When is the first day of school for kindergarten students?
The first day of school for kindergarten students is the Monday after grades 1-5 start (this year it was Monday, September 12, 2016).
Is there a kindergarten orientation?
The official kindergarten orientation is the first Friday of the school year. You will receive the scheduled time over the summer. The PTO also sponsors a playground date to meet your teacher and classmates in a fun, informal setting. The play date time and day are TBD.
What is the kindergarten screening?
Massachusetts Chapter 766 State Law requires a screening for each child who will be entering kindergarten. This screening is used only as a tool to provide schools with information concerning any special learning needs a child might have before entering school. It is not used to determine if a child is ready for kindergarten. Screenings take place in May at Bernazzani.
During the kindergarten screening, a kindergarten teacher will perform a brief check of your child in the areas of personal and social development, speech and language skills, reasoning skills, eye-hand coordination, and small and large muscle control. In the fall, the school nurse will also conduct a hearing screening.
Questions about kindergarten readiness can be directed to the teachers and principal.
What are the school hours?
Bernazzani is a Tier I Early School.
Hours are 7:45 AM - 2 PM (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri). Kindergarten is dismissed at 1:45 PM.
Tuesdays 7:45 AM - 11:25 AM. Kindergarten is dismissed at 11:15 AM
The school administration would like to remind parents that children should arrive no earlier than 7:30 AM on school days. Coverage in the playground will be provided by Mr. Dionne and Mr. Lindsay.
What are the drop-off and pick-up procedures?
Drop Off 7:30-7:45.
Walking to school is encouraged! If driving, kindergarten parents can park in the side parking lot or along the school side of Furnace Brook Parkway and walk students to the play area to the left of the school. All classes line up in this area and are supervised by the principal and one teacher. Parents are not allowed in the building at this time. If you need to enter the school you must sign in at the main entrance. You may also do a driving drop off: drive into the semi-circular driveway at the front of the school. Drive as far forward as possible. When your car comes to a complete stop, your children should exit the car on the right hand side only. They must be able to do this without parents getting out of the car. Students then continue down the sidewalk in front of the school, around the corner, and onto the playground where they are supervised by the principal and one teacher.
In inclement weather, children follow the same procedures but gather inside the gymnasium.
Please keep cars in a single line. No passing on the left in the school driveway. Children should never cross traffic. Please allow children to exit the car by themselves on the right side and proceed directly to the playground.
Pick Up: Parents should find parking on the school side of Furnace Brook Parkway, or the adjacent neighborhood. You may not enter the semi circle drive for pick -up. Parents may then stand in front of the school to await their children.
Please do not drive in the semi-circular driveway during pick up, as we need this space for our buses and vans. This is a huge safety issue and our principal must insist that no cars drive into the driveway at dismissal.
Is there a school bus?
The Quincy Public School website states that, “School bus transportation is available at designated stops to students living outside specified walking distances. Massachusetts General Laws list the following transportation guidelines (a) students living at least one and one-half miles from school (b) students who live more than one mile from the nearest bus stop (c) students with special needs for whom transportation must be provided.” Quincy Public Schools asks that questions concerning student transportation be directed to the Transportation Office at (617) 984-8964.
What after school programs are available?
There are many after school programs in Quincy.
Three popular options are:
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Quincy After School (held at Bernazzani) www.quincyafterschool.org 617-773-3299
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STARS www.ssdcs.org (781) 331-8505
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YMCA www.ssymca.org/quincy/programs/youth-development/child-care/ 617-479-8500
How many students are in a classroom?
Classroom size is determined by enrollment numbers. Kindergarten classes at Bernazzani are typically between 20 and 25 students with a full time teacher an aid. Bernazzani typically enrolls approximately 350 students grades K-5.
Does my child have recess? Is it indoor or outdoor?
Each morning, kindergarten children have a morning break, which includes snack time. There is also recess after lunch, and an afternoon recess. Recess may be held indoors or outdoors, depending upon the weather.
Is there snack time?
The children may bring a nut free snack each day to be eaten in the classroom. Fruits and vegetables are ideal! They are nutritious and easy to clean up. The children may also bring water or juice drinks.
How does my child buy a school lunch? How much does it cost? (2016-17 prices)
The children will be having lunch in the cafeteria. If your child will be purchasing a school lunch, please send the lunch money in an envelope with your child’s name on it. School lunch is served every school day except Tuesdays (early release).
The full price of a school lunch is $2.25. Many families also qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch. The reduced-price lunch is 40 cents. If you would like to inquire about the free and reduced lunch program, click here for the Quincy Public School’s Food Service web page.
Milk is served with all lunches, but students may also purchase milk without buying a school lunch. The cost of milk is 40 cents.
For an updated version of the School Lunch Calendar, click here.
Is there a rest time in Kindergarten?
Children will have a short rest time after lunch.
What supplies does my child need?
Your child will need a back pack or a tote bag to bring to school daily. The bag should be large enough to fit a large library book.
Are there bathrooms in the Kindergarten classrooms?
There are student bathrooms in each kindergarten classroom.