The Pinnacle Playbook: Your Ultimate Guide to a Successful Start of Year
As we welcome both new and returning families to Pinnacle, we know the new year brings lots of questions. Here is everything you need to know for Family Welcome, the start of school, and a successful school year!
Welcome Email: Teachers sent a Welcome Email to families on August 1st introducing themselves. Tip: Print the teacher photos and place them in a spot your child will see. Include the names of the teachers with the photos and begin to familiarize your child with their names and faces.
Family Welcome Dates:
Coyote Kindergarten Meet the Teacher is Friday, August 15th
Tuesday, August 18th for the Quail and Gecko class (2-day Tu/Th)
Wednesday, August 19th for Javelina and Tortoise class (3-day M/W/F)
Tuesday, August 18th & Wednesday, August 19th for Roadrunner and Owl class (PreK)
Family Welcome: You will select your Family Welcome day and time using the Sign-Up Genius link included in the Welcome Email. Teachers will welcome families in the entryway. Parents are asked to remain with their child for the full 45 minutes of Family Welcome. This is an opportunity to see the classroom, visit with the teachers, and receive important classroom information.
Don’t forget to stop into the Atelier to say hello to Ms. Melanie! Class Spirit Wear will also be on sale in the entryway, along with ways for parents to get involved during the school year.
Be sure to confirm the contact information on the class roster as the email address listed will be the one used for classroom communication. If you would like to add an additional email for classroom communications (Daily Journal, upcoming events, and reminders), please let your class teachers know. What is a Daily Journal? The Daily Journal is a one-page spotlight of the day with photos that is sent home on the days your child attends school. The Daily is a snapshot of the school day and is not intended to feature your child every day. It’s a helpful resource for conversations at home, and we encourage you to look at it with your child as they share about their school day.
What to Bring to Family Welcome:
Complete change of clothes labeled with your child’s name in a Ziploc bag
Don’t forget shoes and socks! We encourage children to learn with their whole bodies, and sometimes that can get messy. Be sure to send children to school in appropriate play clothes (more information on this below!)Your child’s completed “Me Book” (if not already returned to the office)
The “Me Book” supports children in transitioning from home to school and also allows them to share about themselves with their friends and teachers.A family photo (4x6)
Family photos are displayed in the classroom as another home-to-school connection for children.
First Day of School: Coyote Kindergarten’s first day of school will be Monday, August 18th. For preschool, the first day of school will be Thursday, August 20th for Roadrunner, Owl, Quail, and Gecko classes and Friday, August 21st for Javelina and Tortoise classes. The Cottontail Parent-and-Me program begins Friday, August 28th.
Drop-off & Pick-Up: Morning drop-off is at the school gate from 8:20 - 8:30 AM for Kindergarten and 8:50 AM - 9:05 AM for Preschool (Early Bird drop-off for preschoolers available 8:20 - 8:30 AM). Ms. Sabrina or Ms. Kelsey from the office will be at the gate each morning welcoming children. Classroom teachers will also be in the entryway to greet children as they arrive. It is common for children to feel a little unsure when coming to school for the first time or returning from summer break. Often a consistent drop-off routine helps create a predictable pattern, such as two kisses and one hug at the gate to say goodbye. Stay strong! Children take their emotional cues from us, and your calm confidence will help reassure them that school is a fun, loving, and safe place. Helpful phrases: “It can be hard to say goodbye, but your teacher is here to keep you safe, and I will be back soon. You’re safe. You’ve got this.” We kindly ask parents to say goodbye at the gate to support children in a successful transition.
The school gates will open a few minutes before 12 PM and again at 12:30 PM for preschool dismissal. Parents or caregivers will walk down to their child’s classroom for pick-up. Pre-K classes end at 12:30 PM (Roadrunner and Owl). Three-year-old classes end at 12 PM (Quail, Javelina, Gecko, and Tortoise). Will your child be staying for Extended Day? Pick-up is at the school gate at 2 PM. (Children must be signed up in advance for Extended Day classes - see office for questions). Kindergarten dismissal is at 2:30 PM from the Coyote classroom, and parents will pick up in the Coyote classroom.
The “Set Them Up for Success” Checklist:
“School Clothes” are comfortable, easy for children to pull up and down for bathroom success, and okay to get dirty (think paint, clay, charcoal, and lots of other fun stuff). Some children love to accessorize, and we enjoy seeing their unique style! Please note that small items, such as rings, necklaces, and sunglasses, are easily misplaced, and very special items are best kept at home.
“School Shoes” are closed-toed, can be put on independently, and are safe for running, climbing, and jumping. Sandals, boots, and shoes with a heel are best kept for home days.
Reusable bottle filled up with water only (please no milk or juice) and your child’s name clearly labeled. To minimize waste, we encourage spill-proof tops that won't leak if tipped over in backpacks.
Snack (peanut and tree nut free) with your child’s name clearly labeled and separate from lunch. This helps support children in unpacking independently and teachers knowing what is intended for snack vs. lunch. Snack should be just a couple of healthy items, such as fruit and cheese or a meat stick with veggies.
Lunch for Pre-K or Kindergarten or enrolled in Extended Day (peanut and tree nut free) with your child’s name clearly labeled on the lunch box and containers.
Backpack to hold water, snack, and lunch (if applicable) plus any artwork your child may be bringing home. Having everything fit in the backpack helps ensure items return home and encourages children to be responsible for their school items. Backpacks are intended for school items only - please keep toys and beloved stuffed animals safe at home or in the car.
Please Keep in Mind: A foundational component of early childhood is social-emotional development. Negotiating new friendships, sharing workspace and materials, and adjusting to new routines and expectations at school is hard, but important, work for young children. A key component of the Reggio Emilia Approach is partnering with parents. Open communication is key to a successful partnership.
Teachers will reach out if they observe your child needing additional support in the classroom. We encourage families to also share any feedback or behaviors they notice at home that teachers can help address. Consistency between home and school sets a predictive pattern for your child and sets them up for success in both environments.
The easiest way to communicate with your child’s teachers is by email (it’s the email address your Welcome Email is sent from). While a quick question may work at pick-up, it is often a busy time for teachers as they dismiss children going home and help children transition to Extended Day. Many teachers also have after-school responsibilities such as teaching Extended Day or attending Professional Development meetings. Emailing to set up a time to talk (either in person or on the phone) is the best way for teachers to give their full attention to addressing questions about your child.
We are excited for an incredible year and so grateful to have your family as a part of our Pinnacle community. Be sure to check out our Instagram or Facebook for helpful tips on transitioning back to school, parent resources, and upcoming events. We look forward to seeing you at Family Welcome!