Kindergarten
Welcome to Kindergarten!
"Learning, growing, exploring, and belonging together."
Dear Families Preparing for Kindergarten,
Starting kindergarten is an exciting milestone for both children and families. We know this transition often brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, pride, and perhaps a few butterflies. As your child prepares to begin this new adventure, we want you to know that we are excited to partner with you every step of the way.
At South Whidbey Elementary School, we believe that parents and caregivers are a child’s first and most important teachers. We look forward to partnering with you as your child begins their elementary school experience.
As your Kindergarten teachers, we are thrilled to welcome families and children who are new to our school community and welcome back those returning with a younger child. Teachers and staff are so excited to meet each of you and begin building the relationships that help children thrive.
Kindergarten is a year filled with discovery, growth, friendship, and joy. Through play, exploration, hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships, students develop the academic and social-emotional skills that will support them throughout their school years and beyond.
Here are a few things that make our kindergarten program special:
Farm, Forest, and Sea
We celebrate the incredible land and resources that surround us. Our "Farm, Forest, and Sea" instructional themes help children explore and connect with their island home. Whether planting peas at our school farm, exploring trails in our school forest, studying local wildlife, or learning about the Salish Sea, students are engaged in authentic, hands-on learning experiences that foster curiosity and wonder.
Learning Through Play and Exploration
We know young children learn best through active engagement. Our classrooms provide opportunities for students to develop foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies while also encouraging creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and a lifelong love of learning.
Social and Emotional Growth
Kindergarten is about so much more than academics. Our program provides ongoing opportunities for children to learn and practice social-emotional skills, self-regulation, communication, kindness, responsibility, and problem-solving. These are skills that will support them throughout their school experience—and throughout life. It reminds me of the saying, "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten."
Every Child Belongs
We recognize and celebrate that every child is unique and brings their own strengths, experiences, perspectives, and qualities to our school community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children feel safe, valued, respected, and supported. We celebrate diversity and teach with equity, belonging, and compassion at the center of our work.
Preparing for Kindergarten
One of the best ways to prepare for kindergarten is through everyday experiences. Reading together, talking about the world around you, practicing independence, playing, exploring outdoors, and establishing routines all help children build confidence and readiness for school.
Most importantly, please know that children enter kindergarten with a wide range of experiences and skills. We are excited to meet each child exactly where they are and help them grow throughout the year.
We can't wait to meet you and your child! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warmly,
Haley Gutierrez (Ms. Haley)
Sarah Gillett (Ms. Sarah)
Circe Skaife (Ms. Circe)
South Whidbey Elementary School Kindergarten Team
Kindergarten Readiness Night Presentation
Typical Kindergarten Day
Encourage Independence
Skills your child should practice…
- Using the toilet without adult assistance
- Putting on and removing his or her own coat, hats, and mittens
- Hanging up his or her coat and backpack
- Fasteners (e.g., zippers and snaps)
- Opening food containers, cartons, straws, ketchup packets
- Putting toys away
- Following adult directions
- Holding a pencil/crayon
- Using scissors and glue
Kindergarten School Supply List
2026-2027 Kindergarten Supply List
Student Supplies (required)
- Backpack (large enough for folders)
- Reusable water bottle
- 1 complete change of clothes in a labeled gallon bag
- Weather-appropriate jacket and outdoor shoes
Classroom Supplies (required)
- 2 boxes of crayons (24-count)
- 8–12 glue sticks
- 1 pair child-safe scissors
- 1 package black dry-erase markers (4-pack)
- 2 box washable markers
- 1 box colored pencils
- 1 pack of black sharpies
- 1 composition notebook
- 1 watercolor set
- 1 pack of oil pastels (highly encouraged but optional if hard to find)
Classroom Donations (Optional and Appreciated)
- SNACK!!
- Granola bars, crackers, gold fish, fruit leather, jerky, cheese sticks etc.
- No foods with food dye please!
- Tissues
- Unscented baby wipes
- Gallon or sandwich zip-top bags
- Colored construction paper
- Crafty items (misc. Craft supplies like yarn, sparkles, stickers, prizes)
All supplies will be shared with the exception of the water bottle and backpack.
Please contact your teacher or Readiness to Learn for assistance in purchasing these supplies if needed. Readiness to Learn - (supply assistance resource) 360-221-6808 ext 4321 or email rtlfprograms@readinesstolearn.org