Frequently Asked Questions for Kindergarten Registration

Q. At what age can my child start kindergarten?

A. Children must be 5 years old on or before December 1 to begin kindergarten in the state of Michigan.

Q. Which schools will offer all-day kindergarten and which will offer half-day?

A. All Farmington Public School elementary buildings will house all-day kindergarten.

Q. Where can we see a school attendance area map?

A. Information on a particular elementary school’s attendance area is available by viewing the District Boundary Maps and the Street Guide:

Q. When is kindergarten registration week?

A. Kindergarten registration week for 2012 is scheduled for March 5 – 9, 2012

Q. What are the registration times?

A. Registrations times are outlined in the chart below:

School	Office Phone	Registration Time
Beechview Elementary	248-489-3655	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Forest Elementary	248-785-2068	8:30 - 11:00 AM and 1:30 – 3:30 PM
Gill Elementary	248-489-3690	8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Hillside Elementary	248-489-3773	8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Kenbrook Elementary	248-489-3711	8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lanigan Elementary	248-489-3722	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Longacre Elementary	248-489-3733	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Wood Creek Elementary	248-785-2077	9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Q. What if I am not available to register my child during registration week?

A. Parents can send in their materials during registration week, or they can bring them in the week after.

Q. Will transportation be provided for my kindergarten student?

A. Students attending all-day kindergarten at their “home” school will receive transportation if they reside more than 1.5 miles walking distance to school as stated in the District’s current transportation policies and procedures. The all-day kindergarten students will ride with the grade 1-5 students to and from school. Additionally, if a school is deemed at maximum capacity; a nearby elementary school within Farmington Public Schools that is not at capacity will become a “Companion School,” and students will receive transportation to the Companion School via a district bus.

Q. Can my child go to another school in the district?

A. The only way for a child to attend a school other than their home school is through School of Choice. Application forms for school of choice are available at each school and also from our central office building. Please refer to the District website for information on how to apply for the School of Choice program. http://www.farmington.k12.mi.us/district/schoolofchoice/index.php

Q. Will Highmeadow have a kindergarten lottery?

A. Yes, Highmeadow will offer all-day kindergarten through a lottery process.

Q. How long is a All-day kindergarten?

A. All-day kindergarten is 6 hours plus one hour for lunch and recess.

Q. How much “down” or “rest” time will my kindergarten student have during their school day?

A. The amount of “down” or “rest” time will be determined by the needs of the students as they acclimate to a full day schedule. This time will be shortened as the year progresses. An example might be 10 to 15 minutes of reading/rest time after lunch recess with additional time set aside for play activities later in the day.

Q. Are paraprofessionals in all of the kindergarten classes?

A. Each kindergarten classroom has paraprofessional support during the day.

Q. Is the entire curriculum the same at all of the elementary buildings?

A. The district curriculum has been adopted by the Farmington Board of Education and is aligned with Michigan’s Grade Level Standards. Each school follows the same curriculum, and classroom teachers will be using research-based best practices within their classrooms. A variety of additional strategies and resources may be used by classroom teachers to serve the needs of individual students.

Q. What are your kindergarten year-end targets for the students? Throughout the school year, how do you assess the students on their progress?

A. Teachers provide a variety of assessments that help them tailor educational experiences to meet the needs of their students. Beginning-of-year, end-of-trimester and end-of-year assessment in reading, writing and math give data that support the progress and growth of each child. Additionally, teachers use assessments such as running records, surveys, and observations in order to collect data that help them know where each child is performing and what that child needs to challenge them to the next level. Parents will receive report cards three times a year.

Q. What physical activity do the children receive? Are kindergarten students offered gym? When do the kindergarten students play outside?

A. Kindergarten students in the all-day program have two, 40-minute physical education classes each week. Half-day kindergarten students have two, 20-minute physical education classes each week. Additionally, many kindergarten teachers allow a brief outside play period as this is quite developmentally appropriate for this age child. Play is a good way to learn.

Q. Is there a music class?

A. Kindergarten students in the all-day program receive two, 40-minute general music classes each week. Half-day kindergarten students receive two, 20-minute general music classes each week. Additionally, classroom teachers incorporate musical experiences into the general curriculum as appropriate.

Q. Is there an art class?

A. Kindergarten students in the all-day program have one, 40-minute art class each week. Half-day kindergarten students have one, 20-minute art class per week.

Q. Are world languages taught?

A. No.

Q. Will there be bus monitors to assist the bus drivers in watching our children?

A. Generally there are no bus monitors unless there are unique circumstances that necessitate one.

Q. What are the costs of before and after school care?

A. Before and after school care is provided by the YMCA. The YMCA program determines the cost, which can change from year to year. You can call the YMCA directly at (248) 553-4020.