Rated Excellent by the Ohio Department of Education

Rated “Excellent” by the Ohio Department of Education

Serving the communities of Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills

July 23, 2015

Dear Kindergarten Parents and Guardians:

As parents and guardians of new kindergarten students for the 2015-16 school year, welcome to the Parma City School District! This letter has been written to highlight important orientation dates and explain assessment procedures for the beginning of the new school year. During orientation, you will meet your child’s Kindergarten teacher and learn more about your community elementary school. In terms of assessment, the State of Ohio mandates each child be given an extensive diagnostic screening upon entering kindergarten, and time has been provided in the following schedule to begin this process. The dates and activities outlined below will allow building staff to effectively transition and better prepare kindergarten students for a successful first day.

Date / Planned Activities / Parent/Guardian Responsibilities / Note
Diagnostic Assessment Screening:
August 24 or August 25
(specific day set by appointment) / Building staff will begin to lead students through the kindergarten assessment process (session scheduled by appointment). / Parents or guardians will need to call the specific elementary building afterMonday, August 10, 2015 to schedule an appointment. / The first appointment begins at 9:15 a.m. Each appointment lasts one hour. The final available appointment on either day will begin at 2:20 p.m. A waiting area for parents/guardians will be provided.
Orientation:
August 26, August 27, or August 28
(specific date set by STUDENT last name) / Each day will begin with a parent/guardian orientation at 9:30 a.m. Parents and guardians should plan to arrive with children by 9:25 a.m. The orientation will conclude by approximately 10:15 a.m. Parents/guardians will exit the building. Students will remain for the day. The smaller group size allows school staff more one-to-one time with individual students to learn routines and procedures. / Students will attend until the end of the instructional day with dismissal beginning at 3:30 p.m. Unless bus transportation has already been arranged, parents/guardians should expect to pick-up children at this time. / Bring in your student’s classroom supplies at this time, and class lists will also be made available. Parents/guardians should attend on the specific date by child’s last name.
Last name A-J:
August 26
Last name K-R:
August 27
Last name S-Z:
August 28
August 31 / REQUIRED FOR ALL KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS - The day will follow the regular schedule for ALL Kindergarten students.

These activities and processes should begin a very productive and positive year for you and your child. We look forward to working with you in August. Please visit the PCSD website at or call your community elementary building beginning on August 11, 2015 for more information. Enjoy the summer with friends and family members!

Respectfully,

Ms. Jodie HausmannBrad Ritchey, Ph.D.

Elementary Curriculum DirectorDirector of Instructional Assessment