Kindergarten Teachers Welcome Students and Families 

Katie Julseth-White and Shauna Monkman start getting to know students and their families months before the students start school. Transition planning for September 2026 has already begun for the two Kindergarten teachers. It’s part of Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt Elementary Middle School’s goal to plan successful transitions for all students. 

“As Kindergarten teachers, we believe this is probably one of the most important transitions. Our focus is building strong relationships with students and families before school begins,” said Julseth-White. 

Introducing students and families to the school and classroom routines early helps families feel welcome. Students come into the classroom with more confidence. This makes their transitions to full-time school a little easier. 

Like all elementary schools in the district, Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt hosts an open house for preschoolers called Ready, Set, Explore. These events include play-based learning. Preschoolers and their families get an idea of what to expect at school. 

Families are also invited to Kinderfair for hands-on activities and a school tour. At Stitó:s Lá:lém Totí:lt’s Kinderfair, incoming students make bracelets and special bags for their classrooms. These activities help build community for incoming students. 

Julseth-White and Monkman communicate with families in a variety of ways throughout the spring. The school shares important information through emails and QR codes. Families even receive a video of the two teachers reading a story called “Our Class is a Family”. Students become familiar with the teachers and often recognize them by the time they start school. 

The school also has a social story that families can look at with their students. The social story has pictures of the school - where students line up, hang their backpacks and eat. It includes photos of staff members, too. Social stories can help reduce a child’s anxiety when they are facing a new social situation. 

A family questionnaire is available in multiple languages. It helps staff learn about students’ strengths, interests, and needs. Each family is also invited to an individual transition meeting in the classroom. There they have the opportunity for one-on-one time with their student’s teacher. 

“This meeting provides time for us to answer any questions. Sometimes it’s the family’s first child coming to school, and they have a lot of questions and wonderings. It can help settle some of the fears and anxieties around transition time,” said Monkman. “This time together reinforces families as partners in supporting student success.”

Kindergarten is gradual entry. This lets students slowly become comfortable with routines, their classroom, and expectations. 

“The plan we have in place helps new learners feel welcome, connected, and excited to have that lifelong learning journey,” said Julseth-White. “We’re happy to be the start of that.”

Learn more about kindergarten: Kindergarten | Early Learning.