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Green Mountain Elementary School

Kindergarten

Welcome Kindergarten Families!

About Slow Start Kindergarten

A gradual beginning to the school year helping students learn routines, build confidence, and develop positive relationships before transitioning into the full classroom experience.

Slow Start Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Register for Kindergarten

Read a welcome message from Principal Garber!

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When will I know my child’s teacher?

To ensure the best possible class placements, all Kindergarten teachers will work with all students during the Slow Start days. Students will be assigned a teacher on Wednesday afternoon, September 2. You will be notified by phone of your student’s teacher. This allows us to get to know your child and create balanced classrooms that support the needs of all learners.

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Join us at our

Kindergarten Parent Information Event

August 27, 1:30 p.m.

Please check your email regularly in August for important updates and details.

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Week 1: Slow Start Schedule

The First Day of Kindergarten is August 31, 2026!

Monday, Aug. 31 - Wednesday, Sept. 2

Half Day Schedule 9:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3 - Friday, Sept. 4

No School for Kindergarteners Families will sign up for 30-minute meetings with teachers

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Week 2: School Schedule

Monday, Sept. 7

No School Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday, Sept. 8 - Wednesday, Sept. 9

Full Day Schedule 9:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10

Regular Early Release Day Every Thursday - Whole School 9:00 a.m. - 1:55 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11

Regular School Day 9:00 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have additional questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

    • To get to know your child individually
    • To teach classroom routines in a calm setting
    • To support students emotionally and socially, and set a strong, positive foundation for the year

    • Talk about what school will be like
    • Practice morning routines
    • Encourage curiosity and confidence
    • Let your child know it's okay to feel both excited and nervous!
       

  • School Smarts

    •  Listening to the teacher
    • Sitting on the carpet
    • Walking in line
    • Following directions

    Social Smarts

    • Sharing
    • Making friends
    • Managing big emotions
    • Playing safely

    Student Supports

    • Our team will learn how to best support your child's unique needs

  • Transportation will be available for all grade levels starting Aug. 31. Find your bus route and pickup and dropoff times online or call (360) 662-8800 to find pick up and drop off times for your student.

  • The YMCA offers before and after school care at Green Mountain. Visit their website or contact 360-813-1813 for more information. 

A young boy with curly brown hair smiles at the camera.

Welcome Message from Principal Garber

Welcome Kindergarten Families to the Grizzly Community!

I am thrilled to welcome you and your child to kindergarten! Starting school is an exciting milestone, and we are honored to partner with you as your child begins this important journey.

Kindergarten is a year filled with growth, discovery, and new experiences. Our students will learn foundational academic skills while also developing friendships, independence, confidence, and a love of learning. We recognize that each child comes to us with unique strengths and experiences, and we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every student can thrive.

Sometimes the transition to the first few days of kindergarten can be a bit much for our newest learners. You can help make this big change a little easier for your student by working on the following this summer:

  • Help your student to recognize their first name.
  • Work on taking turns, sharing, and following simple directions from adults.
  • Encourage independence with tasks like putting on a backpack or opening lunch containers.
  • Foster bathroom hygiene independence: this includes making it to the bathroom on time, wiping and washing their own hands, and choosing the correct place to potty.
  • Practice tying or velcroing shoes, zipping coats, and walking independently (without holding an adult’s hand to stay nearby).

We are excited to get to know your family and look forward to a wonderful year of learning, growth, and memorable experiences together. Please note that kindergarteners in Central Kitsap will be starting school on August 31st - just like the rest of our students. Thank you for entrusting us with your child.

Warmly,
Cyndi Garber
Green Mountain Principal

First Day CK 2026

Countdown to the first day of school!
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