MLC's Countdown to Kindergarten

Dear Families,

I will be sending a Countdown to Kindergarten Newsletter to incoming MLC Kindergarten Families throughout the spring and summer. The newsletters will have information for how to best prepare your child for kindergarten and beyond, resources, and opportunities to meet other students and families before school begins.

As a family, you can prepare your incoming kindergartener for academic success by going beyond teaching your child the “ABC” song by working on letter and sound recognition. Talk about the colors and shapes around you such as the round clock or the red umbrella. Make simple counting a part of your child's day by counting aloud as you put each piece of silverware in the drawer, climb stairs, or bring in bags of groceries. Help your child learn important concepts by “acting out” the differences between up and down, in and out, high and low, over and under, small and tall.

Thank you for partnering with us as your child develops.

Sincerely,

Ashlee

MLC Principal

Dr. Ashlee Hudson is proud to be serving in her first year as MLC's Principal, bringing 11 years of experience in the principalship and a deep commitment to student-centered, inclusive education. Over the course of her career, she has held a wide range of roles, including Special Education Teacher, Autism Consultant, Evaluation Specialist, Coach, Assistant Principal, Director of Supported Education, and Principal. These experiences have shaped her belief in creating learning environments where every student is known, supported, and challenged.

Ashlee is also a parent; her son attended options schools for most of his K–12 journey and is now successfully completing his first year away at college. This personal connection informs her understanding of the importance of finding the right school community for every child and family.

5/15: MLC Kindergarten Connect (check-in at Main Office) 4:00-4:30 p.m.

8/18: MLC Kindergarten Connect Social at Couch Park Playground 10:30 a.m.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following guidelines for technology:

• Less than 2 hours per day for kids ages 5-18.
• No more than 1 hour per day for kids ages 2-5.
• None for kids younger than 18 months old.

Note: This is the combined amount at home, in the car, in the cart at the grocery store, free time at school, etc.

One reason why:

• There is a negative impact on developing the part of our brain used for socially appropriate responses and modifications of emotions. Children who have excessive exposure to technology (e.g., iPads, phones, video games, etc.) demonstrate difficulty interacting with others, socializing, and regulating their emotions.

The children who have had excessive exposure to technology have struggled the most with the transition to school the last few years. The good news is, there are specific things you can do to reduce the negative impacts of technology:

• Establish technology free times and locations. Do not use technology during meals, while riding in the car, an hour before bed, and to balance screen time with active play.
• Technology is a tool, not a toy. Technology is also not a cure for boredom, something to soothe a fussy child, or a replacement for good conversations or interactions that positively impact emotional development, self-control, and language development.

Click here to view the slide deck we went through during our Lottery Open House.