Melrose Public Schools Kindergarten Registration Begins

Melrose Public Schools offers full day kindergarten at in all of its elementary schools. Classrooms are currently staffed with a paraprofessional and a teacher. 

Registration Process

Pre-registration for kindergarten prgrams for the 2013-2014 school year will open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 1st and close at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 17th. Read more information on the kindergarten registration process.  

In order to register for kindergarten, a child must reside in Melrose and must be 5 years of age by September 1, 2013.  The documents required for registration include an electronic pre-registration form or paper registration packet, proof of residency (see MPS Residency Procedures), birth certificate, and a copy of immunizations and last physical.

Curriculum

All kindergarten students have a minimum of a 90 minute literacy block. The literacy block consists of a whole group portion of approximately 30 minutes where all students focus in on key skills. The whole group is followed by small group instruction. The teacher will work with small groups of students on providing additional practice on the skills presented in whole group. While the teacher is working with small groups, students are engaged in a variety of centers that provide practice with literacy skills. Center activities may include writing in response to what they have read, reading books, and practicing letters and names. 

In writing, teachers are implementing a writer’s workshop for writing everyday for 30 minutes. All students begin writing from the very first day of kindergarten. Students begin by drawing a picture to tell their story. Students then make their first attempts at writing. Teachers support students over the year to match letters to sound, write words, and improve their stories by adding details.

Students have a daily math block where they will use manipulatives and hands on experiences to learn mathematical concepts. Students in kindergarten will develop strong math foundations including how to add and subtract small numbers and use addition to solve word problems. 

Kindergarteners participate in two science inquiry topics, Animals and Wood/Paper (properties of matter and properties of objects). In social studies, students learn to participate in their classroom community, community helpers, and holidays.  Students write in science and social studies to explain and inform.

Visit the Melrose Public Schools Curriculum Page for more information on the curriculum.

Out of School Programming

All the elementary schools offer after school programming through Education Stations. Each elementary school also has options for before school care. Learn more about Education Stations after school programs.

Preparing for Kindergarten

Reading everyday with your child is the best way to prepare for kindergarten. Reading helps develop vocabulary and beginning comprehension skills. Also, talk about the pictures and what you are reading with your child. Take weekly field trips to the Melrose Public Library to choose books to share during the week.

Visit the Melrose Public Schools Curriculum Page for more information on getting ready for kindergarten.

Also follow Melrose Curriculum on Twitter @MelroseCurricul

The purpose of the Melrose Public Schools Blog is to help provide parents information on the school programs related to the curriculum and instruction. We also hope to share ideas and strategies for parents to use at home to strengthen home and school connections.