August 19, 2024

Dear Kindergarten Families:

Welcome to our Holcomb Elementary School family!   We know your child is excited about coming to kindergarten this fall and we are looking forward to a successful school experience for your child.  Please join us for a school-wide Open House on Thursday, August 29th from 4 - 6 PM to tour the school, meet staff, and drop off school supplies.

Important information about the first week of school is below.  

Schedule for the beginning of school for our Kindergarten students:

  • Monday, September 2: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day observed)

  • Tuesday, September 3: Last names that begin with A-F come to school, 7:55 AM – 2:10 PM

  • Wednesday, September 4: Last names that begin with G-N come to school, 7:55 AM – 2:10 PM

  • Thursday, September 5: Last names that begin with O-Z come to school, 7:55 AM – 2:10 PM

  • Friday, September 6: ALL KINDERGARTENERS ATTEND SCHOOL with their assigned General Education teacher.

During the first week of school, Kindergarteners will visit multiple classrooms and teachers on the FIRST day they attend.  The goal is to give students an opportunity to become familiar with school routines and facilities in small groups. 

On Friday, September 6th, all kindergarteners will attend school. Your child will be in Kindergarten from 7:55 AM – 2:10 PM. Early release Wednesdays are 7:55 AM – 1:10PM. The first early release Wednesday of the school year is on Wednesday, September 11th. 

Proof of birth date, address and up-to-date immunization record must be turned in before students may attend kindergarten.  Questions regarding your child’s bus route should be directed to the district’s transportation department @  503-785-8540.

Kindergarten is an exciting time in your child’s life! For many students, they are interacting with children who are different from themselves for the first time.  Your child may make friends with a student who speaks multiple languages; a student who has a physical disability; or a student whose race is different from their own.  Noticing similarities and differences is developmentally appropriate for kindergarteners.  Please support your child’s success by acknowledging differences and responding to his/her observations in a positive way. 

During this transition for your child and family, you may notice efforts towards independence that waver from day to day. Some students are ready to be separated from their families and be independent at school one day, while on the following day  they may crawl into your lap for snuggles. This is entirely normal. You can begin supporting your child by building their skills for independence by: putting on their own clothes; using the restroom independently (with the door closed); opening packages and containers for food; and packing their own backpack. You can support their emotional needs by listening to them and meeting them where they are at each moment. They will grow so much this year and in the coming years!

We are looking forward to an excellent year of growth for your kindergarten student!  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call 503-785-8100.

Best,

Joshua Bryan (Principal, Holcomb Elementary School)