San Marino USD Will Offer Transitional Kindergarten

With the passage of the State Budget, the San Marino Unified School District will be providing a Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. The following provides answers to frequently asked questions:

What is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Pursuant to law, a child is eligible for TK this upcoming school year if their fifth birthday is between November 2 and December 2, 2012. A transitional kindergarten is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. It is designed for students who may benefit from an extra year of learning before entering a full-day kindergarten class.

Is attendance in TK mandatory?
TK is not mandatory. Parents may choose not to enroll their children in TK.

Is there a cost to enroll in TK?
No. TK is part of free public education.

How do I enroll my child in TK?
Parents/guardians should call Judy Mellick (Registrar) at (626) 299-7000 ext. 321 to schedule an appointment. Appointments will be scheduled beginning July 19. Parents/guardians are required to follow the District’s enrollment requirements.

What is the structure of the TK program?
We anticipate that there will be few students eligible for TK for the 2012-2013 school year. In all likelihood, TK students will be assigned to a Kindergarten/TK combination class.

What curriculum will be used?
Teachers will use modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate to enhance student learning. Curriculum will be aligned to the kindergarten standards. Emphasis is on positive social, emotional, and motor skill development.

Will TK be offered at both elementary schools?
No. We anticipate that TK will be offered only at one site, which has not yet been determined. However, all eligible students in the district will be able to attend.

Will SMUSD provide transportation for my child to attend TK?
No. Transportation is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

What kind of background/experience will the TK teacher have?
The teacher will be fully credentialed.

Can I opt to have my child attend kindergarten instead of TK if I think s/he is ready?
No. The law does not allow students born after November 1st to be enrolled in kindergarten.

If I choose not to enroll my child in TK, will my child have a reduced chance of getting into kindergarten at his/her home school the next year?
Kindergarten students are enrolled in their home schools on a space available basis. All students enrolled in TK will have equal status to all others in their neighborhood school.

Can my child who is age appropriate for regular kindergarten, go to TK instead?
No. They must attend kindergarten.

After attending the TK program, what grade will my student attend the following year?
The TK Program is the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience. After completing a year of the TK Program, a student would then attend a kindergarten program at their home school.

What will a TK program schedule look like?
Transitional kindergarten will have a similar schedule to the current District full-day kindergarten schedule (8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.).

For more information about Transitional Kindergarten, please contact Dr. Gary McGuigan (Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services) at (626) 299-7000 ex 320 or Judy Mellick (Registrar) at (626) 299-7000 ex 321.