Pre-Kindergarten – ɫ��һ��

7 tips to get your child ready for pre-K

Ryan PIERCE — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:00:14 +0000

Pre-K starts Aug. 14

Is your child going to pre-K next year? It’s not too early to start getting ready because school starts August 14. That’s only seven weeks away.

Starting pre-K is really exciting, but it can also be a little scary. It’s a big change for a 3- or 4-year-old. (It’s a big change for mom and dad, too.) So, if you can do a few things to prepare, it will help your child – and you – have as smooth of a transition as possible.

Here are few things you can do over the summer to help your child be ready for pre-K.

〉Read, read and read

Read aloud to your child everyday so they develop a love of reading that will help them in school and for the rest of their lives. Children who read improve their vocabulary, reading comprehension and standardized test scores.

It’s also great to visit the library and let your child pick out books. And go to the library during a read-aloud time so your child gets used to hearing someone other than their parents read aloud in a group setting.

〉Read books about going to school

“There are PLENTY of books about first days at school,” said Ken Foster, an early childhood learning specialist for ɫ��һ��. “My favorite is Eric Litwin’s ‘Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in my School Shoes.’”

Dr. Hildelisa Diaz, the district’s early childhood coordinator, has some other book suggestions as well:

- - “The Kissing Hand”��by Audrey Penn
  - “David Goes to School”��by David Shannon
  - “Will I Have a Friend?”��by Miriam Cohen
  - “First Day of School”��by Anne Rockwell

〉Practice letters and numbers

Practice the ABCs and letter sounds. And count and work on numbers, basic shapes and colors.

〉��Establish a routine

This will be especially important as we get closer to the first day of school, but it’s not too soon to start. Establish a routine of “early to bed” and “school wake-up time” several weeks before school begins so your child has time to adjust to the new schedule.

〉Talk about school and what it will be like

Have regular conversations with your child about school. Foster suggests asking some questions.

“I’d start by daily talking with your child about school, asking them:

Where is the school located? How will you get there?

Who else goes there?�� Do you know other friends who attend this school?

What do you do at school? Where can you play outside?�� Where do you go when you want to read lots of books?�� Where do you think you’ll go to eat?

Take time to discuss each of these in detail to help them create mental pictures of school.”

〉Practice school

Your child will do a lot of things at school that might be new for them and even a little challenging. Things like opening their backpack, putting on their shoes, eating by themselves and a lot more.

“Practicing opening lunch items, opening and closing backpacks and zipping zippers or unbuttoning buttons will build confidence and independence in your child,” said Cindy Brown, ɫ��һ��’s special education director. “Role playing things like saying hello to their teacher, visiting the campus, talking about what they hope they will get to do at school and sharing stories of your own early learning memories will help your son or daughter transition smoothly to their own pre-K experience.”

〉Practice toilet procedures

Here’s something else they need to be able to do – use the bathroom without help. Practice at home so your child will be comfortable and confident when they get to school.

REGISTER NOW

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program has an innovative, play-based curriculum designed to give your child the foundation to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. Pre-K is going to be great, and your child will have lots of fun and learn a ton.

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time. You can get started online here. Or you can register in person for any elementary school in the district at��Kooken Educational Center��(). Staff there can answer your questions and help you get registered. Plus, you can tour a model pre-K classroom. Click here for the dates that Kooken is open.

You can also register at on July 16. It’ll be a free, fun-filled event with registration assistance.

And as always, feel free to contact the pre-K team with any questions you have at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net.

Register for pre-K and kindergarten in person now

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:13:44 +0000

Pre-K and kinder registration support June 5-27 and July 8-18

It’s time to get your little one registered for pre-K or kindergarten! School starts in just about two months on Aug. 14.

If you would like in-person help with registration or have questions about ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K, come visit us at Kooken Educational Center (). We can answer your questions and help you get registered. Plus, you can tour a model pre-K classroom.

Kooken is open for pre-K and kindergarten registration for every elementary school in the district on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon from now until June 27* and then again on July 8-18.*

Much of registration can also be completed online here. Learn more about all of our outstanding pre-K programs throughout the district at aisd.net/prek and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

*Kooken will be closed on June 19. And on July 16, the in-person registration support will move to Adams Elementary for Pre-K Palooza.

Kooken Educational Center gives 3-year-olds a jump start

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:07:44 +0000

Join the Kooken family

It’s all about little learners at Kooken Educational Center. In fact, Kooken is the only school in the ɫ��һ�� dedicated exclusively to only one grade level – pre-K for 3-year-olds.��

But that’s not the only thing that makes Kooken so special.

[caption id="attachment_115413" align="alignright" width="500"] The Thanksgiving Show at Kooken Education Center.[/caption]

“What makes Kooken special is our ability to serve, make connections and design all learning experiences for our 3-year-olds and their families,” said Kooken principal Elizabeth Huebner.

WHY PRE-K 3?

“Early childhood learning is crucial for building a strong foundation for students’ futures, both academically and socially,” Huebner said. “Through rich learning experiences, they experience valuable socialization skills and develop a strong and critical academic foundation.”

Parents who enroll their children into pre-K 3 give their child a jump start on their peers.

“Kids get their foundation in pre-K 3,” said Staci Nelson, a special education teacher at Morton Elementary who also taught pre-K at Kooken. “They learn to self-regulate and learn how to be learners. When they move on to pre-K 4, they will be prepared for full-day study.”

Pre-K 3 lays that foundation for a lifetime of success.

“Seeing where the little ones begin in August and where they are in May is amazing,” Nelson said.

The biggest reason the students experience such tremendous growth is because of the outstanding teachers and the opportunities they provide.

“Our teachers also provide such rich and bountiful opportunities extending past the classroom walls – through the STREAM Maker lab, Outdoor Classroom and pre-K yoga – while still focusing on social-emotional skills,” said Stephanie Ross, Kooken’s instructional coach.

See a classroom at Kooken

[caption id="attachment_179805" align="alignright" width="500"] Kooken's end-of-year-ceremony last month.[/caption]

Kooken is more than a school for pre-K 3. It’s one big family.

"When families walk through our doors, they are part of the Koala family, or what we like to call ourselves, the SUPER (Supportive, Unified, Positive, Engaging, and Responsible) Dream Team,” Huebner said. “Every faculty member assists in family engagement. Whether it is enrollment, parenting classes, family nights or learning experiences.”

Join the Kooken family and register your 3-year-old for half-day pre-K at Kooken today. There are morning and afternoon options, and it is free if you qualify. If you don’t qualify for free pre-K, Kooken offers an affordable tuition-based program.

You can start the registration process online here. Or you can come to Kooken and receive registration assistance Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon from now until June 27 and July 8-18. Plus, you can take a peek at a pre-K classroom!

Learn more about all of our outstanding pre-K programs throughout the district at aisd.net/prek and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

Pre-K classrooms designed to inspire learning

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 29 May 2024 13:28:54 +0000

Pre-K classrooms designed for little learners

Everything in ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program is strategic – designed to inspire learning. That’s why every detail in pre-K classrooms was intentionally designed to launch our littlest learners on a lifelong journey of exploration and learning.

“In ɫ��һ��, we strive to create a magical learning experience for all of our pre-K students,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning.

PLAY

That magic starts in the classroom, which is designed to accommodate our new students and give them lots of opportunities to play. Play is how young children learn. They are innately curious, and they feed and foster that curiosity through play.

“Our pre-K curriculum allows preschool children many types of play throughout the day,” Orsini said. “Our daily lesson plans allow children to participate in physical, cognitive, language and social play through structured and non-structured activities.”

To promote that kind of purposeful play, each pre-K classroom’s design, furniture and toys enhance the curriculum and foster fun, creativity and exploration. Teachers help direct the play and use it to teach all kinds of lessons.

“Our classrooms are equipped with amazing early childhood resources that promote student engagement,” Orsini said.��“With thoughtfully designed lesson plans, activities, use of resources and fun learning centers, children flow from one activity to the next with a sense of purpose. They really have fun! The classroom library, block center, kids kitchen, math center, science station, book nook, dramatic play corner, sensory table, Lego wall and art center are just some of the many activities that students are invited to explore on a daily basis.”

To give you an idea of what each classroom is like, here’s a little tour of some of the elements of the pre-K classroom that make a big impact in a child’s learning adventure.

TINY FURNITURE

You can’t just put pre-K students in a regular classroom. Everything is too big! So, ɫ��һ�� pre-K rooms have small chairs, stools and tables sized just right for 3s and 4s. The furniture is flexible, allowing for a variety of seating options because they get used for lots of different activities. The tables and chairs are perfect for group learning activities and help children build social skills with their peers.

Each room also has a water fountain at the students’ height, along with a sink and bathroom. The bathroom is a must for this age group to prevent those unwanted accidents and to help teachers maintain constant supervision. They also help minimize interruptions to teachers’ lesson plans, which means more time for the children to learn and play.

CLASSROOM CENTERS

Each classroom is set up in centers to promote literacy, math, science and social-emotional learning. Pre-K students spend their day playing, singing and learning to gain skills that ultimately help them learn to read, write and build their math and science skills. Pre-K teachers are very creative and implement all kinds of activities at each center to maximize learning opportunities. Some of the most popular centers include:

Dramatic Play Center

The dramatic play center includes fun-sized versions of items you find at home, like kitchen sets and dollhouses, filled with diverse baby dolls that promote role-playing. Dramatic play encourages creativity, self-expression and knowledge of the community.

Literacy Center

The literacy center is a quiet area where pre-K students practice reading and looking at books. Kids explore their interests and have fun reading colorful stories that trigger their imaginations.

Math Center

The math center is a special corner where kids learn how to use manipulatives, such as numbers, counters, blocks and geometric shapes to count, sort, add and subtract and build mathematical thinking skills.

Free Choice Centers

Free choice centers allow less structured play time where kids get to pick their own activities from choices the teacher provides. These centers help develop creativity and imagination during crafts or pretend play.

The Safe Place

The Safe Place is a cozy spot where kids can go sit if they are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just not having the best day. Students can look in the mirror while practicing breathing techniques and reciting affirmations to calm them down. Calming books, feeling buddies and other relaxation materials are also at the center to help kids cope with any difficult emotions. Learning fundamental academic skills are important, but it’s also important to help kids develop strong emotional and mental health at a young age. Teaching them now makes a huge difference in how they handle difficult situations as they grow up.

LABELS

Labels are vital in early childhood learning. Putting signs and labels on nearly every object helps students learn to read, write and spell at a much faster rate as they associate pictures with words they see and hear. Signs go on everything from cubby holders and lockers to chairs and toys. To solidify lessons, some teachers include “Write the Room” sessions that allow kids to write down the objects they are learning about or “buying” from the café or store.

STEM LABS��

Science and math have always been an important part of ɫ��һ�� pre-K, but now STEM is infused in the pre-K 4 curriculum. Our pre-K students take advantage of the STEM labs at every elementary school and learn and discover through hands-on science, technology, engineering and math experiments and lessons.

OUTSIDE

Discovery doesn’t just happen inside. Outside is a classroom, too, with all kinds of games and activities. When classroom sensory tables are filled with water or sand, kids turn into little explorers as they dive into the daily lessons.

Playgrounds are a great learning space, too. And thanks to the 2019 Bond, all elementary schools now have new playgrounds. The new playgrounds are rock- and wood-free and have a soft rubber surface for safety to protect against those inevitable falls. Plus, they all have shade structures and accessible play equipment.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj__YXBEZlg[/embed]

REGISTER NOW

Pre-K in the ɫ��һ�� is key to getting 3- and 4-year-olds off to a great start. Learn more about our innovative pre-K programs��and see what a day in pre-K is like in . Then head back to aisd.net/pre-k to register. Feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

Pre-K graduations celebrate little learners’ big accomplishments

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 23 May 2024 13:38:03 +0000

Pre-K students ready for the next step

Donovan was ready.

When his teacher called his name, he bounded up the steps and strutted across the stage with man-sized strides and giant arm swings. Decked out in a sharp red polo and khaki pants, Donovan collected his pre-K diploma, found his spot on stage and flashed a million-dollar smile at all the family and friends in the audience.

There were lots of those happy smiles at Butler Elementary’s pre-K graduation this week – and at pre-K graduations all across ɫ��һ��.

Kathryn O’Neal, one of Butler’s two pre-K teachers, thanked the parents and families for entrusting their little ones with her. She probably spoke for every pre-K class in the world when she described her students.

“Your children are joyful and energetic,” she said. “And loving and energetic. And empathetic and energetic. And kind and funny. And did I mention energetic?”

Butler’s other pre-K teacher, Brittany Lee, shared a moment she had in class recently when she realized the end of the year was fast approaching – and maybe a little too quickly.

“This is my little family,” Lee said, “and I’m going to miss them.”

Lee wasn’t the only one who got emotional at the graduation.

Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning, did too.

“There are tears in my eyes,” Orsini said. “As an educator, I know how much it takes for kids to get to this point. They come to the school at the beginning of the year not knowing what’s going to happen. It’s a new world, a new environment. Seeing them now so confident, so happy, in love with school – it’s amazing.”

The transformation that 4-year-olds go through from August to May is truly amazing.

“It’s about that safe, loving environment and making sure that in their first experience in school they feel loved, safe and nurtured,” said Butler principal Mark Basham.

It’s also about a commitment ɫ��һ�� has made to pre-K students.

“ɫ��һ�� is very special,” Basham said to the parents during the graduation ceremony. “They committed that we are going to offer pre-K to every student in our district, and that is not available to every student across the state. Only a handful of districts have picked up this commitment.”

That commitment is why Matthew Hall from – a non-profit that supports public schools and advocates for more pre-K in the state – came to Butler’s pre-K graduation. He brought refreshments for everyone to enjoy after the ceremony.

“Early learning education is critical for the future of our workforce in Texas,” Hall said. “Raise Your Hand Texas is always grateful for opportunities to work alongside local partners, school districts and the business community to highlight programs like pre-K. We are honored to sponsor this awards ceremony.”

Colorful Kooken

Kooken Educational Center – ɫ��һ��’s only all-pre-K campus for 3-year-olds – held an end-of-the-year ceremony, too, but it was a little different than at other schools. Their ceremony wasn’t a graduation.

“We don't do a graduation, as our kids move on to ‘big school’ and continue in pre-K 4 classes next year on their home campuses,” said Tara Lane, Kooken’s assistant principal.

But it was just as fun – and colorful.

A group of volunteer parents decorated the gym in a Crayola theme complete with four colorful photo booths. The students sang songs during the ceremony and the teachers celebrated the students’ growth before giving them their certificates of completion.

“This year all of our students are also receiving a Junior Master Gardner Award for participating in the Texas A&M Extension Program that teaches kids about healthy food choices, growing our own foods, how plants grow, etc.,” Lane said.

Pre-K is the foundation

It’s time for this year’s pre-K students to move on to kindergarten or ‘big school,’ and like Donovan, they’re ready.

“Having had pre-K, they are just ready to take off,” O’Neal said.

ɫ��һ��’s innovative pre-K lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning, and it sets students up for success in kindergarten and beyond.

If you have a little learner ready for pre-K, we have a spot for them in ɫ��һ��. The next school year starts in less than three months, so register here today.

Make outside playtime fun and educational

Ryan PIERCE — Tue, 21 May 2024 16:04:17 +0000

Go outside, have fun and learn

Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning, has a message for pre-K and kindergarten students – and really every child.

“Go outside!”

It’s spring, and that means it’s time to go outside and play!

“Research has shown that children who play outdoors regularly are happier, healthier and stronger,” Orsini said. “When kids play outside, they get the opportunity to sing, skip, climb, jump and explore the world around them. Being outside and playing gives kids the opportunity to develop their physical, social-emotional, cognitive and language skills.”

Orsini has some suggestions for parents to help make outdoor playtime fun and educational.

Keep it simple

Take a short walk and count or sort objects by color or shape. Go on a scavenger hunt or take a hike. Admire nature, listen to the birds, plant a tree or engage your child in a gardening activity. Integrate literacy by reading a book under a tree or by identifying the first letter, beginning sound or ending sounds of the things that you find. It’s also great to let your child play outside with their favorite toys.

Incorporate other elements

Include water, sand, glitter, rocks, Play-Doh, paint, things from your pantry and other household items to promote sensory play, which is very important in early years.

Anywhere works

Don’t get stressed about finding the perfect location. You don’t have to take your little one to a special place to experience the benefits of outdoor learning. A park close to your home or your backyard should be perfect. Outdoor games and activities are unlimited!

What does your child like?

Recognize your child’s interests and plan for fun activities that will get your little one excited about outdoor play. Does your child like science, arts, sports or nature? These are just some of the areas to consider when planning the perfect outdoor experience for your child. ��

Technology free

Put aside distractions and technology devices. This should be a time for you and your child to connect, bond and create beautiful memories.

Be safe

Remind your child of ways to play safely with other children and to follow instructions. Encourage your kids to use play equipment properly (like going feet first down a slide) and to be respectful toward nature. Check your local forecast before going outside. If it’s hot, don’t stay out too long, and use sunscreen often. And don’t forget to have your child wash hands after outdoor activities.

The most important thing is to have fun. Happy spring and summer!

When summer ends

Even though the summer break is just beginning, it’s time to plan for next school year and enroll your little ones in pre-K or kindergarten. Registration is open online now here. And learn more here about ɫ��һ��’s pre-K – where outside play is important during the school year, too.

Pre-K students get to be real scientists

Ryan PIERCE — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:39:43 +0000

STEM in pre-K is about exploration

In ɫ��һ��’s pre-K, 4-year-olds are real scientists.

“They especially like it when they wear safety goggles,” said Viki Miller, a pre-K teacher at Dunn Elementary. “They really feel like scientists then.”

They feel like it because it’s true.

Two years ago ɫ��һ�� introduced a new innovative pre-K 4 curriculum that features STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and launches little learners on a journey of discovery.

So, what does STEM at the pre-K level look like?

Like an exploding snowman.

That was one of Miller’s class’s favorite STEM projects.

It’s a bag of baking soda. But then they poured vinegar on the baking soda and it puffed up like a snowman.

“They thought that was amazing,” Miller said.

STEM in pre-K comes in a variety of ways, from exploding snowmen and other science experiments and observations in the school’s STEM labs – every ɫ��һ�� elementary school has two STEM labs – to STEM stations in the classroom and a big family project that the kids do with parents at home.

But it all fits squarely into the district’s play-based curriculum.

“Our pre-K curriculum allows preschool children many types of play throughout the day,” early childhood director Dr. Jackeline Orsini said. “Our daily lesson plans allow children to participate in physical, cognitive, language and social play through structured and non-structured activities.”

And STEM is a big part of that.

STEM in pre-K isn’t just a list of activities done in a lab with safety glasses though.

It’s a philosophy about making the lessons relevant to the real world. It’s about providing hands-on activities that let kids participate in their own learning. And it’s about integration. In other words, you don’t teach each concept in isolation. You combine them in activities that allow students to make real-world connections.

And they are all activities that feel like playing to a 4-year-old.

Learning STEM at an early age gives students lots of opportunities to explore, hone their problem-solving skills, work on their fine and gross motor skills and develop critical thinking.

“Children love to learn by playing with hands-on and mind-on activities,” said Amos Elementary kindergarten teacher Katy Peterson. “STEM provides just this. It gives intriguing opportunities to see how things work and relate to real life.”

STEM activities involve touching things, experimenting and seeing how stuff works. They are purposefully designed to spark questions and curiosity and give kids the chance to pursue that curiosity and find answers to their own questions.

And it’s fun! It’s often messy fun that brings learning to life. It’s about exploring and trying new things. And fun is key in getting kids excited to learn.

Come explore with us

If STEM in pre-K sounds a little daunting for your future student, don’t worry. If they love to play with LEGOs, Play-Doh, build things (or take things apart), and have a natural curiosity about everything, they will love STEM.

Plus, it’s free! ɫ��һ��’s pre-K for 4-year-olds is open to everyone at no cost. Registration is open online now. Visit��aisd.net/prek��to learn more and register.

Pre-K is for 3-Year-Olds, too

Ryan PIERCE — Mon, 06 May 2024 16:55:07 +0000

It all starts with 3-year-olds

How about a little game of True or False?

In ɫ��һ��, pre-K begins at four to prepare kiddos for life-long learning.

False!

ɫ��һ�� is a step ahead when it comes to preparing your little learner for the future, and it all begins at 3-years-old.

Age three is pivotal in early childhood learning, and that’s why the district is committed to creating environments full of learning and play for your child. With a half-day curriculum, your child will have the opportunity to learn letters, vocabulary and math, all while having fun and developing social and emotional skills.

“This stage marks the beginning of everything, especially the introduction to school,” said Maria Castro, pre-K 3 teacher at Thornton Elementary. “Kids establish a social foundation, learn left from right, how to form a line and everything in between. Because adults have known this stuff for so long, we often forget that this is the time for kids to learn those developmental skills.”

Castro knows what she’s talking about, too. The bilingual teacher is in her 22nd year teaching and loves being the little ones’ biggest cheerleader. She believes offering encouragement to the students after every accomplishment makes a world of difference in their lives.

Swift Elementary pre-K 3 teacher Kristen Diaz agrees that pre-K 3 is the foundation for a successful education.

“We are teaching children how to go to school, be a good friend, follow directions and learn academics they will need for the rest of their time in school,” Diaz said. “Pre-K 3 is essential for the children’s social, emotional and physical development. The things these children learn in pre-K 3 will stay with them for the rest of their education.”

The pre-K 3 curriculum also focuses on fine and gross motor skills like opening snacks and milk bottles and holding pencils. With lots of music, art and furniture suited just for kids, the design and personalization of the curriculum and classroom foster creativity, exploration, fun and learning.

Starting school can come with a lot of anxiety for both children and parents. ɫ��һ�� pre-K 3 teachers know the importance of assuring parents that their child is safe and getting plenty of emotional support.

“I love the opportunity to scaffold the emotional needs kids have,” Castro said. “Social-emotional learning is so important because once you master separation anxiety, then the academics can start. We have lesson plans, but social emotional learning takes priority.

“Pre-K 3 is proactive by preventing challenges, and it gradually irons them out academically and emotionally,” Castro said. “We can know quicker if a child is experiencing challenges and we’re able to address those things before they get to kindergarten. I wish it was mandatory for all 3-year-olds.”

The benefits of pre-K 3 are endless when it comes to nurturing kids’ curiosity and developing their social and emotional skills. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and yours is right here in ɫ��һ��. If you’re ready for your little learner to be a part of a community that fosters all-around growth, register for pre-K today at aisd.net/prek. Let the fun begin!

And feel free to contact our early childhood learning team with any questions you have at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net.

Fairytale event encourages little learners to read

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 01 May 2024 13:43:20 +0000

Kids dress in fairytale costumes

“It was beautiful,” Princess Aurora said.

That’s not usually how the ɫ��һ��’s Professional Development Center is described.

But Sleeping Beauty – also known as Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning – was right.

It was magical for dozens of pre-K and kindergarten-age children.

ɫ��һ��’s early childhood learning department put on Once Upon a Time last week at the PDC, a fairytale-themed event designed to encourage little learners and their families to read.

Many of the kids came dressed as princesses and princes – or Spiderman – and couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Belle and other characters from their favorite stories. Most posed with wide eyes for pictures with the princesses they thought were real before heading off to lots of fun activities.

The activities were all storybook themed. In one room, Moore Elementary pre-K teacher Debbie Modawell read the story “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and helped the kids act it out with puppets. She even had a bridge for the billy goats to walk over.

“Who’s that trip trapping over my bridge,” said the little girl playing the troll.

“It is I, the medium-sized goat,” answered the little girl who had just trip trapped over the bridge.

Modawell read the story over and over again during the event, each time for a different audience, but she loved it every time.

“It’s my favorite story,” she said. “The kids get to really get into it and be the troll and use the puppets. It brings them out of their shell and helps them make connections with literature.”

Making connections with literature was what the night was all about.

“We had the event to let parents know how important literacy is at school and at home,” said Ana Biederstedt, an ɫ��һ�� early learning specialist who was dressed as one of the three little pigs. “Reading books helps kids vocabulary grow and their knowledge will grow.”

In another room, kids listened to the story of “The Three Little Pigs.” And other rooms featured story-book-themed activities, arts, crafts and dramatic play.

“I’m using the marshmallows for a cushion,” said one little princess as she made Goldilocks’ bed.

Nearby, boys and girls donned armor with foam shields and swords and acted out their own fairytale adventures. Others built castles with blocks and Legos.

All took home books and were inspired to read and dream. And everyone had a great time.

Even the big bad wolf (also known as early learning specialist Ken Foster).

See from Once Upon a Time.

Register for pre-K or kindergarten

Once Upon a Time was just a taste of ɫ��һ��’s pre-K and kindergarten programs where literacy and fun are huge themes every day.

Register your child today for pre-K or kindergarten next school year. You can start the registration process online��here.

Learn more at��aisd.net/prek��ǰ� aisd.net/kindergarten and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418, prekquestions@aisd.net or kinderquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

And check out��this post��with lots of important dates and details about registration.

Purposeful play fosters learning in ɫ��һ�� Pre-K

Web Services — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 20:37:14 +0000

Fun leads to learning in pre-k

Lots of playtime probably isn’t what comes to mind when you think about going to school. But for ɫ��һ��’s pre-K students, purposeful play is a big part of every day.

The key word is purposeful. The play is incorporated into the curriculum and is designed to foster curiosity and encourage learning in the district’s youngest learners. It is detailed, intentional, engaging, data-driven and differentiated based on the learner.

“Developmentally-appropriate purposeful play is an engaging way to develop children’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical skills,” said Nadia Azari, ɫ��һ�� early childhood specialist. “It encourages creative thinking while achieving intended learning outcomes.”

Why play?

Play is how young children learn. They are innately curious, and they feed and foster that curiosity through playful sensory-rich experiences that encourage kids to explore, discover and ask questions.

Through playful exploration, children discover the world around them and learn to make sense of it. When they find meaning and purpose in their play, they learn.

“Children do this primarily with their five senses,” said Ken Foster, ɫ��һ�� early childhood specialist. "What does it look like, sound like, smell like, taste like and feel like? To adults, it looks like playing. However, to the child, it is engagement in learning. The more sophisticated children become with using their five senses, the more efficient they become with adding new information.”

Play is the vehicle for students to be able to grow and develop many skills, including social and emotional skills, fine motor skills and problem-solving skills. They also improve their vocabulary and gain the confidence to try new things.

Purposeful play teaches the whole child, meeting them where they are developmentally, and providing the building blocks for a solid educational foundation.

Pre-K is about preparing young students to start kindergarten and kick off a life-long journey of learning. Purposeful play is designed to do just that.

Register Now

Registration for ɫ��һ��’s pre-K 3, pre-k 4 and kindergarten for next school year is now open. Start the process online here. Learn more at aisd.net/prek and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

And check out this post with lots of important dates and details about pre-K registration.

Fairytale event for pre-K and kindergarten kids is Monday, April 22

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:18:23 +0000

This fairytale is real

Once upon a time in a land far away …

Actually, the time is next Monday, April 22, from 5-7 p.m. And it’s not so far away – it’ll be at the .

But it will be magical and a very special time with your little ones. Plus, it’s free!

“We are getting close to the end of the school year, and in ɫ��һ�� we want to do a Royal Event to celebrate the hard work and extraordinary achievements of all our current pre-K and kinder students,” said the magical queen of Once Upon a Time – also known as Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning. “It’s also going to be a majestic celebration to welcome all new ɫ��һ�� pre-K and kinder students who will be joining us for the 2024-2025 school year.”

Join us for Once Upon a Time and take a whimsical adventure with your current or rising pre-K and kindergarten children and dive into the enchanting world of fairytales. Dress up as a princess, prince or your favorite fairytale character for a fun evening filled with storytelling, games, crafts and more.

The event is designed to encourage a love of reading for little learners and to help parents foster learning at home.

“It’s so important to promote early literacy,” Orsini said. “Early literacy helps children in so many ways, including language development, social and emotional learning, communication skills and so much more.”

Once Upon a Time will include lots of fun things to do. Teacher-led activities include:

An interactive read aloud of “The Three Billy Goats Gruff.”
Story telling of the “Three Little Pigs” followed by engaging math activities with a book kids can take home.
Reading “Little Red Riding Hood” followed by the opportunity to make puppets and practice retelling the story. And there will be a book to take home.

There will also be many fun stations the kids can visit, like:

Storybook Corner
Fairytale Writing Station
Caste Engineering with blocks
Royal Creations (patterns with jeweled crowns)
Dramatic Play with dress up and puppet theater
Jack and the Beanstalk STEM Cup Challenge
Crown Jewel Counting
Fairytale Playdough
Fairytale Snacks where kids will get to create and eat fairytale-themed snacks (magic wands, magic beans, etc.)

Plus, every child will get a free book and activities to take home.

But it’s not just about the kids. The event will also provide parents with tools and ideas to help their children learn and read. And you will get great photos with your kids at the photo booth.

“We’ll give parents practical ideas to help reinforce everything their kids have been learning at school,” Orsini said. “We want our little learners to keep practicing what they’ve learned over the summer.”

Once Upon a Time will be a magical opportunity to bond and create cherished memories with your kids. Don’t miss out on this spellbinding experience!

to register for the event today.

Staff will also be on hand to assist you with your 2024-2025 registration for pre-K and kindergarten. Or you can go ahead and get started now with registration online.

Learn more about ɫ��һ��’s fun, innovative pre-K programs and kindergarten.

Signing Day 2024 brings future pre-K and kindergarten students to school

Web Services — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:24:38 +0000

Signing Day 2024 a big hit

If there were any doubts about how parents of the littlest learners in the ɫ��һ�� feel about the district’s Signing Day festivities, all you had to do was go to Thornton Elementary last Thursday to erase those worries.

Parents were lined up outside the cafeteria when Signing Day started at 5 p.m. to register their pre-K and kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year.

Signing Day, which is in its second year for the district, is the one-stop opportunity for parents to bring their children to the school to get all the paperwork done, see what the building looks like and me their future teachers.

The students are the stars on Signing Day, as elementary schools throughout the district have stations set up for the students to put pencil to paper and make their plans known.

“Having the opportunity to see our future young learners signing their commitment to a successful 2024-25 school year was a privilege,” said early childhood learning director Dr. Jackeline Orsini, who showed up at Thornton for Signing Day. “To see the smiles of our future young learners, the excitement of hundreds of parents after completing the registration process, the extraordinary support of our dedicated staff members and the happiness of so many children walking the hallways of what will soon be their school were only some of the highlights of this very special event.”

You can see pictures from Signing Day throughout the district .

Pre-K for 4-year-olds in the ɫ��һ�� is free for everyone and has STEM integrated in the curriculum. It helps children develop critical thinking skills and gets them ready for the rest of their educational career. Kindergarten is also huge as it continues to allow children to grow academically, socially and emotionally through play-based learning activities.

Registration for pre-K and kindergarten students opened on April 1 and is ongoing. The early childhood department has events scheduled throughout the spring and summer to help families get ready to send their children off to school this fall.

If you want to find out more about our early childhood learning department, mark your calendars for Monday, April 22. The department will be hosting a Once Upon a Time fairytale family event at the Mac Bernd Professional Development Center. The event is in English and Spanish and runs from 5 to 7 p.m. You can also get your registration questions answered there.

You can find out more about pre-K and begin the registration process here. If your child will be ready for kindergarten in 2024-25, go here to find out more about the program and register.

Pre-K and kindergarten registration for 2024-2025 is open now

Web Services — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:41:19 +0000

All Aboard! Registration for ɫ��һ��’s pre-K and kindergarten is now open online for the 2024-2025 school year. This includes all students who will be 3, 4, or 5 by Sept. 1.

“We are looking forward to the first week of April with great anticipation and excitement,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning. “For us, April 1 is not just the beginning of the pre-K and kinder registration process, it’s the day that marks the beginning of a new and significant partnership with thousands of families.”

Pre-K and Kinder Signing Day

There’s no bigger deal than starting pre-K or kindergarten! That’s why ɫ��һ�� is hosting its second Pre-K/Kindergarten Signing Day this Thursday, April 4, from 5-7 p.m., at your child’s school. Your child is starting a new, exciting chapter in their lives, so come out for a chance to celebrate this momentous milestone and get your child registered.

“Since we believe that pre-K and kindergarten should be a magical experience, we make Signing Day a special and unforgettable experience for our new students,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning.

It’s going to be a lot of fun. Just like high school athletes declare their college choice and sign a letter of intent, your child will get to sign a certificate declaring their status as a rising pre-K or kindergarten student. You’ll get a fun photo of your child declaring their intent to learn and grow!

Not sure what school your child is going to attend? Visit the school locator here.

Signing Day will also be a great opportunity for your family to walk the school building for the first time and visit the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

“Building strong relationships with families is crucial for the success of our students,” Orsini said. “Signing Day give us the opportunity to connect for the very first time with all our new families. It's really a special day that no one with a future pre-K or kinder student should miss.”

Come meet pre-K teachers and school staff and check out the amazing student artwork on display. You’ll get a sneak peek at how our incredible teachers blend fun with world-class learning opportunities. Plus, you can get help and support with completing the registration for your child, so bring registration documents with you.

Important Info

If your child is getting ready to start pre-K or kindergarten for the first time, or you have a child in pre-K 3 moving up to pre-K 4 or in pre-K 4 moving up to kindergarten, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the some of the important dates and details you need to��know to get your child registered and enrolled in pre-K or kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 1 – Registration opens

Registration for pre-K and kindergarten for 2024-2025 opens online here today, Monday, April 1. A few more details about registration are included in the “Important Details” below.

April 4 – Pre-K and Kindergarten Signing Day

This is a super fun chance to visit your child’s school, celebrate the milestone of pre-K or kindergarten with a fun photo of your child, visit a pre-K or kindergarten classroom and get help with registration. Here are a few more details.

April 22 – Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time: A Fairytale Family Event for Pre-K and Kindergarten is at the on April 22, from 5-7 p.m. It’s a chance for kids – and parents – to dress up as their favorite fairytale character and have lots of fun together with literacy- and STEM-themed activities.

August (dates to be determined) – Meet the Teacher

Visit your child’s school, meet their teacher and see their classroom. This will be a really important opportunity to help your child get ready for the first day of school. The date for Meet the Teacher will be set by your child’s school.

August 14 – First Day of School

Believe it or not, the first day of school is less than five months away! It’ll be here before we know it.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

What school will my child attend?

If your child is going into pre-K 4 or kindergarten, you can to see what school you are zoned for.

If your child is going into pre-K 3, you can register at any ɫ��һ�� school that offers pre-K 3. See here which schools have pre-K 3.

What is the registration process like, and how can I get help if I need it?

You can start the registration process online here starting April 1. You will also need to either visit the school or attend one of the registration events (Signing Day or Once Upon a Time) to complete registration.

There are several ways to get help with registration. If you have a question or issue with the online registration system, please email pss@aisd.net. You can also come to one our registration events (Signing Day, Once Upon a Time) where we’ll have people on hand to help you with the entire process and answer any questions. You’re also welcome to contact your child’s school.

What documents do I need to register my child?

Parents or guardians will need to upload several documents. The required documents for new students include:

- Student's original birth certificate
- Photo ID of parent/guardian: driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
- Proof of address: current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
- Current immunization record
- Student's Social Security card
- Report card from prior school

Additional documents required for pre-K include each of the following documents that apply:

- - Proof of Income – last 30 days for all adults living in the household (paystub, Medicaid, disability, worker comp)
  - SNAP/TANF benefits letter
  - Current tax return (if self-employed)
  - Proof of military service for active duty military parent(s)
  - Foster care documents
  - Star of Texas Award certificate or letter

But for returning students entering kindergarten who are already enrolled in an ɫ��һ�� pre-K, the only documents required are:

- Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
- Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
- Updated immunization records (if applicable)

When will I get to meet my child’s teacher?

Your child’s school will have a Meet the Teacher event in August prior to school starting. You’ll get to come see the school, visit your child’s classroom and meet the teacher. Please stay tuned for the date at your school.

What if I have more questions?

Sending your child to school is a huge deal. You’re bound to have more questions. That’s why our pre-K webpage and kindergarten webpage have a lot of helpful information. Plus, we have FAQs for pre-K and for kindergarten that will help.

Still have more questions? Feel free to contact your child’s school or email or call the early childhood learning team at prekquestions@aisd.net, kinderquestions@aisd.net or (682) 867-9418.

Pre-K and kindergarten registration for 2024-2025 opens April 1

Web Services — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:30:14 +0000

Pre-K and kindergarten registration opens Monday

Registration for next school year – 2024-2025 – opens online on Monday, April 1, for students entering pre-K and kindergarten.

Most of the registration process can be completed online. To get started on April 1, just go here, starting at 8 a.m.

“We are looking forward to the first week of April with great anticipation and excitement,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning. “For us, April 1 is not just the beginning of the pre-K and kindergarten registration process, it’s the day that marks the beginning of a new and significant partnership with thousands of families.”

If your child is getting ready to start pre-K or kindergarten for the first time, or you have a child in pre-K 3 moving up to pre-K 4 or in pre-K 4 moving up to kindergarten, you probably have a lot of questions. Here are the some of the important dates and details you need to know to get your child registered and enrolled in pre-K or kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year.

IMPORTANT DATES

April 1 – Registration opens
Registration for pre-K and kindergarten for 2024-2025 opens online here on Monday, April 1. A few more details about registration are included in the “Important Details” below.
April 4 – Pre-K and Kindergarten Signing Day
This is a super fun chance to visit your child’s school, celebrate the milestone of pre-K or kindergarten with a fun photo of your child, visit a pre-K or kindergarten classroom and get help with registration. Here are a few more details.
April 22 – Once Upon a Time
Once Upon a Time: A Fairytale Family Event for Pre-K and Kindergarten is at the on April 22, from 5-7 p.m. It’s a chance for kids – and parents – to dress up as their favorite fairytale character and have lots of fun together with literacy- and STEM-themed activities.
August (dates to be determined) – Meet the Teacher
Visit your child’s school, meet their teacher and see their classroom. This will be a really important opportunity to help your child get ready for the first day of school. The date for Meet the Teacher will be set by your child’s school.
August 14 – First Day of School
Believe it or not, the first day of school is less than five months away! It’ll be here before we know it.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

What school will my child attend?

If your child is going into pre-K 4 or kindergarten, you can to see what school you are zoned for.

If your child is going into pre-K 3, you can register at any ɫ��һ�� school that offers pre-K 3. See here which schools have pre-K 3.

What is the registration process like, and how can I get help if I need it?

What documents do I need to register my child?

Parents or guardians will need to upload several documents. The required documents for new students include:

- - Student's original birth certificate
  - Photo ID of parent/guardian: driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
  - Proof of address: current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
  - Current immunization record
  - Student's Social Security card
  - Report card from prior school

Additional documents required for pre-K include each of the following documents that apply:

- - - Proof of Income – last 30 days for all adults living in the household (paystub, Medicaid, disability, worker comp)
    - SNAP/TANF benefits letter
    - Current tax return (if self-employed)
    - Proof of military service for active duty military parent(s)
    - Foster care documents
    - Star of Texas Award certificate or letter

But for returning students entering kindergarten who are already enrolled in an ɫ��һ�� pre-K, the only documents required are:

- - Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
  - Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
  - Updated immunization records (if applicable)

When will I get to meet my child’s teacher?

What if I have more questions?

Still have more questions? Feel free to contact your child’s school or email or call the early childhood learning team at prekquestions@aisd.net, kinderquestions@aisd.net or (682) 867-9418.

El programa STEM contribuye al avance de los niños de 4 años

Web Services — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:39:01 +0000

Cuando desee el mejor programa de prekínder para su hijo, no busque más que ɫ��һ��. Hace dos años, el distrito estableció el nuevo estándar nacional para todos los estudiantes de cuatro años al introducir un plan de estudios STEM en todo el distrito. Aún mejor, el distrito lo hizo gratuito para los padres dentro de los límites del distrito escolar de Arlington y para todos los demás niños, incluso si no viven en Arlington.

Ahora es el momento de inscribir a su hijo de cuatro años y esta es la razón.

Educar a todo el niño: gratis

El innovador plan de estudios STEM presenta a los estudiantes lecciones que involucran ciencia, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas, lo cual cambia las reglas del juego. Aprenderán a pensar críticamente, resolver problemas y anticipar causa y efecto.

Si agregar lecciones STEM al plan de estudios de prekínder no era razón suficiente para registrar a su hijo de cuatro años, ɫ��һ�� ha eliminado otra barrera: el costo. El programa de prekínder de ɫ��һ�� para todos los niños de cuatro años es gratuito para usted.

Pero espere. Hay aún más. El arte, la música y el movimiento también se integran en cada salón de clases durante todo el año para que los estudiantes reciban una poderosa educación completa.

Si bien la combinación de STEM y lo gratuito puede parecer demasiado buena para ser verdad, no lo es en ɫ��һ��. El distrito está excepcionalmente calificado para llevar STEM a los estudiantes de prekínder.

Equipado para cumplir

Cada escuela primaria de ɫ��һ�� ya está equipada con dos laboratorios STEM, gracias al apoyo de los contribuyentes de Arlington al Bono 2014. Dado que STEM ya forma parte del plan de estudios de las escuelas primarias, agregarlo a la oferta ampliada de prekínder tenía sentido.

"El objetivo de ɫ��һ�� es preparar a nuestros estudiantes del siglo XXI para lo que venga cuando se gradúen de ɫ��һ��", dijo el superintendente de ɫ��һ��, Dr. Matt Smith. "Sabemos que al iniciar STEM temprano a través de experimentación divertida e interactiva, nuestros estudiantes de preescolar se sentirán inspirados para aprender y descubrir a lo largo de sus vidas".

Juego con propósito

STEM en prekínder puede parecer un poco desalentador para su futuro estudiante, pero no hay necesidad de preocuparse. Si les encanta jugar con LEGO y Play-Doh, construir cosas (o desmontarlas) y tienen una curiosidad natural por todo, les encantará STEM.

¿Todavía no está convencido? Profundicemos en lo que obtendrá al enviar a su estudiante de prekínder 4 años a ɫ��һ��.

Beneficios de STEM

No se puede negar que las carreras STEM son hacia donde se dirige el futuro. Las carreras STEM actualmente representan el 20 por ciento de todos los empleos en Estados Unidos. Ese número sigue aumentando. Imagínese cómo será eso en 2038. Así es; su futuro estudiante de prekínder de ɫ��һ�� estará en la promoción de 2038. Los trabajos STEM ya pagan más que los de otras áreas. La educación STEM en ɫ��һ�� demuestra aún más nuestro compromiso de despertar el interés de los estudiantes en la ciencia, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas.

Gratis para todos

ɫ��һ�� garantiza que todos tengan acceso a una educación de alta calidad, comenzando con los estudiantes de prekínder de cuatro años, al eliminar una de las barreras que frenan a algunos: el costo. Si bien las familias aún deben completar la documentación de calificación requerida a nivel federal para prekínder, incluso si no califican, tendrán igual acceso a la educación de prekínder 4 que se ofrece en ɫ��һ�� sin costo alguno. Los estudiantes de prekínder tienen mejores resultados en alfabetización, matemáticas y aprendizaje socioemocional que los estudiantes que no asisten a prekínder. El costo del prekínder no será una barrera para tener la oportunidad de lograr ese éxito en ɫ��һ��.

Maestros altamente calificados

Todos los maestros de prekínder de ɫ��һ�� están certificados para enseñar aprendizaje en la primera infancia. También hay asistentes de maestros en el nivel de prekínder en cada paso del camino. Los maestros de ɫ��һ�� tampoco se limitan a enseñar. Ellos nutren, guían y aman a su hijo como si fuera suyo. Se centran tanto en sus necesidades sociales y emocionales como en asegurarse de aprender las letras y los números.

¡Es divertido!

No hay nada que diga que aprender no puede ser , al menos no en el programa previo de ɫ��һ��. Cuando su estudiante esté ampliando su vocabulario y sus habilidades de escritura, se divertirá a lo largo del camino. Será lo mismo si están en el laboratorio STEM, en el recreo o trabajando con nuestro galardonado equipo de bellas artes. Hay almuerzo. Hay tiempo de descanso y recarga para los estudiantes de Pre-K 4. Hay mucha música y tiempo de movimiento. Y todo ello es divertido.

¿Quieres saber más? Puede visitar aisd.net/prek para obtener la información más reciente sobre el programa de prekínder de ɫ��һ��. Nos vemos este otoño.

STEM Program Adds Up to Advancement for 4-Year-Olds

Web Services — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 19:30:32 +0000

When you want the best pre-K program for your child, look no further than the ɫ��һ��. Two years ago, the district set the new national standard for all four-year-old students by introducing a district-wide STEM curriculum. Even better, the district made it free for parents within Arlington school district boundaries and all other kids, even if they don't live in Arlington.

Now, it's time to enroll your four-year-old and here's why.

Educating the Whole Child – For Free

The innovative STEM curriculum introduces students to lessons involving science, technology, engineering and math, which is a game changer. They'll learn to think critically, solve problems and anticipate cause and effect.

If adding STEM lessons to the pre-K curriculum wasn't reason enough to register your four-year-old, the ɫ��һ�� has removed another barrier – cost. ɫ��һ��'s pre-K program for all four-year-olds is free to you.

But wait. There's even more. Art, music and movement are also integrated into every classroom throughout the year for students to receive a powerful whole-child education.

While the combination of STEM and free may sound too good to be true, it's not in the ɫ��һ��. The district is uniquely qualified to bring STEM to pre-K students.

Equipped to Deliver

Every ɫ��һ�� elementary school is already equipped with two STEM labs, thanks to Arlington taxpayers supporting the 2014 Bond. With STEM already part of the curriculum in elementary schools, adding it to the expanded pre-K offerings only made sense.

"The ɫ��һ�� is all about preparing our 21st-century learners for whatever comes when they graduate from the ɫ��һ��," ɫ��һ�� Superintendent Dr. Matt Smith said. "We know that by starting STEM early through fun and interactive experimentation, our pre-K students will be inspired to learn and discover throughout their lifetimes."

Purposeful Play

STEM in pre-K might seem a little daunting for your future student, but there's no need to worry. If they love to play with LEGOs and Play-Doh, build things (or take things apart), and have a natural curiosity about everything, they will love STEM.

Still not convinced? Let's take a deeper dive into what you'll get by sending your pre-K 4 student to the ɫ��һ��.

STEM Perks

There's no denying that STEM careers are where the future is heading. STEM careers currently make up 20 percent of all U.S. jobs. That number continues to rise. Just imagine what that's going to be like in 2038. That's right; your future ɫ��һ�� pre-K student will be in the Class of 2038. STEM jobs already pay higher than those in other areas. A STEM education in the ɫ��һ�� further proves our commitment to sparking a student's interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

Free for All

The ɫ��һ�� ensures everyone has access to a high-quality education, starting with four-year-old pre-K students, by removing one of the barriers that stop some – cost. While families must still fill out the federally required qualifying paperwork for pre-K, even if they don't qualify, they will have equal access to the pre-K 4 education offered in the ɫ��һ�� at no cost. Pre-K students have better literacy, math, and social-emotional learning results than students who don't attend pre-K. The cost of pre-K will not be a barrier to a chance at that success in the ɫ��һ��.

Highly-qualified teachers

Every ɫ��һ�� pre-K teacher is certified to teach early childhood learning. There are also teaching assistants at the pre-K level every step of the way. ɫ��һ�� teachers don't just teach, either. They nurture, guide, and love your child like their own. They focus as much on their social and emotional needs as they make sure they are learning their letters and numbers.

It's Fun!

There's nothing that says learning can’t be , at least not in the ɫ��һ�� pre-program. When your student is expanding their vocabulary and writing skills, they will have fun along the way. That will be the same if they're in the STEM lab, at recess or working with our award-winning fine arts team. There's lunch. There's rest and recharge time for pre-K 4 students. There's plenty of music and movement time. And all of it is fun.

Want to find out more? You can visit aisd.net/prek for all the latest information on the ɫ��һ�� pre-K program. We'll see you this fall.

Pre-K/Kindergarten Signing Day is April 4

Web Services — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:38:56 +0000

Fun family photo ops at Signing Day

There’s no bigger deal than starting pre-K or kindergarten! That’s why ɫ��һ�� is hosting its second Pre-K/Kindergarten Signing Day on Thursday, April 4, from 5-7 p.m., at your child’s school. Your child is starting a new, exciting chapter in their lives, so come out next week for a chance to celebrate this momentous milestone and get your child registered.

Not sure what school your child is going to attend? Visit the school locator here.

Signing Day will also be a great opportunity for your family to walk the school building for the first time and visit the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms.

Registration for pre-K and kindergarten opens online on Monday, April 1. Learn more about ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K here and what a day in pre-K is like.

Turkey show a big hit with pre-K and kindergarten students

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:30:58 +0000

Annual turkey show gets lots of laughs

The director of ɫ��һ��’s early childhood learning department is a turkey.

At least she was on Tuesday at Morton and Goodman elementary schools.

Dr. Jackeline Orsini and her early childhood learning team visited the schools’ pre-K and kindergarten students and acted out a fun story about a runaway turkey.

[embed]https://youtu.be/iLngEMOkeUY[/embed]

Ken Foster, an ɫ��һ�� early childhood learning specialist and former pre-K teacher at Kooken Education Center, played his guitar and sang about the turkey (Orsini) hiding and running from a chef – played by Dr. Hildelisa Díaz, ɫ��һ�� early childhood learning coordinator.

It was a hit. The students made no effort to hide their excitement as they cheered for the turkey and chef running around the room.

“We LOVE doing this for the kids, schools and all our early childhood teachers,” Orsini said. “It’s a way to support our EC teachers and deliver magical experiences for our pre-K and kindergarten students. Above all, it captures the essence of early learning in ɫ��һ�� – education that is purposeful and fun.”

It was definitely fun. The smiles, laughs and squeals of excitement made that clear. But it was also a chance for everyone to think about and share what they’re thankful for.

Several shared that they are thankful for their cats.

“I’m thankful for all of you!” Foster told the students as he wrapped up the show.

Pre-K registration is still open

If you have a 3- or 4-year-old who isn’t already enrolled in ɫ��һ��’s pre-K, it’s not too late. Register now and jumpstart their education with ɫ��һ��’s fun and purposeful pre-K.

Pre-K students love outdoor equipment donated by Texas Rangers

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:30:40 +0000

Texas Rangers are pre-K champions!

The Texas Rangers aren’t just World Champions. They’re pre-K champions, too!

Thanks to a recent donation from the Rangers, kids at Farrell Elementary and throughout the district are enjoying fun outdoor activities that help them learn lifelong skills like teamwork, fine motor skills and problem-solving. Go Rangers!

“We are so grateful and thankful to the Texas Rangers for their donation,” said Farrell principal Glen Brunk. “In the current pre-K 4 unit they are learning about taking care of themselves through exercise and the benefits of outdoor learning, so the donation from the Rangers has been amazing. We really appreciate it.”

The donation came in the form of a $100,000 grant��last year from the��to promote education, physical development and athletics for pre-K students. The money was then used to purchase outdoor equipment for the district’s littlest learners.

Students at Peach Elementary got a sneak peak of the equipment in January when the Rangers showed up to have the students test drive it.

Now that the weather is so nice, the new equipment is getting a lot of use at Farrell and throughout the district.

“Kiddos are learning fine motor skills through playing games like walk the dog. They are also learning how to share and teamwork,” said Farrell pre-K 3 teaching assistant Paula Ford. “The activities keep them engaged and they have so much fun!”

Farrell pre-K 4 teacher Shelly Hall is also ecstatic about the Rangers donation.

“Getting to teach my pre-K 4 students about exercise and their health through fun outdoor activities is amazing," Hall said. “Teaching the kids how to deal with their emotions, whether they win or lose, is so important. It allows them to feel safe with their emotions and redirect with gentleness.”

The Rangers hit a homerun with this donation, helping 3- and 4-year-olds learn and grow through having fun.

“I feel blessed and lucky to provide this opportunity for our students,” said, Dr. Jackeline Orsini, director of early childhood learning. “For them to have access to equipment that promotes physical movement and works with their motor skills in an outdoor learning experience is so important. The opportunity to learn how to cooperate and be a part of a team not only allows them to work on their social skills but allows them to have fun! And our pre-K department loves to see their smiling faces.”

Pre-K registration is still open

Hit a home run for your child by enrolling them in ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program. It’s not too late! Registration is still open. Register today or learn more at aisd.net/prek.

WFAA meteorologist Mariel Ruiz visits Beckham Elementary pre-K students

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 15:08:14 +0000

WFAA meteorologist is a Bowie High School grad

Every hand shot up.

“Who wants to tell me your favorite kind of weather?” , WFAA Channel 8 meteorologist, had just asked a room full of more than 50 pre-K students at Beckham Elementary.

The most popular answer: tornados.

That’s also the typical forecast for a room full of dozens of 4-year-olds.

But not on this day. The Beckham STEM lab was quiet, full of eager listeners excited to learn about weather, including several students in costumes for the event – a cloud, the sun, a rainbow and even a future meteorologist complete with a sport coat, tie and microphone.

Ruiz, an Arlington native and Bowie High School grad, made the special visit to Beckham last week to help 4-year-olds learn about weather and what a meteorologist is.

“It is so important to talk to kids while they are young about the weather and our environment,” Ruiz said about her Beckham visit. “The earlier we learn about our world, the longer time we have to develop a deep love, appreciation and care for it.”

After explaining to the students what she does as a meteorologist – and finding out that tornados are popular among this demographic – Ruiz read them a book about different kinds of weather.

“We see hail in Texas,” she said after reading the hail page.

“Texas! I live in Texas!” one 4-year-old exclaimed.

The visit from Ruiz came at the perfect time as fall rolls in and temperatures drop.

“We work hard in pre-K to teach our students to be scientists and investigate,” said Beckham pre-K teacher Christy Small. “We're currently studying changes in weather and the job of a weather scientist. We [Beckham’s pre-K classes] watched Mariel's daily forecast leading up to her visit. Such an AMAZING experience to have her visit!”

Her visit wasn’t just educational, it was also inspirational. She connected with the students in a special way since she grew up in Arlington, went to nearby Hale Elementary and Barnett Junior High and is Hispanic and bilingual like many of Beckham’s pre-K students.

“I also loved that she's not a ‘weatherman,’ but rather a meteorologist who is also a woman,” Small said. “Being Latina was also a wonderful example for all of our Spanish-speaking students.”

Ruiz is well aware of the impact she can have.

“I believe in the power of education and representation to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem solvers,” Ruiz said. “By showing up to schools, I can support and encourage young minds to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, arts and mathematics no matter how different our backgrounds may be.”

Enroll in pre-K today

It’s not too late to enroll your 3- or 4-year-old in ɫ��һ��’s inspirational pre-K, where kids are exploring, investigating, growing and having tons of fun. Visit aisd.net/prek to learn about all of ɫ��һ�� pre-K programs and to register.

Community-based Pre-K 3 offers full-day childcare

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:09:39 +0000

Community-based pre-K taught by ɫ��һ�� teachers

ɫ��һ��’s community-based pre-K program for 3-year-olds is the perfect solution for working parents who want their kids to get started on their educational journey but also need full-day childcare.

ɫ��һ��’s community-based pre-K is a half-day pre-K program for 3-year-olds located in four local childcare centers. By enrolling in pre-K at the childcare center, students receive seamless, convenient day care both before and after the pre-K school day without ever having to leave and go to another care location. Plus, the pre-K program is taught by an ɫ��һ�� teacher with the same outstanding play-based curriculum, materials and technology used at ɫ��һ�� campuses. Families do need to pay for the childcare at the community-partner centers.

“Our community-based centers provide students the opportunity to receive the same instruction and access to learning as students attending on-campus classrooms … and a safe and nurturing atmosphere designed to promote lifelong learning,” said Connie Pierce and April Davis, ɫ��һ�� pre-K 3 teachers at community-based centers.

Pierce and Davis explained that the service can be especially helpful for families with financial challenges. Whether it’s a family with a working single parent or a family dependent on both parents to work outside the home, this program helps these families with childcare and transportation.

“We’re excited about how this partnership with local childcare centers offers a resource for working parents, helps childcare centers with enrollment and allows the district to reach even more 3-year-olds,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� early childhood director.

Community-based partners (see partner details) for 2023-2024 include:

Child Care Network #259
Child Care Network #260
Kids Community Preschool - Arlington
Kids Community Preschool – Grand Prairie

Enroll now for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4

Registration is still open for all ɫ��һ�� pre-K programs. In addition to community-based pre-K, ɫ��һ�� offers half-day pre-K for 3-year-olds at many neighborhood schools (see pre-K locator) and has ESL and bilingual options. Pre-K 3 is free for students who qualify, and there is an affordable tuition option for those who do not.

Pre-K for 4-year-olds is FREE for all students and is offered at all ɫ��һ�� neighborhood elementary schools. With a fun play-based curriculum that incorporates , your child will thrive (learn more).

Pre-K teachers share what they’re most excited about for the new year

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:46:38 +0000

Pre-K teachers are excited about their students

We asked a few pre-K teachers what they’re most excited about for the new school year.

Could it be STEM? Or the incredible new curriculum and resources launched last year? Maybe the new outdoor equipment donated by the for pre-K students? Or something else?

But we should have known. They all basically had the same answer. They’re pre-K teachers, after all, and they’re all motivated primarily by one thing. They love little kids!

So, it’s not really a surprise that they all said they’re most excited to meet and teach their new students. But here’s a few of them in their own words.

Jeannine Miller, Ellis Elementary pre-K teacher

I am most excited about the new pre-K faces I get to see and all of the new and exciting activities I want to try this year with the kids.

Georgiana Hicks, Moore Elementary ESL pre-K teacher

I love teaching pre-K. It's the best grade to teach in my opinion. I'm always excited to meet my new class of students. It's amazing to help littles learn how to take care of their own things. They get here on the first day and most of them don't know how to hang their backpack on a hook, but soon they are putting their lunch box where it goes, hanging up their backpack, putting their blankets away and cleaning up toys on their own. It's so cool that it just clicks for them and then they are handling things on their own.��

Elizabeth Cortez, Webb pre-K teacher

The Webb pre-K team is most excited about establishing a foundational learning environment where our youngest learners can explore, create and grow as they prepare for kindergarten. We lay this foundation by building relationships with our students and families, practicing social and emotional skills and providing an age-appropriate academic head start.��

Jeanmarie Bryant, South Davis Elementary pre-K teacher

I am excited to have met my new friends for the year and watch them learn and explore.��I love to watch the way they process and learn.��I get to begin with a new group and teach them how to think and express their ideas with words and with pictures.��I love cooperative activities and watching them learn by working with other classmates.��I love pre-K!��

Robyn Bigbee, Remynse Elementary��pre-K teacher

I am most excited to see how much my little��pre-K��students can learn this year. It is always amazing to see them grow into independent learners who are ready for kindergarten at the end of the year. My job is very rewarding because I know I am part of the foundation of their future education. I love teaching��pre-K��in ɫ��һ��. I belong here.��

Hannah Huntsman, Bryant Elementary pre-K teacher

As a new teacher to AISD, I am so excited to be a part of the pre-K program and welcome all my new students very soon!

Maricarmen Allen,��Adams Elementary pre-K teacher

I’m most excited about seeing my students grow socially and emotionally! This is so crucial for our prekindergarten students!

Kristen Diaz, Swift Elementary pre-K teacher

I am most excited about meeting each of my students, building relationships with them, and watching them learn and grow throughout the year!

Registration is still open

The new year has started, but it’s not too late to enroll. If you have a 3-year-old or 4-year-old, register them today for ɫ��һ��’s pre-K, where every one of our pre-K teachers is not only a certified teacher, but they are all motivated by their love for their students.��

Pre-K lays the foundation for learning

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 17:18:03 +0000

Pre-K launches students on their educational journey

Today was the very first day of school ever for bunches of 3- and 4-year-olds in the ɫ��һ��.

It was probably a little hard for them – and their parents – to head off to pre-K for the first time. But they’re going to love it. And they’re going to get a jumpstart on their education that will not only prepare them for kindergarten but also their entire educational journey.

That’s because pre-K is so critically important.

It gets children ready to learn, teaches important social and emotional skills and fosters the development of verbal skills and self-control. Pre-K students get a head start on reading and are usually ahead of their peers who wait until kindergarten to start school.

“Research demonstrates that high-quality preschool education can substantially increase children’s chances of succeeding in school and in life,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning. “It helps build a strong foundation for kindergarten and sets them up for greater success in many areas of life.”

Here are just a few of the reasons why pre-K is so important for every child.

1) Inspires Learning

Pre-K provides opportunities for children to learn in ways that interest them. ɫ��һ��’s pre-K programs promote curiosity, creativity and exploration. Children are encouraged to make decisions, ask questions, think and solve through purposeful play.

“We help pre-K students build a strong literacy foundation and excitement to continue learning,” Orsini said.��“Our early childhood teachers make learning fun by integrating a variety of games and activities, music, physical movement, arts, read-aloud stories, technology and dramatic play.”

And last year, ɫ��һ�� took its pre-K curriculum to a whole new level by incorporating STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). STEM in pre-K 4 is all about hands-on discovery. It’s messy fun that brings learning to life. It’s about exploring and trying new things. It sparks questions and curiosity and gives kids the chance to pursue that curiosity and find answers to their questions.

2) Supports Social and Emotional Skills

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K helps children learn how to take turns, listen to others without interrupting, follow directions and express their emotions appropriately. Pre-K teachers often teach students songs that help them convey what and how they are feeling.

“Pre-K sets the foundation for children to learn how to communicate what they are feeling and how to cope with it,” said Mary Eldredge, the librarian at Kooken Education Center, ɫ��һ��’s all-pre-K campus.

Pre-K also helps children learn how to take care of themselves. They learn how to wash their hands, eat by themselves and even keep their personal belongings organized. They learn how to be responsible while also being respectful of others.

3) Creates Community

Community is crucial for early development, and that’s why it’s so important to create activities where children learn while interacting with their peers. Examples include asking students to work together to set the table for snack time or to gather materials for an upcoming activity.

In this environment, children learn to problem solve, work together and communicate with each other. They learn how to collaborate with their peers and become a member of a small community.

“It is our role as educators to build a strong foundation for the growth of our children and equip them with the skills to be kind and compassionate people,” said Kim Higbee, a pre-K teacher at Little Elementary.��

4) Kindergarten Ready

Pre-K graduates are “kindergarten ready,” equipped to start their educational journey on the right foot. Studies show that children who attend pre-K are 54% more prepared for kindergarten than students who did not.

“Pre-K students have an opportunity to practice the foundation of colors, shapes, letters, sounds, numbers and counting,” said Starrett Elementary kindergarten teacher Allison DeBusk.

“Having these foundational skills when they come to kindergarten definitely helps them with their confidence from the beginning and lets them feel successful. Both of those are so important in children and in building their foundation for learning.”

Children also develop physical coordination and fine motor skills in pre-K. They get many opportunities to work on control of their fingers through art, hands-on activities and many fun projects.

So, when kindergarten comes, they are ready!

6) Long-term Benefits

Pre-K doesn’t just get kids ready for kindergarten, it sets them up to be successful throughout their academic career and beyond.

Studies show that students who attend pre-K are three times more likely to be proficient readers by third grade, which is essential in determining long-term success in school.

“Pre-K students have increased vocabulary, literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They are more likely to be high school graduates and earn higher wages in the workforce,” said Nadia Azari, ɫ��һ�� early childhood instructional specialist and a former pre-K teacher.

Ninety percent of a child’s brain is developed by the time they reach six years old, according to the . So, this is the time. Giving 3- and 4-year-olds rich, fun learning opportunities stimulates their developing brains and builds their mental foundation for their entire future.

“Now we know that stimulating brain growth long before kindergarten can have a massive impact on her future education, her future earnings, and even her future health,” wrote Matthew Hansen of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute.

Enroll Now

If you have a 3- or 4-year-old who didn’t head off to school this morning, it’s not too late. You can still register them for ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K. Learn more and register your child at aisd.net/prek. And check out��to see what a day in pre-K is really like.

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K and kindergarten teachers get ready to rock

Ryan PIERCE — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:43:23 +0000

Pre-K and kindergarten teachers unite

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K and kindergarten teachers are ready to rock and roll.

With the start of the new school year just days away, they gathered together this week for a conference full of professional learning and motivation to ensure a great beginning to the new school year.

But this conference looked more like a sock hop than a typical meeting. Leave it to the early childhood learning team to show up in poodle skirts and leather jackets and give out prizes to the teachers with the best 50s outfits.

Despite the fun rock 'n’ roll theme and excitement for the new school year, everyone there was very serious about their mission.

“Every student should have a high-quality education,” said early childhood learning director Dr. Jackeline Orsini, preaching to the choir. “Every child comes with talents and skills. It is our job to give every child the best possible foundation.”

That mission is why this conference included both pre-K and kindergarten teachers together for the first time.

“This is very significant because this represents the start of a transformational process that we have planned for kindergarten,” Orsini said.

Kindergarten has been added to the early childhood learning department to develop greater cohesion between pre-K and kindergarten.

“We have intentionally connected pre-K and kindergarten together as an early childhood learning block because there’s an opportunity to ensure that when kids come to pre-K and move into kindergarten, there’s an intentional bridge between the two,” said ɫ��һ�� interim superintendent Dr. Steven Wurtz to the teachers at the conference.

Working together and building this bridge will maximize the educational opportunities the two grade levels will be able to offer 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds.

Part of maximizing those opportunities is getting as many little learners enrolled in pre-K as possible. Students who start school in pre-K start kindergarten much more prepared and ready to learn than kids who do not.

That’s why ɫ��һ�� has made pre-K such a huge priority, from developing its own, best-in-class curriculum to offering pre-K 4 for free to every child. The goal is to get every child enrolled and then give them the best possible pre-K experience with the most loving teachers out there.

Those efforts are paying off.

“This is the first year that 99% of new kindergarteners have all been to pre-K,” Wurtz said to the teachers at the conference. “That is something to celebrate … It accelerates your opportunity as kindergarten teachers to move into the things the students need to learn in kindergarten.”

Whether your child is going into pre-K or kindergarten, in Arlington ID they’re going to get a fun, purposeful learning experience with outstanding teachers.

If you haven’t registered your child yet, it’s not too late. But don’t wait because school starts Wednesday, Aug. 16. Start the registration process online here, and watch what a typical day in pre-K is like .

It's time to rock and roll.

5 tips for surviving the first day��of pre-K or kindergarten

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 19:37:52 +0000

Be prepared for the first day

Sending your littlest learner to the first day of school is a milestone like no other. Whether it’s their first day in pre-K or they’re starting kindergarten, sending your baby off can seem scary and unpredictable. But you and your child are in good hands in the ɫ��һ��. Yes, you are, too! We have five tips to help walk you through a positive first day of school for the first time!

Establish Routines��

There is no way to sugarcoat it. Starting school for the first time is a big adjustment for you and your child. Building routines at home will help you and your child feel more comfortable starting the school year. These could include bedtime, lunchtime, bathroom or even drop-off routines. The more familiar your child is with the basics, the faster they will adjust, making it an easier transition for both of you. So, practice, practice, practice!��

Prep the Day Before��

Backpacks stuffed, lunchboxes packed, outfits picked – you’re already halfway there. Make the day easier on yourself by preparing as much as possible before the morning begins. Make a fun stop at your favorite store to pick up some new school supplies. You can find elementary school supply lists here. Have a game plan for the first day but be ready to be flexible.��

Big It Up��

Make the day like it’s an occasion – because it is. Show your child that this is a big and exciting thing. Have them model their first day of school outfit, brand-new backpack and sweet smile. Take photos and make that “first day of school” picture sign. If you post the photos online, be sure to use the hashtag #ArlingtonISD and #WeConnectDayOne. We’d love to feature your child, too.

At the end of the day, reward them after school with their favorite snack or activity and lots of love.��

Volunteer��

Get to know your child’s teachers, friends and environment by getting involved in volunteering opportunities. This is a wonderful way to ease the anxiety of being away from your child while staying connected in the community. At this age, kids love it when their parents participate in school activities, so take advantage of it! You can sign up for volunteering opportunities here.��

Be Gentle on Yourself����

Mixed emotions are normal. Be proud of yourself for all that you’ve accomplished as a parent and celebrate the milestone. Tears are welcome in ɫ��һ�� no matter the age. Planning a day for yourself – whether it’s taking the day off or keeping busy – is also a great way to take care of yourself, too! Remind yourself that everything is going to be just fine. It’s the beginning of a bright future.��

From everyone in the ɫ��һ��, we hope you have a great first day of pre-K or kindergarten!��

If you haven’t registered your child for pre-K or kindergarten yet, it’s not too late. But don’t wait because school starts Wednesday, Aug. 16. Start the registration process online here.

ɫ��һ�� built innovative pre-K curriculum in-house

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:28:44 +0000

New curriculum launched last year

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program didn’t have to start over. The district already had a great pre-K curriculum.

But the district’s early childhood learning department doesn’t settle for best. A pioneer in education for the littlest learners, ɫ��һ��’s pre-K team is always searching for the most effective ways to teach and develop 3- and 4-year-olds and to equip and support their teachers.

That’s why they started from scratch and built a new, innovative curriculum in-house, added a robust institutional resource and implemented STEM. And they introduced it last year in conjunction with the launch of universal pre-K 4, which means all 4-year-olds go to pre-K in the ɫ��һ�� for free.

“We revamped the entire curriculum,” said Dr. Hildelisa Díaz, ɫ��һ�� early childhood learning coordinator. “We made sure there was seamless alignment between our and the new instructional resource , we connected STEM and we ensured integration across all domains.”

They developed the scope and sequence, a year-at-a-glance, units and bundles and lots of instructional documents that help the pre-K teachers plan and execute the curriculum.

So, what does all that educational jargon mean?

It means ɫ��һ�� has an innovative curriculum that inspires kids to learn and gets them ready for kindergarten and the rest of their educational journey. Here’s more about three of the curriculum’s major strategic components: play, Savvas and STEM.

Still play-based

What hasn’t changed in the curriculum is that play is still central to everything they do in pre-K.

“Play is the natural way children learn,” Díaz said. “It sparks that curiosity and also builds the foundation to later build on specific concepts.”

The play is purposefully and strategically incorporated into the curriculum and is designed to foster curiosity and encourage learning. Purposeful play in pre-K is detailed, intentional, engaging, data-driven and differentiated based on the learner.

“A child loves exploring and discovering and will be engaged in anything that is fun where they can play,” said Betania Payan, a pre-K teacher at Goodman Elementary. “Everything is done with the intention of teaching them practical skills they need to grow socially, physically and academically.”

New instructional resource

As part of the new curriculum, ɫ��һ�� introduced Savvas as its main instructional resource.

“Savvas is a great supplemental resource that has different components to enhance our daily instruction,” said South Davis Elementary pre-K teacher Sandra Regalado.

It includes all kinds of tools that help with every subject, from math and literacy to emotions and assessments.

“Savvas offers books, games, ideas for centers, and it’s easy to follow,” Payan said. “It has chants, themes, vocabulary cards, teacher guides, assessment tools, small group/intervention tools, etc.”

One of those tools is Centergize, which includes resources for more than 20 small group stations that can be incorporated in the classroom.

Centergize uses the power of small groups to spark imaginations and develop a variety of skills.

“Small group instruction is designed to target a specific skill or standard that is either extended from a whole group lesson or introduced as an entirely new lesson,” said Ken Foster, ɫ��һ�� early childhood learning instructional specialist. “The idea of small groups is to hone the skills required to be learned with trial and error.”

From sand and building blocks to arts and crafts, Centergize stations help provide tons of fun learning opportunities all year long.

STEM in pre-K

Another big change in the pre-K curriculum was the addition of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) for 4-year-olds.

“We are the only district in Texas with STEM in all pre-K 4 classrooms,” Diaz said.

STEM in ɫ��һ��’s pre-K is a��philosophy��about making the lessons relevant to the real-world. It’s about providing hands-on activities that let kids participate in their own learning.

“We are integrating STEM through the whole day of instruction in all subject areas,” Regalado said.

“We incorporate STEM in almost everything we do,” Payan said. “It is about being more intentional in the planning and activities we choose.”

STEM activities involve touching things, experimenting, exploring and seeing how stuff works. They are purposefully designed to spark questions and curiosity. It’s often messy, and it’s always fun that brings learning to life.

“Students enjoy all the different hands-on activities,” Regalado said. “It makes them think and ask questions to go deeper in a subject.”

Register Now

All the play, all the STEM, all the curriculum planning – it’s all about the student. It’s all about ensuring your child develops the foundation they need to succeed in kindergarten and life. It’s about making sure they have fun, learn, grow, develop and thrive.

If you haven’t signed your child up for pre-K yet, it’s not too late. But don’t wait. Registration is open online and in-person at schools (check the in-person schedule) now. And the first day of school is Aug. 16.

If you have any pre-K questions, please contact the pre-K team at prekquestions@aisd.net or��(682) 867-9418.

Pre-K students become real scientists

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 19:54:38 +0000

Pre-K students love wearing safety goggles

In ɫ��һ��’s pre-K, 4-year-olds are real scientists.

“They especially like it when they wear safety goggles,” said Vicky Miller, a pre-K teacher at Dunn Elementary. “They really feel like scientists then.”

They feel like it because it’s true.

Last year, ɫ��һ�� introduced a new innovative pre-K 4 curriculum that features STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and launches little learners on a journey of discovery.

So, what does STEM at the pre-K level look like?

Like an exploding snowman.

That was one of Miller’s class’s favorite STEM projects.

It’s a bag of baking soda. But then they poured vinegar on the baking soda, and it puffed up like a snowman.

“They thought that was amazing,” Miller said.

But it all fits squarely into the district’s play-based curriculum.

And STEM is now a big part of that.

STEM in pre-K isn’t just a list of activities done in a lab with safety glasses though.

It’s a philosophy about making the lessons relevant to the real-world. It’s about providing hands-on activities that let kids participate in their own learning. And it’s about integration. In other words, you don’t teach each concept in isolation. You combine them in activities that allow students to make real-world connections.

And they are all activities that feel like playing to a 4-year-old.

And it’s fun! It’s often messy fun that brings learning to life. It’s about exploring and trying new things. And fun is key in getting kids excited to learn.

“A lot of times we are exploring,” Miller said.

Not as casual observers, she explained, but really studying things, like the properties of matter and chemical reactions.

STEM is incorporated into daily classroom activities, too, with STEM stations. Miller’s class has STEM buckets full of fun manipulatives like blocks, Legos, dominos, magnets and more. Students get to free-play with these, build, explore and imagine.

“That’s one of their highlights,” Miller said. “Sometimes they might rather do STEM buckets than go to recess!”

Come explore with us

If in pre-K sounds a little daunting for your future student, don’t worry. If they love to play with LEGOs, Play-Doh, build things (or take things apart), and have a natural curiosity about everything, they will love STEM.

Plus, it’s free! ɫ��һ��’s pre-K for 4-year-olds is open to everyone at no cost. Registration is open online now. Visit��aisd.net/prek��to learn more and register.

Pre-K Palooza helps kids get registered for pre-K

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 20:35:07 +0000

Free backpacks and fun

“I’m nervous, Mommy,” whispered a 4-year-old girl getting ready to start pre-K at Ashworth Elementary School.

She was standing in line with her mother at ɫ��һ��’s annual Pre-K Palooza waiting for assistance with pre-K registration. The Palooza’s free backpacks, free books, dance music and fun games hadn’t convinced her yet that starting pre-K was a good idea.

But her mother knows it’s the right thing.

“She is starting pre-K for the first time, and I wanted to make sure I jump through every hoop that I need to jump in so she’s ready for school,” she said.

That’s exactly what Pre-K Palooza – held yesterday at Adams Elementary – was for. ɫ��һ��’s early childhood learning staff, along with several pre-K teachers, helped families get their 3- and 4-year-olds as well as kindergarteners registered for school. There were also games, snow cones, free school supplies, high fives from the early childhood mascot and a bunch of community partners with important information and resources for families.

While it was a fun event, Dara Cunningham didn’t have to be there. She’s a pre-K 3 teacher at Fitzgerald Elementary, and she’s still on summer break. But she and fellow Fitzgerald pre-K teacher Alex Castillo believe it’s so important to get every 3- and 4-year-old into pre-K.

“I just wanted to come help,” Cunningham said about volunteering to help parents with registration.

“Pre-K is a foundation,” she said. “We compare it a lot to building a house. If you don’t have the foundation, your structure is off. It’s super important for pre-K children to be in school to start learning about school, making those connections and building on what they need to know for their life.”

That’s really what pre-K is about – building those skills the kids will need for their entire educational journey.

“It’s social skills, academic skills and language,” said Ana Biederstedt at Pre-K Palooza. Biederstedt is a 12-year pre-K teaching veteran who is now an instructional specialist for the district’s early childhood learning department.

“Pre-K is not just an opportunity for little ones to learn the basics, from early literacy, math, social studies or science,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning. “It’s an opportunity for kids to start talking with other kids, socialize, develop those communication and social skills that are so important before they start learning the basics of literacy or math.”

Those are the kinds of skills that the soon-to-be Ashworth student is about to learn. And lucky for her, she’s going to learn those skills by having fun. That’s because ɫ��һ��’s innovative pre-K curriculum is built on play.

“Through music, through movement, through our STEM program, kids get an opportunity to explore, to create, to socialize, to have fun, to laugh – but at the same time they are learning as well,” Orsini said.

Missed Pre-K Palooza?

If you missed Pre-K Palooza, that’s ok. You still have time to register your child for pre-K.

But don’t wait.

“I highly recommend to parents to register their kids as soon as possible,” Orsini said. “Because in the weeks leading up to the first day, you want your focus to be on helping your little one get ready.”

So, get all the registration stuff – the documents and forms – done as soon as possible, so your only focus is on making sure your child has a great start to school.

Plus, you have to be registered to attend the meet-the-teacher event, which is really helpful for 3s and 4s. It’s good for them – and you – to see the school and meet the teacher before the first day.

You can start the registration process online now. Then it can be completed in person at the school. Dates and times for in-person registration are posted here.

If you have any questions about pre-K, please feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net.

Pre-K Palooza is tomorrow, July 19

Ryan PIERCE — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 13:23:05 +0000

Don’t forget tomorrow is Pre-K Palooza!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r88_usGwkb4[/embed]

Join us tomorrow for ɫ��һ��’s Pre-K Palooza to register your 3- or 4-year old for pre-K or your new kindergartener and have lots of fun together! Kids will have a great time and you’ll receive in-person registration assistance and resources from community partners.

Here’s what you need to know:

When: July 19, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Adams Elementary ()

What: FUN and registration help

Registration support for pre-K and kindergarten
Free backpacks and school supplies for the first 150 who register for school
Free books from the ɫ��һ�� library services department
Peter Piper Pizza coupons
A chance to meet the new early childhood mascot
Games and raffle prizes

Families will also receive resources from community partners like:

Cook Children’s Health Plan
Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
Tarrant County Public Health
Tarrant County Kids
The Parenting Center
Arlington Charities
And more.

Registration Support

School clerks will be on hand to walk you through the registration process. Be sure to bring the documents you need, and we can make copies on site. Pre-K staff will also be on hand to answer any of your questions.

Documents needed to register new students include:

Student's original birth certificate
Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
Current immunization record
Student's Social Security card

Documents required for returning students include:

Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID or passport
Proof of address: Current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian

See you at Pre-K Palooza! .

Pre-K registration is also available online��here.

Pre-K Palooza means fun for kids and registration help for parents

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:14:33 +0000

Pre-K Palooza makes registration fun!

Join us next week for ɫ��һ��’s Pre-K Palooza to register your 3- or 4-year old for pre-K or your new kindergartener and have lots of fun together! Kids will have a great time and you’ll receive in-person registration assistance and resources from community partners.

Here’s what you need to know:

When: July 19, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Adams Elementary ()

What: FUN and registration help

Registration support for pre-K and kindergarten
Free backpacks and school supplies for the first 150 who register for school
Free books from the ɫ��һ�� library services department
Peter Piper Pizza coupons
A chance to meet the new early childhood mascot
Games and raffle prizes

Families will also receive resources from community partners like:

Cook Children’s Health Plan
Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA
Tarrant County Public Health
Tarrant County Kids
The Parenting Center
Arlington Charities
And more.

Registration Support

Documents needed to register new students include:

Student's original birth certificate
Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID, or passport
Proof of address: Current gas, water, or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian
Current immunization record
Student's Social Security card

Documents required for returning students include:

Photo ID of parent/guardian: Driver's license, state or international ID or passport
Proof of address: Current gas, water or electricity bill OR mortgage or lease agreement in the name of the parent/guardian

See you at Pre-K Palooza! .

Pre-K registration is also available online��here.

ɫ��һ��’s first year of universal pre-K makes big impact

Web Services — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 13:01:40 +0000

Universal pre-K welcomes all 4-year-olds

When Berry Elementary School’s pre-K 4 students made their way across the graduation stage last month, it marked the end of the first year of universal pre-K in ɫ��һ��.

“In ɫ��һ�� we believe that each child deserves access to high-quality education,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning.

That’s why the district instituted universal pre-K for the first time last school year so that every 4-year-old can go to pre-K for free.

“I feel honored to work at a school district that believes in equity and proud to have led this significant project,” Orsini said. “We are making a difference in the lives of many kids and families who need access to free preschool education.”

Berry principal Rose Ravin has seen that difference firsthand. Watching the progression of the students from the first day of school through graduation is what makes pre-K in ɫ��һ�� truly remarkable, Ravin explained.

“This year was an exciting time for our Berry pre-K learners,” Ravin said. “Sitting back and reflecting on the growth of our learners academically, socially and emotionally has been amazing. Our pre-K classes provided an environment of student engagement inside and outside of the classroom.”

It’s not just that every child now has access to free pre-K that makes ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program so impactful. It’s that the pre-K program these students get to attend every day is outstanding. And most importantly, it is led by dedicated, loving and certified teachers.

“Our teachers laid the foundation, inspiring and sparking the interest of our students and setting them on the road of discovery and learning,” Ravin said. “Look out world, here they come!”

Berry pre-K 4 ESL teacher Stephanie Cox has also seen the impact that universal pre-K and the district’s new pre-K 4 STEM curriculum have made on their littlest learners.

“It is amazing how much they grow and learn over a school year!” Cox said. “In my experience, having universal pre-K is certainly a game changer for young children. It is one of the greatest benefits that we can offer the community that we serve. Having children who are getting a firm foundation in their educational journey is paramount to future success.”

Register Now

The first year of universal pre-K is now over, but the next one starts Aug. 16. And your child can be a part of it! ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K for 4-year-olds is open and free to every child. You just need to register.

Registration is now open online for pre-K 4 and pre-K 3 at aisd.net/preK. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net. And learn more about what a day in pre-K is really like .��

ɫ��һ�� pre-K teachers win Crystal Apple Awards

Ryan PIERCE — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:37:40 +0000

Crystal Apple Awards

Child Care Associates honored several ɫ��һ�� pre-K 3 teachers this month with Crystal Apple Awards. The Crystal Apple Award is equivalent to the teacher of the year. CCA is one of the largest child development nonprofits in North Texas and has served more than half a million young children in the past 53 years.

“In ɫ��һ��, we are honored to be able to take care of and teach thousands of preschoolers from our community,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning. “Knowing that we have the best teachers leading our pre-K program in a caring, playful and safe learning environment is a matter of pride. We’re so grateful for the commitment our teachers have to educate every child with excellence.”

The Crystal Apple winners include:

Tammy Dutton, teacher, and Ethel Sewell, teaching assistant, from Kooken Educational Center
Lindsey Leal, teacher, Tamara Jones, teacher, and LaShay Simon, teaching assistant, from Abram ɫ��һ�� Head Start

“Ms. Dutton and Ms. Sewell make a great collaborative team!” said Kooken principal Elizabeth Huebner. “They set specific expectations for students and families while consistently elevating their standards throughout the year. They are intentional in their planning and it shows through their instruction, as well as student achievement.”

Leal, Jones and Simon teach at one of the district’s community-based Head Start programs. Through the Head Start and ɫ��һ�� partnership – and these teacher’s dedication and hard work – students not only get a fun learning experience in the classroom, they and their families also receive support through parenting classes, counseling sessions, outdoor education and more.

Best in CLASS

The Crystal Apple award winners were selected largely based on scores, an assessment that looks at effective and engaging interactions between the teaching staff and students in the classroom in the areas of emotional and instructional support, as well as classroom organization.

“We know that high-quality early education classrooms are warm and positive environments, emotionally safe, have strong procedures and systems, a clear behavior management plan and are rigorous,” said Allison McCollum, CCA pre-K coordinator. “Effective teacher-child interactions have a huge impact on student development cognitively, socially and behaviorally.”

The teachers were honored at a community reception with campus, district and community leadership.

Learn more about the best-in-class pre-K 3 programs at Kooken and at our community-based pre-K partners.

Kooken Educational Center caters to the littlest learners��

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 18 May 2023 18:34:26 +0000

But that’s not the only thing that makes Kooken so special.

“What makes Kooken special is our ability to serve, make connections and design all learning experiences for our 3-year-olds and their families,” said Kooken principal Elizabeth Huebner.

Even though there is only one grade level at Kooken, there are four different pre-K 3 programs at the school to make sure there is a perfect place for every child.

Free half-day pre-K 3 – This is ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K for 3-year-olds. It’s a half-day of fun, exploration and learning. It’s free for families who qualify.
Bilingual pre-K �ē�įBilingual pre-K is for native Spanish speakers. Teachers speak both Spanish and English and teach in both languages.
Head Start pre-K PLUS – This is a unique program that combines the services of ɫ��һ�� and Head Start to provide a child-centered, play-focused education while also offering resources that support parents. This is the only pre-K 3 program that is full-day, and families must qualify.
Tuition Based pre-K 3 – This is for families who don’t qualify for the free program, when space allows. It’s the most affordable pre-K out there and it’s still the same great half-day of fun and learning.

WHY PRE-K 3?

Parents who enroll their children into pre-K 3 give their child a jump start on their peers.

“Kids get their foundation in pre-K 3,” said Staci Nelson, a former pre-K teacher at Kooken. “They learn to self-regulate and learn how to be learners. When they move on to pre-K 4, they will be prepared for full-day study.”

Pre-K 3 lays that foundation for a lifetime of success.

“Seeing where the little ones begin in August and where they are in May is amazing,” Nelson said.

The biggest reason the students experience such tremendous growth is because of the outstanding teachers and the opportunities they provide.

KOOKEN FAMILY

Even with four different pre-K 3 programs, Kooken is one big family and does a lot to build community.

"When families walk through our doors, they are part of the Koala family, or what we like to call ourselves, the SUPER (Supportive, Unified, Positive, Engaging and Responsible) Dream Team,” Huebner said. “Every faculty member assists in family engagement. Whether it is enrollment, parenting classes, family nights or learning experiences.”

JOIN THE FAMILY

Join the Kooken family and register your 3-year-old for pre-K at Kooken today. You can start the process online here or make an appointment to visit the school. You can also check out Kooken's YouTube channel .

And check out this post with lots of important dates and details about pre-K registration.

Every detail in pre-K classrooms enhance learning

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:21:03 +0000

Find out what pre-K classrooms are like

“In ɫ��һ��, we strive to create a magical learning experience for all of our pre-K students,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ��’s director of early childhood learning.

PLAY

To give you an idea of what each classroom is like, here’s a little tour of some of the elements of the pre-K classroom that make a big impact in a child’s learning adventure.

TINY FURNITURE

You can’t just put pre-K students in a regular classroom. Everything is too big! So, ɫ��һ�� pre-K rooms have small chairs, stools and tables sized just right for threes and fours. The furniture is flexible, allowing for a variety of seating options because they get used for lots of different activities. The tables and chairs are perfect for group learning activities and help children build social skills with their peers.��

Most rooms also have a water fountain at the students’ height, along with a sink and bathroom. The bathroom is a must for this age group to prevent those unwanted accidents and to help teachers maintain constant supervision. They also help minimize interruptions to teachers’ lesson plans, which means more time for the children to learn and play.

CLASSROOM LEARNING CENTERS

Each classroom is set up in learning centers to promote literacy, math, science and social-emotional learning. Pre-K students spend their day playing, singing and learning to gain skills that ultimately help them learn to read, write and build their math and science skills. Students also learn school-readiness skills and practice skills taught by the teacher every day. Pre-K teachers are very creative and implement all kinds of activities at each learning center to maximize learning opportunities. Some of the most popular learning centers include:

Dramatic Play Center

The dramatic play center includes fun-sized versions of items you find at home, like kitchen sets and dollhouses, filled with diverse baby dolls, that promote role-playing. Dramatic play encourages creativity, self-expression and knowledge of the community.

Literacy Center��

The literacy center is a quiet area where pre-K students practice reading in many ways. Kids explore their interests and have fun reading colorful stories that trigger their imaginations.

Math Center

Free Choice Centers

The Safe Place

PRINT RICH

Creating a print-rich literacy environment in the classroom is an important component of early literacy development. Teachers put signs and labels on nearly every object so students start to associate the objects and pictures they see with the words they see and hear. This helps them learn to read, write and spell at a much faster rate. Signs go on everything from cubby holders and lockers to chairs and toys.��

STEM LABS��

OUTSIDE

Playgrounds are a great learning space, too. And thanks to the 2019 Bond, all elementary schools are getting new playgrounds. The new playgrounds are rock- and wood-free and have a soft rubber surface for safety to protect against those inevitable falls. Plus, they all have shade structures and accessible play equipment.

REGISTER NOW

Pre-K in the ɫ��һ�� is key to getting 3- and 4-year-olds off to a great start. Check out all of our best-in-class��pre-K programs,��and see what a day in pre-K is like in . Then head back to aisd.net/pre-k to register. Feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

And check out��this post��with lots of important dates and details about pre-K registration.

All Aboard! Pre-K and kindergarten registration event is this Saturday

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:01:34 +0000

All Aboard for fun!

Can registering for school actually be fun?

Yes! It is if you’re going into pre-K or kindergarten in the ɫ��һ�� and come to the All Aboard! registration event this Saturday.

The event at McNutt Elementary, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, is open to any family interested in signing up for ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class kindergarten or pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds. Of course, there will be support from ɫ��һ�� employees to help with registration, along with resources and information from other district departments and community partners.

All of that is good. But then there is the fun!

Train rides, obstacle courses and games for your little learners! A photo booth, prizes, giveaways and free snacks. Plus, free backpacks filled with supplies for the first 50 to register. What better way to get your child excited to start school!

“This will be the perfect event to enroll your 3-, 4, or 5-year-old child before summer starts,” said early childhood director Dr. Jackeline Orsini. “ɫ��һ�� will assist all families with the registration process while kids enjoy all the free things and events that we have planned for our future pre-K and kindergarten students.”

Pre-K

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K has always been great, but it chugged to new heights this year. It’s now free for all 4-year-olds! Plus, the play-based curriculum now incorporates��STEM in pre-K 4. It’s Full STEM Ahead! with science, technology, engineering and math!

Learn more about the district’s pre-K programs for threes and fours, and register online at��aisd.net/pre-K. You can also see what a day in the life of a pre-K student is like .

Kindergarten

Fun is the name of the game in ɫ��һ��’s kindergarten. But it’s a very specific, strategic kind of fun that inspires learning. Kindergarten students get a full day of excitement with lots of fun activities all aligned to a very strong curriculum. Learn more and register online at aisd.net/kindergarten.

See what a day in pre-K is really like

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:48:24 +0000

What is pre-K really like?

What is a day in ɫ��һ�� pre-K like?

“It’s fun learning,” said Jennifer Pettiford, McNutt Elementary School pre-K teacher. “When they come to a pre-K class, they’re going to be doing interactive learning. That means hands-on.”

You can read about it, but you really have to see it. Check out the��below to see what a day is really like in ɫ��һ�� pre-K.

[embed]https://youtu.be/1T6mVvZfX4U[/embed]

Innovative, play-based curriculum

It’s a full day of learning through an innovative, play-based curriculum.

“It’s play-based to initiate creativity and exploration of their imagination,” said Nadia Azari, an ɫ��һ�� pre-K instructional specialist.

With whole group activities, small group activities, music, art, free choice time, reading, math and science, the fun – and learning – never stops. Plus, there’s playing with friends, lunch, recess on the playground and a rest time.

And the best part for parents: it’s free! ɫ��һ��’s pre-K for 4-year-olds is now universal. That means any 4-year-old can attend for free. Students no longer must meet eligibility requirements. So, register now.

Registration is now open

Registration for pre-K and kindergarten is now open. You can start the process online��here��ǰ� visit the school your child will attend. Learn more at��aisd.net/prek��and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

And check out��this post��with lots of important dates and details about pre-K registration.

Pre-K/Kindergarten Signing Day is tonight

Ryan PIERCE — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 14:30:48 +0000

Get help with registration at Signing Day

Don’t forget today is Pre-K and Kindergarten Signing Day!

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There’s no bigger deal than starting pre-K or kindergarten! That’s why ɫ��һ�� is hosting its first Pre-K/Kinder Signing Day this evening from 5-7 p.m. at your child’s school. Your child is starting a new, exciting chapter in their lives, so come out for a chance to celebrate this momentous milestone and get your child registered.

Not sure what school your child is going to attend? Visit the school locator here.

Tonight will also be a great opportunity for your family to walk the school building for the first time and visit the pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. Meet teachers and school staff and check out the amazing student artwork on display. You’ll get a sneak peek at how our incredible teachers blend fun with world-class learning opportunities. Plus, you can get help and support with completing the registration for your child.

Registration for pre-K and kindergarten opened online yesterday here. Find our more details and important dates here.

Pre-K students try out new outdoor equipment

Ryan PIERCE — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:59:08 +0000

Peach Elementary students get first look at outdoor equipment

Last September the awarded the with a $100,000 grant for the district to use for pre-K students.

Monday morning that grant money was in action as pre-K students at Peach Elementary got their first look at the new outdoor equipment that will be used to help pre-K students develop physically and hone their athletic skills.

And while it was too chilly for the students to use the equipment outside, it didn’t stop them from swinging for the fences with the new T-ball setup, soaring through the air to try to dunk a basketball or swivel their little hips to keep a Hula Hoop from hitting the ground.

If Monday’s preview was a sign of things to come, the equipment will be a big hit throughout the district.

“By us providing these types of opportunities here, I feel like it’s an added value for what we do for our community besides the education,” said ɫ��һ�� early childhood learning director Dr. Jackeline Orsini. “Inspiring them at this age, you never know who is going to be the next baseball player and play for the Texas Rangers. Maybe that dream started at this level.”

The students at Peach were the first to use the equipment, but they’ll soon have company. Orsini expects all the elementary schools to have the new equipment at their campuses by the middle of March.

The equipment will get plenty of use from the pre-K 3 and pre-K 4 students, too. Not only will they use it outside for recess, but it will give schools better options for field days for the little learners. After-school providers will also have access to the equipment to keep the young students engaged.

There’s also an educational twist to the equipment. At the T-ball area, which was manned by former Texas Rangers player , each base also had a number on it so the students can work on their counting. That’s all part of the plan.

“In our program, we believe a lot in outdoor learning,” Orsini said. “We’re going to make sure we integrate the athletic part with the instruction. We’re going to integrate math and literacy as well.”

Members of the Rangers Baseball Foundation have been making the rounds to see the grants in use.

“Anytime you get a chance to see students utilizing the resources that they’ve been given and to see the smiles on their faces is priceless for us,” said Ray Casas, the Rangers director of community impact. “We’re so happy to be able to have that kind of impact on the community. We knew we were going to be able to impact a lot of organizations like the ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation.”

Outdoor Learning Helps Pre-k Students Grow

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:12:56 +0000

Outdoor learning offers lots of benefits

For pre-K students in the ɫ��һ��, the great outdoors is an extension of their classroom. These 3- and 4-year-olds are taking advantage of the perfect Texas fall weather, using parachutes, exercise mats and more to learn outside of the classroom. And they’re having a lot of fun while doing it.��

Outdoor learning can have significant benefits on students like improving their focus and social interactions with other children. Students also develop their gross and fine motor skills through outside play.

“You get to see kids become more adventurous, take bigger risks with their body movement and even improve their balance all while having fun,” said Serena Webb, Bryant Elementary pre-K teacher. “We get a lot of opportunities to develop fine motor skills in the classroom, and gross motor skills can be developed more outside. We want to focus on the big moves that make them stronger like hopping, jumping and skipping.”

Before Webb and her teaching assistant take the kiddos outside, they explain the game they are going to play so the little ones are all on the same page. Then, the kids walk outside with their body buddies to have some fun practicing letter sounds and getting fit. Getting a bunch of four-year-olds outside to play is an adventure all by itself.

“We just try to give them a different experience at school by giving them opportunities for exploration and teamwork,” said Kimberly Bryant, pre-K teacher at Bryant Elementary. “Getting them outside to experience the environment around them is important because they might not be getting outdoor learning at home. With tablets and computers, it’s easy for kids to watch shows or play online while they’re at home. We like to switch it up.”

Working together as a team to master a skill or game is a big element of outdoor learning. In pre-K, independence is emphasized so students can learn to do simple tasks on their own. But when it comes to outdoor learning, kids learn the concept of team-building and social skills that will carry over into higher grade levels.

While physical movement is already integrated into students’ daily schedules, now it will be enhanced thanks to a generous grant from the to buy outdoor learning equipment for pre-K. Get ready for more t-balls, soccer balls, hula hoops and just about everything you can imagine a four-year-old wants while browsing through Target.

Students at Bryant Elementary have gone on nature walks and bunny hunts to spot different animals and elements in nature. Webb and Bryant also like to take their kiddos outside to enjoy the weather under the gazebo and get them excited for snack time.

And who doesn’t love going outside to enjoy a good pack of animal crackers and juice box?

In ɫ��һ��, pre-K is loads of fun in and out of the classroom. If you’re ready to sign your little one up for a good time, head to aisd.net/prek for more information. Adventure awaits!

ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation awarded $100,000 grant

Ryan PIERCE — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:12:53 +0000

Education Foundation wins big with Texas Rangers

The ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation and the ɫ��һ�� came out big winners thanks to the Texas Rangers Friday even before a pitch was thrown at Globe Life Field.

The was the recipient of a $100,000 grant as part of the .

The baseball foundation honored five non-profits with grants at a press event before the baseball game. Representatives from the five grant recipients will be honored on the field before Saturday’s Rangers game against Cleveland.

��The education foundation will use the grant for the district’s littlest learners, as the money will go to promote education, physical development and athletics for pre-K students.

Pre-K 4 students throughout the district already have hands-on experiences through the new STEM curriculum. Thanks to the grant, there will be more hands-on play outside as the grant will allow the district to buy everything from T-ball equipment to Hula hoops to bouncers.

It’s another game changer for the district’s innovative pre-K program.

"We're fortunate to have outstanding partners like the Texas Rangers Foundation," ɫ��һ�� superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos said. "We've made a huge investment in our pre-K students, and the foundation is helping us further that cause by providing them outstanding opportunities for physical activity. I can't wait to see the impact this makes on our students."

ɫ��һ�� chief academic officer Dr. Steven Wurtz can’t wait to implement the equipment the grant will provide.

“Pre-K is an opportunity not only for learning academic skills but also to build lifelong learning habits for physical and emotional health and wellbeing,” said Wurtz, who attended the press conference along with ɫ��һ�� early childhood director Dr. Jackeline Orsini. “This opportunity provided by the Texas Rangers Foundation will give students a chance to be physically active and develop their gross motor skills with building habits they can use throughout their lives.”

The five grant recipients were honored as the Rangers celebrated their 50^th anniversary and 30^th year of the .

The ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation was the only Arlington-based grant recipient out of 160 who applied. The grants were the largest individual grants distributed in team history.

“The ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation is proud to partner with the ɫ��һ�� and Texas Rangers Foundation to bring innovative hands-on discovery and play to all of the district’s pre-K students,” said ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation board president Kelly Curnutt. “There’s no better way to celebrate the legacy of 50 years of the Texas Rangers than through building stronger, healthier futures for ɫ��һ��’s youngest learners.”

STEM starts in pre-K!

Web Services — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 17:00:15 +0000

Now that pre-K teachers and students have settled into their classrooms, the fun can begin! What’s on their agenda? Science, technology, engineering and math – or in one word, STEM!

ɫ��һ�� is taking its best-in-class pre-K to a whole new level this year by incorporating into the pre-K 4 curriculum.

But parents, don’t worry. All the basics, like the alphabet and learning to write, numbers, colors, good manners and so much more are all still part of the fun pre-K curriculum.

The benefits!

Learning STEM at an early age gives students lots of opportunities to explore, hone their problem-solving skills, work on their fine and gross motor skills and develop critical thinking.

The innovative STEM curriculum is all about hands-on discovery.

“Children love to learn by playing with hands-on and mind-on activities,” said Amos Elementary pre-K teacher Katy Peterson. “STEM provides just this. It gives intriguing opportunities to see how things work and relate to real-life.”

Parents will notice their child is developing many new skills at pre-K. They’ll be able to help you cook at home by measuring ingredients, learn the proper pronunciation of their shapes and colors and discern how things sink or float in the bathtub. Students will

��even learn how to incubate a chicken embryo and so much more!

How did the teachers prepare?

The pre-K teachers start with providing a classroom designed to inspire, ignite curiosity and make the students feel safe.

Jennifer Pettiford’s pre-K 4 classroom at McNutt Elementary is a little learner's dream. The classroom’s bright and vibrant colors, Russian tortoise and glow fish will spark any little mind’s curiosity. The room also has a safe space for students to visit and relax whenever they’re having a not-so-good day.

And of course, there are endless fun learning activities.

“Hands-on teaching is where we build,” said pre-K 4 teacher Jennifer Pettiford from McNutt Elementary.

Thanks to a special training over the summer, pre-K 4 teachers learned all about how to seamlessly integrate STEM into their fun learning activities and play-based curriculum.

“An effective early childhood STEM curriculum depends on the training and continued professional development of our pre-K 4 teachers,” said Dr. Hildelisa Diaz, ɫ��һ�� early childhood coordinator. “During STEM training, teachers learned about the teaching philosophy of the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the early childhood classroom.”

STEM Labs

Pamela Aranda, a new pre-K 4 teacher at Johns Elementary, is thrilled to teach STEM and utilize the STEM labs. Each elementary school has two STEM labs that were built during the 2014 Bond program.

“I am so excited to use STEM in pre-K,” Aranda said. “I am excited to collect clean trash with them and have them use or build animals with our recycled trash. To see how they solve problems and collaborate while using their background knowledge will be so much fun. Yay STEM!”

Learn more

If you have not signed your 3- or 4-year-old up for pre-K yet, don’t worry, you’re not too late. You can start the registration process online here or visit the school your child will attend. Learn more at aisd.net/prek and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

Tips for a great first day of pre-K

Ryan PIERCE — Sat, 13 Aug 2022 18:27:12 +0000

Pre-K starts Monday

This Monday your baby starts . Chances are, you’re more anxious about the first day of pre-K than your 3- or 4-year-old.

We could tell you not to worry, but this is your child. Let’s not kid. You’re bound to be at least a little nervous.

However, we can tell you that your little one will be in great, loving hands. Our pre-K teachers are incredible. And we can promise you your child is coming to a pre-K program carefully designed to care for your child and inspire them for a lifelong journey of learning. They’re going to have fun and grow on every level.

To help get you ready for Monday, here is some advice and tips from pre-K teachers and administrators.

Debbie Modawell, Pre-K 4 teacher, Moore Elementary

I have been looking forward to this very special year with your learner! There are so many wonderful and exciting adventures we are going to go on together! I know you are sharing your greatest joy and I am incredibly blessed to be a part of their learning! When you leave your little one on the first day of school, I want you to feel confident that now we are a school family, and together we are going to do BIG things! I have waited for this big day in your little's life! Thank you again for sharing your little with me!

Angela Peragine, Principal, Anderson Elementary

Parents, one of the most exciting days of the school year is coming up!��The first day of school is a memorable experience for our youngest students! Help them prepare by ensuring you have good routines in place!��Get their clothes, shoes and backpack ready the night before.��Help them have a good night's sleep by keeping them active on Sunday and ensuring they go to bed at a good bedtime!��This will help establish your night routines and will set them up for a good night's sleep every night.��

When they wake up on Monday, make it a celebration! As they get ready for school, tell them how exciting school will be and how many friends they will be able to make! You can even share a positive story about YOUR first day of school.��This will get them even more excited about it!��Finally, make sure they eat breakfast at home or at school – just make sure you get to school early, so the students have time to eat.��We can't wait to meet all our littles this year and help them explore, discover and fall in love with learning!

Daniel Guevara,��ESL Pre-K team lead, Atherton Elementary

Our amazing school will provide the upmost care for your child during their learning here at Atherton. We have new safety protocols that will ensure we are all doing our part in the protection of our students. We also have new and exciting changes to our learning this year as you may know. All pre-K classes will get to enjoy STEAM experiences throughout the day as they dive into each subject. This will ensure that they receive one of the best quality instructions in Texas.��

Leti Hernandez, Instructional coach, Wimbish World Language Academy

As a former pre-K and kindergarten teacher, I know the first day of school for a 3-, 4-, or 5-year-old can be both exciting and terrifying for a parent. It will be hard, but encourage them to take risks, explore and be inquisitive. There will be things that are challenging, but they will learn by doing and trying. They need time to be kids and to acclimate to their new school environment. They will be in good hands and will be loved and supported.��

Dr. Jackeline Orsini, Early childhood director, ɫ��һ��

We are excited and looking forward to meeting our new students on Monday. We can’t wait to see their adorable faces, beautiful smiles, and being able to call each one of them by their name. It’s a blessing to be able to teach kids at this age, to create for them magical learning experiences, and at the same time have so much fun. We are ready to teach them about letters, sounds, shapes, their community, science and the foundations of literacy, math and writing. We are excited to create, explore, discover, color, dance, laugh and play as they learn.

Monday is the beginning of a year of much learning. If I am sure of one thing, it is that we will take care of each of our new students as if they were our own kids and that at the end of the school year, parents will be amazed about everything they have learned.

You can still register for a great first day!

If you have not signed your 3- or 4-year-old up for pre-K yet, you’re not too late. Learn more about all of our programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and start the registration process online��here.

If you’re still trying to decide if you want to send your little one to pre-K – because let’s face it, it’s a big decision and they’re still so little – you should know that ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program is the best in class. From our certified teachers to our fun, play-based curriculum, everything about the ɫ��һ��’s pre-K is purposefully designed to set your child up on a lifelong path of learning and success. Plus, it’s now free for all 4-year-olds! Learn more at��aisd.net/prek��and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 or prekquestions@aisd.net with any of your questions.

Fun Pre-K teacher training doubles as Hawaiian luau

Ryan PIERCE — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 18:00:13 +0000

It's always fun with pre-K

If it’s pre-K, it’s fun. Even if it’s an all-day pre-K teacher training conference.

“Buenos dias, aloha, good morning!” shouted Dr. Gilberto D. Soto, the keynote speaker, to the cafeteria full of ɫ��һ�� pre-K teachers.

Yes, aloha.

The McNutt Elementary School cafeteria had been transformed into a Hawaiian luau. Teachers sported leis and some even wore Hawaiian shirts.

The island theme was inspired by the Disney film Moana.

“Like Moana, we’re going to do something that was never done before,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early childhood learning, as she shared several lessons from the movie that apply to pre-K teachers. Lessons like: Follow your heart and be brave; be patient – with others and ourselves; and remember who you are and your purpose.

The doctors are in

The morning started with lots of Ph.D.s, but it was still fun. First, it was Dr. Orsini and Dr. Hildelisa Diaz, ɫ��һ�� early childhood coordinator, welcoming the teachers.

Then Superintendent Dr. Marcelo Cavazos not only welcomed the teachers to the new year, but he also praised and thanked them for their passion and hard work.

“You make the difference,” Cavazos said. “You’re a blessing. And because of the love you have for our students, they’re blessed.”

And then it got even more fun when the distinguished keynote, , took the mic.

Soto is a professor of music education/guitar at Texas A&M International University where he teaches early childhood, elementary and secondary bilingual music education courses. He’s an expert on music and movement in the classroom.

He told the teachers they don’t have to be incredible singers or dancers to lead music and movement activities with their students.

“I am here to remind you what kind of connection you can have,” Soto said. “If you move for them (your students), if you sing for them, you’re their hero.”

Soto soon had his guitar out and all the teachers clapping, stomping their feet, spinning around and singing, as he shared the power of music and movement in the pre-K classroom.

The dancing couldn’t last all day though, and things did get a little more serious later with breakout sessions on a host of essential topics like math, literacy, social and emotional learning and more.

But it was still fun the whole day. That's just the pre-K way.

"We ended up the event with little gifts for all of the teachers and even with a special dance by the EC team and ɫ��һ�� students," Orsini said. "The teachers were smiling all day ... and left the school full of energy and ready for a new school year."

[embed]https://youtu.be/tVAEq692UR0[/embed]

Register today

The fun gets real next week when pre-K starts on Monday! Learn more about all of our programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and start the registration process online��here.

Pre-K teachers ‘super pumped’ for new school year

Ryan PIERCE — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 14:14:25 +0000

There are just ten days left until the first day of ! And no one is more excited to start the new year than the pre-K teachers. They’ve been in training recently to get ready for pre-K’s exciting new curriculum, and now they’re getting their rooms ready.

Here’s what a few of them had to say about what they’re most excited about for this new year.

Cynthia Gomez, Pre-K 3 Bilingual Teacher, Berry Elementary

“I am ecstatic to begin the 22-23 school year and ready to welcome my little ones! Also, hopeful for some sense of normalcy as we will have everyone in person! Can’t wait for the growth we will see in our students as they will be with us all year long!”

Betania Payan, Pre-K 4 Bilingual Teacher, Goodman Elementary��

“My trainings this summer have inspired me to prepare better and motivate my students as they have fun while learning new skills. I am super��excited��about all the ideas I took with me for literacy and math centers and about STEM. On top of that, an amazing new curriculum full of resources that I can't wait to start using. I am super pumped!”��

Ember Jordan, Pre-K 3 ESL Teacher, Amos Elementary School

�� “I am excited to implement the new curriculum with my new students.

I am looking forward to trying new things with my students that I wasn't able to do last year.��

I love seeing the new students' smiling faces and watching their love of learning begin!”

Katy Peterson, Pre-K 4 ESL Teacher, Amos Elementary

"This summer, I had the opportunity to attend an awesome conference and additional professional learning��sessions. I learned some fantastic teaching ideas and have new skills ‘under my belt.’��I'm most��excited��about being able to implement the new ideas and skills with my students. I know it's going��to be a great school year!"

Dara Cunningham, Pre-K Teacher, Fitzgerald Elementary

“I am most��excited��about the new curriculum we will have to introduce to the students! SAVVAS has great resources for not only the classroom but for the students’ homes. I can’t wait to share this with students and have families more involved with their child’s learning.”��

Jacqueline Bawab, Pre-K 3 Bilingual Teacher, Bebensee Elementary

“I'm so excited to start the new year, the reason being is that I consider that we as teachers can try to make our world better. Why not start with the little ones? If we teach them the basics to get along with everyone, to follow directions, to play fair and learn to deal with their feelings and be attentive to others' needs as well as to remain curious and forever learners I think that will be my legacy. I may never see them again, but one day they may remember and be thankful that somehow they are able to deal with anything the world throws at them because one teacher told them they could and believed in them.”

Register today!

With the first day of school approaching quickly, it’s time to register your student if you haven’t already. Learn more about all of our programs for 3- and 4-year-olds and start the registration process online here.

If you’re still trying to decide if you want to send your little one to pre-K – because let’s face it, it’s a big decision and they’re still so little – you should know that ɫ��һ��’s pre-K program is the best in class. From our certified teachers to our fun, play-based curriculum, everything about the ɫ��һ��’s pre-K is purposefully designed to set your child up on a lifelong path of learning and success. Plus, it’s now free for all 4-year-olds! Learn more at aisd.net/prek and feel free to contact the pre-K team at (682) 867-9418 prekquestions@aisd.net.

Nuevo plan de estudios STEM para niños de cuatro años llega a ɫ��һ��

Anita FOSTER — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 13:20:20 +0000

ɫ��һ�� va “¡A toda velocidad con STEM!” este otoño para niños de cuatro años en los salones de prekínder. Aún mejor, el programa será gratuito para los padres que viven en los límites del distrito escolar de Arlington, o para aquellos que desean que sus hijos asistan, aunque no vivan en Arlington.

STEM + GRATIS + BELLAS ARTES = GANAR

El nuevo e innovador plan de estudios STEM brindará a los estudiantes una introducción a lecciones que incluyen ciencias, tecnología, ingeniería y matemáticas, lo cual es algo revolucionario. El arte, la música y el movimiento también se integrarán en cada salón de clases durante todo el año para que los estudiantes reciban una poderosa educación integral.

ɫ��һ�� también eliminó una barrera importante para la registración: el costo. ɫ��һ�� ahora ofrece un programa universal de prekínder para todos los niños de cuatro años, haciéndolo gratuito para todos los estudiantes.

Si bien la combinación de STEM y gratis puede sonar demasiado buena para ser verdad, no es así en ɫ��һ��. El distrito está excepcionalmente calificado para llevar STEM a estudiantes de prekínder de 4 años.

Aprendizaje del siglo XXI

Cada escuela primaria de ɫ��һ�� ya está equipada con dos laboratorios STEM, gracias a los contribuyentes de Arlington que apoyaron el Paquete de Bonos 2014. Dado que STEM ya forma parte del plan de estudios en las escuelas primarias, agregarlo a las ofertas ampliadas de prekínder es el siguiente paso.

“ɫ��һ�� brinda a nuestros estudiantes del siglo XXI oportunidades educativas excepcionales a lo largo de su experiencia en nuestras escuelas. Este camino para nuestros estudiantes más jóvenes comienza con prekínder”, dijo el superintendente de ɫ��һ��, el Dr. Marcelo Cavazos. “Sabemos que al comenzar STEM temprano a través de la experimentación divertida e interactiva, nuestros estudiantes de prekínder se sentirán inspirados para aprender y descubrir a lo largo de su vida”.

STEM en prekínder puede parecer un poco intimidante para su futuro estudiante, pero no se preocupe. Si le encanta jugar con LEGO, Play-Doh (plastilina), construir cosas o desmontarlas y tienen una curiosidad natural por todo, le encantará STEM.

¿Todavía no está convencido? Profundicemos más en lo que obtendrá al enviar a su estudiante de prekínder de 4 años a ɫ��һ��.

Beneficios de STEM

No se puede negar que las carreras STEM son hacia donde se dirige el futuro. Las carreras STEM actualmente representan el 20 por ciento de todos los trabajos de EE. UU. Ese número sigue aumentando. Solo imagine cómo será esto en 2036. Así es, su futuro estudiante de prekínder de ɫ��һ�� será la Clase de 2036. Los trabajos STEM ya pagan más que los de otras áreas. Una educación STEM en ɫ��һ�� es una prueba más de nuestro compromiso de despertar el interés de los estudiantes en las ciencias, la tecnología, la ingeniería y las matemáticas.

Gratis para todos

ɫ��һ�� garantiza que todos tengan acceso a una educación de alta calidad, comenzando con los estudiantes de prekínder de cuatro años, al eliminar una de las barreras que detiene a algunos: el costo. Si bien las familias aún deben completar la documentación de calificación exigida por el gobierno federal para prekínder, incluso si no califican, tendrán el mismo acceso a la educación de prekínder de 4 años que se ofrece en ɫ��һ�� sin costo alguno. Los estudiantes de prekínder tienen mejores resultados de alfabetización, matemáticas y aprendizaje socioemocional que los estudiantes que no asisten a prekínder. El costo del prekínder no será una barrera para tener la oportunidad de tener éxito en ɫ��һ��.

Profesores altamente calificados

Todos los maestros de prekínder de ɫ��һ�� están certificados para enseñar el aprendizaje de la primera infancia. También tenemos asistentes de maestros en el nivel de prekínder en cada paso del camino. Los maestros de ɫ��һ�� tampoco solo enseñan. Ellos nutren, guían y aman a su hijo como si fueran suyos. Se concentran tanto en sus necesidades sociales y emocionales como en asegurarse de que están aprendiendo las letras y los números.

¡Es divertido!

No hay nada que diga que el aprendizaje no puede ser divertido, al menos no en el programa para los niños en ɫ��һ��. Cuando su estudiante esté ampliando su vocabulario y sus habilidades de escritura, se divertirá en el camino. Será lo mismo si están en el laboratorio STEM, en el recreo o trabajando con nuestro galardonado equipo de bellas artes. Hay almuerzo. Hay tiempo de descanso y recarga para los estudiantes de prekínder de 4 años. Hay mucha música y tiempo de movimiento. Y todo es divertido.

¿Quieres saber más? Puede visitar aisd.net/prek para ver la información más reciente sobre el programa de prekínder de ɫ��һ��. La registración comienza el 1 de abril. Nos vemos este otoño.

Community-based Pre-K 3 offers full-day childcare

Ryan PIERCE — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:29:42 +0000

ɫ��һ��’s community-based pre-K program for 3-year-olds is the perfect solution for working parents. Launch kids on their educational journey while giving them a full day of childcare.

ɫ��һ��’s community-based pre-K is a half-day pre-K program for 3-year-olds located in four local childcare centers. By enrolling in pre-K at the childcare center, families have the opportunity to also enroll in seamless, convenient day care both before and after the pre-K school day without ever having to leave and go to another care location. Plus, the pre-K program is taught by an ɫ��һ�� teacher with the same outstanding play-based curriculum, materials and technology used at ɫ��һ�� campuses.��

Community-based partners (see partner details) for 2022-2023 include:

Child Care Network #259
Kids Community Preschool - Arlington
Kids Community Preschool – Grand Prairie
Childtime

Enroll now for Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4

Registration is open now for all ɫ��һ�� pre-K programs. In addition to community-based pre-K, ɫ��һ�� offers half-day pre-K for 3-year-olds at many neighborhood schools (see pre-K locator) and has ESL and bilingual options. Pre-K 3 is free for students who qualify, and there is an affordable tuition option for those who do not.

Pre-K for 4-year-olds is now free for all students. Plus, all ɫ��һ�� neighborhood elementary schools will have pre-K 4 in the fall. Excitement for pre-K 4 is at an all-time high in ɫ��һ�� as STEM will be added to the fun, play-based curriculum next school year (learn more).

Tomorrow: Train rides, free snow cones and tons of fun!

Ryan PIERCE — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 13:00:56 +0000

Get excited for pre-K

“School registration is so much fun,” said no one ever.

But they will tomorrow, April 30.

That’s when ɫ��һ�� is hosting an in-person registration event for pre-K that will look more like a carnival than a typical enrollment event.

The event at McNutt Elementary, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, is open to any family interested in signing up for ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds. Of course, there will be support from ɫ��һ�� employees to help with registration, along with resources and information from other district departments and community partners.

All of that is good. But then there is the fun!

Train rides, obstacle courses and games for pre-K-aged kids! A photo booth, prizes and giveaways. Plus, free snow cones for the first 200 to register. What better way to get your child excited to start school!

“This will be the perfect event to enroll your 3- or 4-year-old child before summer starts,” said early childhood director Dr. Jackeline Orsini. “ɫ��һ�� will assist all families with the pre-K registration process while kids enjoy all the free things and events that we have planned for our future pre-K students.”

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K has always been great, but it’s going to be even better next school year. That’s because it will be free for all 4-year-olds! Plus, the play-based curriculum will incorporate more STEM. It’s Full STEM Ahead! with science, technology, engineering and math! Learn more about the district’s pre-K programs and register online at aisd.net/pre-K.

Día De Pre-K

Make Saturday, April 30, a full day of fun with the City of Arlington’s El Día De Los Niños.

After the ɫ��һ��’s pre-K event at McNutt, you can head over to the East Library and Recreation Center (1817 New York Ave.) for more fun activities from noon until 3 p.m. They will have crafts, music, the Bubble Bus, fire trucks, an imagination playground, multilingual storytimes, performers and free books.

The goal of the event is to encourage children from all cultural backgrounds to come together for some family-friendly fun. .

Get a Head Start with ɫ��һ�� pre-K

Ryan PIERCE — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:00:29 +0000

Giving your child a head start is what being a great parent is all about. With ɫ��һ��’s Head Start PLUS pre-K for 3-year-olds, you can do exactly that, plus get parenting support for you, too.

What is Head Start Pre-K PLUS?

Head Start Pre-K PLUS is a unique program at Kooken Education Center that combines ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K with the resources of Head Start to provide a child-centered, play-focused education that enhances child development and offers resources that support parents.

The program is a partnership with and helps develop school readiness for 3-year-olds from economically disadvantaged families. Certified teachers guide students with a play-based curriculum that includes oral language development, early literacy, math, science, social studies and fine arts, along with personal, social and emotional, and physical development. Head Start PLUS also connects social services providers with families to deliver much-needed resources.

“Thanks to Head Start, Kooken is the only campus with full-day pre-K 3,” said Dr. Jackeline Orsini, ɫ��һ�� director of early education. “It is such a huge benefit for families to take advantage of.”

The goal of Head Start

The goal of the Head Start PLUS program is to prepare children and their families for the future through education, financial literacy, parenting and health classes.

“The Head Start program is aimed at early childhood development, which complements ɫ��һ��’s pre-K goals, while also providing micro-level case management and an accountability aspect with our families that support them becoming stronger,” said Kooken principal Elizabeth Huebner.

Introduced at Kooken two years ago, Head Start PLUS focuses on the whole child. That means teachers and staff focus on each child's education plus their lives outside of school.

“I love how Head Start looks at the whole child and addresses all their needs to ensure they’re not only learning, but healthy and growing, and have access to whatever resources they may need,” Huebner said.

Pre-K 3 teacher Serena Webb believes the Head Start Program is a great resource for parents and students. She advocates for the program because she has consistently seen the impact it has on families.

"Head Start is such a great program,” Webb said. “It focuses on educational, familial and human needs, which means helping a family is helping a child. This is so important and vital to kids' education.”

Eligibility

Children may be eligible for enrollment in the Head Start Pre-K PLUS program if he or she is at least 3-years-old on or before September 1. Students must also meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:

Family and Income Status:

Household income (100% poverty level)
Homeless
Foster care
Public assistance (TANF & SSI ONLY)

Bilingual services are also available for Spanish-speaking children, and the program will offer resources in Spanish for parents, too.

How do I register?

Register now for the Head Start PLUS program at Kooken Education Center. For more information, please call (682) 867-7199 or email kooken-headstartpk-plus@aisd.net.

Kooken Education Center will be all pre-K 3 Next Year

Web Services — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 21:00:44 +0000

Not sure what to do with your rambunctious three-year-old? Enroll them at Kooken Education Center! Your little learner will get a jump start on their education and meet new and exciting teachers and friends!

What’s cooking at Kooken?

Starting in the fall of 2022-2023, Kooken will become home to only pre-K 3.

It’s not a huge change. Most of Kooken’s classes are already for 3-year-olds. But currently, the school does have two classes for 4-year-olds. Next year, all pre-K 4 classes will be held at district elementary schools.

The change at Kooken to an all pre-K 3 campus will allow for the expansion of the Head Start Plus program to serve more students in early childhood special education.

Programs

One thing that won't change at Kooken is that parents will still have a variety of programs to choose from. There is a class for every 3-year-old.

Free half-day pre-K 3 – This is ɫ��һ��’s best-in-class pre-K for 3-year-olds. It’s a half-day of fun, exploration and learning. It’s free for families who qualify.
Tuition Based pre-K 3 – This is for families who don’t qualify for the free program. But it’s the most affordable pre-K out there and it’s still the same great half-day of fun and learning.
Bilingual pre-K – Bilingual pre-K is for native Spanish speakers. Teachers speak both Spanish and English and teach in both languages.
Head Start pre-K PLUS - This is a unique program that combines the services of ɫ��һ�� and Head Start to provide a child-centered, play-focused education while also offering resources that support parents. This is the only pre-K 3 program that is full-day, and families must qualify.

Fun in the sun

Kooken is already a fun place, but it’s getting even more fun this summer! The school will launch a new outdoor classroom for the 2022-2023 school year. This addition will complement their STREAM (Science Technology Reading Engineering and Math) Maker Lab.

The new learning space will offer students a variety of STEM outdoor learning opportunities that correlate to the pre-K guidelines. The outdoor classroom, along with the STREAM Maker Lab, will equip kids with a baseline understanding for STEM lessons when they get to pre-K 4. It will include a butterfly garden, a mill for bread, a seed grinder for planter boxes and so much more.

Pre-K 3 teacher Staci Nelson is excited about the outdoor classroom since going outside with her students is already a big part of her class. One of her favorite units to teach is the “Big Red Barn.” The lesson includes live animals like rabbits, goats and sheep, to name a few.

Stay tuned for more details when the outdoor space is ready.

Why pre-K 3?

“Early childhood learning is crucial for building a strong foundation for students’ futures, both learning and socially,” said Kooken principal Elizabeth Huebner. “Through rich learning experiences, they learn valuable socialization skills and develop a strong and critical academic foundation."

Parents who enroll their children into pre-K 3 give their child a jump start on their peers.

“Kids get their foundation in pre-K 3,” Nelson said. “They learn to self-regulate and learn how to be learners. When they move on to pre-K 4, they will be prepared for full-day study.”

Pre-K lays that foundation for a lifetime of success.

“Seeing where the little ones begin in August and where they are in May is amazing,” Nelson said.

Enroll today!

If you are interested in pre-K 3 at Kooken or any ɫ��һ�� school for your child, visit aisd.net/prek to learn more and register. If you have any questions, please email prekquestions@aisd.net. And to speak with someone at Kooken, call (682) 867-9418.

Pre-K is for 3-Year-Olds, Too!

Web Services — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 18:32:48 +0000

True or False?

How about a little game of True or False?

In ɫ��һ��, pre-K begins at four to prepare kiddos for life-long learning. False!

ɫ��һ�� is a step ahead when it comes to preparing your little learner for the future. And it all begins at 3-years-old.

Age three is pivotal in early childhood learning, and that’s why the district is committed to creating environments full of learning and play for your child. With a half-day curriculum, your child will have the opportunity to learn letters, vocabulary and math all while having fun and developing social and emotional skills.

Pre-K starts it all

“This stage marks the beginning of everything, especially the introduction to school,” said Maria Castro, pre-K 3 teacher at Thornton Elementary. “Kids establish a social foundation, learn left from right, how to form a line, and everything in between. Because adults have known this stuff for so long, we often forget that this is the time for kids to learn those developmental skills.”

Castro knows what she’s talking about, too. The bilingual teacher is in her 21st year teaching and loves being the little ones’ biggest cheerleader. She believes offering encouragement to the students after every accomplishment makes a world of difference in their lives.

Swift Elementary pre-K 3 teacher Kristen Diaz agrees pre-K 3 is the educational foundation, too.

“We are teaching children how to go to school, be a good friend, follow directions and learn academics they will need for the rest of their time in school,” Diaz said. “Pre-K 3 is essential for the children’s social, emotional and physical development. The things these children learn in PK3 will stay with them for the rest of their education.”

It starts with social and emotional

Starting school can come with a lot of anxiety for both children and parents. ɫ��һ�� pre-K 3 teachers know the importance of assuring parents that their child is safe and is getting plenty of emotional support. In fact, social and emotional learning is so important that Castro has all the kids paint their handprints on an agreement stating they promise to be respectful as the teacher cares for them and helps them learn.

“I love the opportunity to scaffold the emotional needs kids have,” Castro said. “Social and emotional learning is so important, because once you master separation anxiety, then the academics can start. We have lesson plans, but social emotional learning takes priority.

Enroll today!

The benefits of pre-K 3 are priceless. When it comes to nurturing kids’ curiosity and developing their social and emotional skills. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and yours is right here in ɫ��һ��. If you’re ready for your little learner to be a part of a community that fosters all-around growth, register for pre-K today at aisd.net/prek. Let the fun begin!

Pre-Kindergarten – ɫ��������һ����������

7 tips to get your child ready for pre-K

Pre-K starts Aug. 14

REGISTER NOW

Register for pre-K and kindergarten in person now

Pre-K and kinder registration support June 5-27 and July 8-18

Kooken Educational Center gives 3-year-olds a jump start

Join the Kooken family

WHY PRE-K 3?

See a classroom at Kooken

Pre-K classrooms designed to inspire learning

Pre-K classrooms designed for little learners

PLAY

TINY FURNITURE

CLASSROOM CENTERS

LABELS

STEM LABS����������

OUTSIDE

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Pre-K graduations celebrate little learners’ big accomplishments

Pre-K students ready for the next step

Colorful Kooken

Pre-K is the foundation

Make outside playtime fun and educational

Go outside, have fun and learn

When summer ends

Pre-K students get to be real scientists

STEM in pre-K is about exploration

Come explore with us

Pre-K is for 3-Year-Olds, too

It all starts with 3-year-olds

Fairytale event encourages little learners to read

Kids dress in fairytale costumes

Register for pre-K or kindergarten

Purposeful play fosters learning in ɫ��������һ���������� Pre-K

Fun leads to learning in pre-k

Why play?

Register Now

Fairytale event for pre-K and kindergarten kids is Monday, April 22

This fairytale is real

Signing Day 2024 brings future pre-K and kindergarten students to school

Signing Day 2024 a big hit

Pre-K and kindergarten registration for 2024-2025 is open now

Pre-K and Kinder Signing Day

Important Info

IMPORTANT DATES

IMPORTANT DETAILS

What if I have more questions?

Pre-K and kindergarten registration for 2024-2025 opens April 1

Pre-K and kindergarten registration opens Monday

IMPORTANT DATES

IMPORTANT DETAILS

El programa STEM contribuye al avance de los niños de 4 años

Educar a todo el niño: gratis

Equipado para cumplir

Juego con propósito

Beneficios de STEM

Gratis para todos

Maestros altamente calificados

¡Es divertido!

STEM Program Adds Up to Advancement for 4-Year-Olds

Educating the Whole Child – For Free

Equipped to Deliver

Purposeful Play

STEM Perks

Free for All

Highly-qualified teachers

It's Fun!

Pre-K/Kindergarten Signing Day is April 4

Fun family photo ops at Signing Day

Turkey show a big hit with pre-K and kindergarten students

Annual turkey show gets lots of laughs

Pre-K registration is still open

Pre-K students love outdoor equipment donated by Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers are pre-K champions!

WFAA meteorologist Mariel Ruiz visits Beckham Elementary pre-K students

WFAA meteorologist is a Bowie High School grad

Enroll in pre-K today

Community-based Pre-K 3 offers full-day childcare

Community-based pre-K taught by ɫ��������һ���������� teachers

Pre-Kindergarten – ɫ��һ��

STEM LABS��

Purposeful play fosters learning in ɫ��һ�� Pre-K

Community-based pre-K taught by ɫ��һ�� teachers

ɫ��һ��’s pre-K and kindergarten teachers get ready to rock

ɫ��һ�� built innovative pre-K curriculum in-house

ɫ��һ��’s first year of universal pre-K makes big impact

ɫ��һ�� pre-K teachers win Crystal Apple Awards

STEM LABS��

ɫ��һ�� Education Foundation awarded $100,000 grant