August 30 is the start of the Danbury school year, a happy return for many families but one filled with anxiety for others. It may be your child’s first year in school; thus, you probably have many questions and concerns. For the veteran students: welcome back! I want to update Danbury families on our new Kindergarten Orientation, explore ways to prepare your children for school, and tell you about an exciting opportunity, the New Promise Program to learn more about Danbury schools in preparation for the big day. 

School will begin on Tuesday, August 30, with a full day for grades 1-12. Kindergarteners and their families will participate in a preplanned orientation on Tuesday, August 30, Wednesday, August 31, or Thursday, September 1. Look in your email box or the Parent Square App for a letter from the school principal concerning the details. Orientation will consist of meeting the child’s teacher, taking a bus ride, getting to know the classroom and routines, and having lunch. Parents will learn about school routines and expectations, critical phone numbers, the principal and their assistant, the school secretary, the nurse, and your family liaison. Kindergarteners’ first full day of school will begin on Friday, September 2.  

In the meantime, in preparation for this major milestone, work with your child to write their full name, and know their address and phone number. Read with your child and review letters, numbers, and colors. Assist your child with becoming proficient in opening small milk containers, using Ziplock bags, and plastic food containers, carrying a tray with items on it, and toileting and dressing themselves. At the same time, encouraging your child to ask adults for help is important.  

I am encouraging every family to enroll in the New Promise Program. It connects families with information and resources, including material on technology, transportation, policies, meals, Google classroom, technology support, PowerSchool, and Parent Square, and supports students’ learning at home. The program is offered in three languages on Wednesday nights, August 3, 10, and 17, from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. To register, please write to danburynewpromiseprogram@gmail.com. 

Lastly, for both longstanding and new families, please be on the lookout for your invitation to Parent Square. Parent Square is replacing the old system of ROBO calls. Everyone needs to verify their account and decide how to receive messages. Emergency alerts will be delivered via email or text; however, longer non-emergency communication can be delivered throughout the day, or you can elect to have a digest of communication sent to you at 6:00 pm daily. For families with children in multiple schools, this feature is a way to get all your messages in one email.  

We are in countdown mode to the beginning of school. School principals and staff are preparing the school for our students’ return. We are looking forward to an amazing year, full of learning, and to having all families engaged in their schools. If you need further information, please reach out to the Office of Family, School & Community Partnerships at 203-797-4734.  

 Anne E. Mead, Ed. D., is the administrator for the Early Childhood Education and Extended Learning Programs of the Danbury Public Schools. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her at 203-830-6508 or meadan@danbury.k12. ct.us.