Berg and Thomas Jefferson Elementaries will have a “staggered start” for its transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students beginning this fall. This consists of smaller class sizes for the first few days to allow students to feel more comfortable meeting other students and their teachers. This purpose of the staggered start format is to:
Provide the opportunity for teachers to begin to get to know the students and their needs more quickly; Allow kindergarten teachers an opportunity to explain and practice school routines and safety procedures more easily with a smaller group; Offer several small group lessons and activities dealing with making new friends, working and playing together, and following directions.
The staggered start will allow the young students the opportunity to make a smooth transition and become familiar with their surroundings, expectations, and new friends.
The staggered start format will divide students into 2 groups:
Students with last names that begin with A-K will attend school on Aug. 19. They will not attend school on Aug. 20. They will return to school on Aug. 21 and will attend school each day thereafter, following the standard Newton Community School District calendar. Students with last names that begin with L-Z will not attend school on Aug. 19. They will start school on Aug. 20 and will attend school each day thereafter, following the standard NCSD calendar.
Students will follow the typical school hours of 8 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
For questions or need of additional information about the staggered start schedule, call Berg Elementary at (641) 792-7742 or Thomas Jefferson Elementary at (641) 792-2498.