• Kindergarten 

     
    The 2021-22 Connect to Kindergarten season will launch in mid-February.  At that time, this website will contain updated information about: 
     
    • how to locate your neighborhood school, 
    • how to register on-line for kindergarten, 
    • how to learn more about the lottery process for dual language and focus option schools, 
    • and how to start connecting with your neighborhood school community.

     

    School websites will also be updated in mid-February with principal videos and specific details about each school's Connect to Kindergarten spring events.
     
    If you have any questions, please email kindergarten@pps.net and we will respond to your inquiry.

  • Kindergarten Readiness


    You might think that it's most important for children to start kindergarten knowing their ABCS, number, shapes and colors. But there are equally, if not more, important skills that prepare your child for success in school.

    Raising an eager learner is the goal, and it can be achieved through play and day-to-day activities. Here are the top readiness skills that kindergarten teachers look for:
    • Excitement toward learning
    • Talking about thoughts and feelings
    • Listening to others
    • Desire to be independent
    • Playing well with others and taking turns
    • Following simple instructions
    • Ability to hold and use a pencil or crayon
    • Recognizing numbers and letters

     

    What is kindergarten readiness?

    Helpful Hints for Families and Caregivers for a Confident Start to School (2 pages) 

     

    The ABCs of Kindergarten booklet includes information about getting involved in your school, a typical kindergarten classroom schedule, a directory, and helpful hints for a smooth start to school. Available in all languages from your school. For your convenience,  here are:  English, Spanish
     

    Ready Set Connect to Kindergarten is a booklet with activities you and your incoming kindergartner can do together. Here is a favorite: Go on a letter search. Look in old magazines and newspapers. Circle the G's, H's and I's. Use a crayon to write the letters on a piece of paper. Available in all languages: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Somali. This booklet was created by the Multnomah County Commission on Children, Families, and Community and Portland Public Schools with funding from United Way.

    Kindergarten Readiness Links

Contacts

Emily Glasgow
Director, Early Learners Dept.
503-916-3684
eglasgow@pps.net
Francine Buker
TOSA, Early Learners Dept.
503-916-3845
fbuker@pps.net
Nancy Hauth
Student Success Program Manager, Pre-K, Kindergarten, School-Age Child Care
503-916-3230
nhauth@pps.net
The Kindergarten Team
kindergarten@pps.net

ABCs of Kindergarten

  • To order the ABCs of Kindergarten, a small booklet about starting school in PPS, order directly from the Print Shop. 


    Black and white or full-color options are available.  See Kindergarten page for printable PDF in English or Spanish.

     

    Discover the benefits of raising a bilingual child.

Connect to Kindergarten

  • On August 31, 2020, we hosted a Connect to Kindergarten event. The Early Learners Program would like to give a special thanks to everyone who tuned in to watch our live information session. If you missed this live event, don't worry! Click this link to watch the recording.  And, click here to read more information provided during the live session. 

    If you have any questions refer to the FAQs about Kindergarten document or email:  kindergarten@pps.net.

  • Read-Aloud Tips

    Ten Tips for Reading
    Aloud to Children

    1. Make time for reading everyday.

    2. Choose a variety of books about
    different topics.

    3. Choose books with interesting
    words and engaging pictures.

    4. Be sure the child can see the
    pictures while being read to.

    5. Read with expression.

    6. Stop after the first few pages
    and talk about who or what the story
    is about and where it is happening.

    7. Ask the child to predict what might
    happen next as the story develops.

    8. During the story, stop and talk
    about what the main character is feeling.

    9. After reading the story, have the child
    talk about favorite parts and pictures.
    Always encourage the child to tell the ‘why’
    of his/her thinking.

    10. Have fun !!!!!