Kindergarten
Welcome to Kindergarten at Bigfork Elementary School
Kindergarten is the year for many firsts for your child, such as visiting the school library, eating in the cafeteria and maybe riding the school bus for the first time. Every child develops at a different rate and many children going into kindergarten don’t have all of the skills required upon enrollment. However, most develop them during the summer before school begins and during the first few weeks or months of kindergarten.
On this page you will find information that can help you and your child’s transition into Kindergarten.
Kindergarten is a special year and we are thrilled to have your child join our School Family. Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Brenda Clarke,
Elementary School Principal
Kindergarten Information for the 2026-2027 School Year
First two weeks of school will look like this
We typically use a staggered start for kindergarten students. If there are any changes to this schedule, we will be sure to notify you. This approach allows your child to be gradually introduced to kindergarten in a supportive way.
With a smaller group of students, your child will have the opportunity to learn the basics of school in a lower-stress environment. This includes experiencing lunch, recess, specials, and learning how to participate in a classroom setting.
All students will come on the First Day of school Monday, August 31st which is an early release at 1:30. After that, we will have a staggered start schedule as outlined below.
Group A – Children with last names A-L
All students will come on the First Day of School.
If your child’s last name begins with A-L, he/she will have then have school on:
- Tuesday, September 1st
- Thursday, September 3rd
- Wednesday, September 9th Late Start 8:40
- Friday, September 11th
Group B – Children with last names M-Z
All students will come on the First Day of School. If your child’s last name begins with M-Z, he/she will then have school on:
- Wednesday, September 2nd Late Start 8:40
- Friday, September 4th
- Tuesday, September 8th
- Thursday September 10th
All students will come beginning Monday, September 14 every day after that!
Kindergarten Supply List
Please label all your supplies!
12-18 glue sticks
1-Bottle Elmer’s Glue
3- Boxes of 24 ct. crayons
1 – Set colored pencils
2-Watercolor paints (Crayola or Prang are best)
4 dry erase markers (expo)
1 box #2 pencils (Ticonderoga
Fiskar-style scissors
3-boxes of tissue
3-boxes of markers
1-Pink eraser
1 box of non-perishable snack (goldfish, pretzels, crackers)
1-Backpack (labeled with child name)
1-small pencil box (6”x8”)
2-4 pack play-doh
Ms. Siloti’s class
1 Box Gallon size Ziplock bags
Mrs. Dahlman’s class
1 Box Quart size Ziplock bags
Ms. Young’s class
1 Box Sandwich size Ziplock bags
A successful transition to Kindergarten can look like this
Regulated
- Uses gentle hands and feet
- Communicates emotions
- Handles dissapointments well
- Follow rules & routines
- Problem-solves
Independent
- Seperates from family/caregiver to go to class
- Uses scissors
- Holds pencil correctly
- Knows his/her name, parent/guardian name and teacher’s name
- Asks for help when needed
- Focuses on tasks
- Maintains attention
Cooperative
- Shares
- Enters play with peers successfully
- Uses kind words
- Respects personal space (self and others
Curious
- Asks questions
- Takes appropriate risks
- Makes appropriate choices
- Excited to learn
Responsive
- Answers questions
- Follows directions
- Engages with books and other materials
Helpful To Self
- Washes hands
- Uses bathroom independently
- Blows nose
- Uses zipper
- Dresses/undresses
- Advocates for self
Developed in partnership by FVCC’s Early Childhood Program and the Flathead Early Childhood Community
Tell us how you will be getting home each day
Please fill out the form below to let us know how your child will be going home each day. If your child will be taking the bus, please make sure that they are registered to take it. Also, if your plans change on how your child will be going home, please write us a note and send it with your child so we know how they are going home. Thanks so much for your help with this!
The Kindergarten Team
Download the form to let us know how you will be getting home.
Proof of Immunization
Your child may begin school after providing Bigfork Elementary School with proof of the following:
- Certified birth certificate
- Proof of immunizations. The State of Montana requires the following:
- 3 polio – last one after 4th birthday
- 4 DPT – last one after 4th birthday
- 2 MMR
- 2 varicella (chickenpox) or proof of immunity
Download the Proof of Immunizations flyer
School Nurse contact information
Jennifer Knopik, School Nurse
837-7412 x 4020
jknopik@bigfork.k12.mt.us
FAQ
I need bus transportation for my child, what do I do? If your child will be riding the school bus, they will need to be registered via this bus registration form.
My child needs medication at school. What do I need to do to arrange for that? If your child must take medication at school, discuss it with the school nurse. A “Consent For Over The Counter Medication Administration” form must be filled out for all medications that are used at school. This form is available at the nurses office.
What do I do if my child is sick? In case of illness, please keep your child at home. It is important that you call the school to let us know your child is home for the day. You can contact us at 406-837-7412, press #3 for the attendance line.
What type of clothing should my child wear? Check the weather report each day and choose the appropriate outdoor clothing. Dress your child in layers if there’s a possibility that the weather will change. Our students go outside everyday, unless the temperature is too cold. Please label all your clothing!
I would like to be active in school life. What opportunities are there? We encourage parents/guardians to be active in school life. You can join Bigfork School’s PTA, attend open house and other programs offered at Bigfork School. You can also sign up to chaperone for your child’s field trips and excursions. Please remember that you must have had a background check through the school before chaperoning, contact the office for more information.
Can I send money with my child for school breakfast and lunch? Yes, you can send money with your child. Make sure to put it in an envelope marked with your child’s name and what the money is for.
Mrs. Dahlman’s K1 students were learning about Martin Luther King Jr. and were then tasked with formulating their own dream. (School year 2022-2023)
I have a dream…
…that everytime a student runs fast, they get a lemonade! Laken
…that all people can go to the doctor!
Pete
…make oceans clean for everyone!
Finn
…that every kid gets a pizza and a hotdog!
Annastacia