resolved in a constructive manner. Children need structure and rules to feel safe and protected. Without a secure environment, children experience anxiety and insecurity.
*Source: Parent Connection Seminar, February 7, 2009, presented by Gerald Newmark, Ph.D. author of How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children
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