The “Wine with Friends Who Have Been There” offered such great support for us parents, who have kiddos heading off to Kinder next year. Roleen was very much missed, but we are so grateful to Zoe, Katy, teachers Cindy and Adriana, and parents who have NSW grads, who shared their stories and gave GREAT advice! We all walked away feeling supported and armed with helpful ideas on how to help our children and us (sniff sniff), as we embark on this new journey.
Refection:
“After Tuesday’s meeting, I walked away feeling really supported in Henry’s transition to Kindergarten. But, to be fair, I’ve felt that way all year because of the amazing teachers and staff at NSW. What we’ve learned about Henry and about our family over the past two years has made us confident in being able to find the right school fit for him (and, if necessary, to recognize how to make adjustments or changes and to reach out to the NSW community for support). Plus, it is always good to hang out with parents who are all in this together!
-Dana Kao
What we discussed and some very thoughtful support:
- Discussions about the “what if’s.”
- What has your personal experience been when your child transitioned from NSW? -parents who have been there.
- Where are all the children heading next year?
- Important to remember that you are able to be a part of what is important to you in their new community. Be involved in your own way and advocate for things that are important to you.
- Use your NSW community as a foundation to help you for what is to come. Embrace your new community and be present.
- Your kinder decision is not always a final one. You CAN move.
- NSW yahoo group! Importance of the NSW community- how do you feel when you walk in the door and what is that community piece for you at your new school?
- It is important for your child to be exposed to new teachers and new personalities.
- Question- How do you keep the same connection to NSW for your children too? Remember that the children will connect in their own new way at their new school. Try to have your child meet the children at the new school as soon as they can- school play dates.
- Let your children know that you looked around and this is the best school for our family. “You’re a child that can do hard things. Remember when you didn’t know how to…”.
- Book recommendation “The Invisible String.”
- Checking in with them by asking open ended questions. This helps to support them.
- Expect the unexpected.
- “Do not underestimate the power of the school front office.”
- When you greet your child, greet them with something positive.
- If my child has has an issue with a child in the past, should we ask for them to be in separate classes? No. Children grow and we are all working on something. Give them time to figure it out. If it doesn’t work speak with the teachers. Ask, what is next?
- What is the average time for the transition to take place? This is not a simple answer, but if they are still struggling after Thanksgiving reevaluate.
- Photos of elementary schools can be found in the NSW library for them to explore.
- How will they continue to have a voice in a new, maybe larger school? Teachings in NSW is a value which will continue if you nurture those values as a family at home.
- Our children are going to go and change the world with the ways that they communicate. Remember that they made new friends at NSW and created a community and they can do it again.
