Congratulations - you and your child are preparing to join the Kettle Moraine School District!  Your family is now part of an educational legacy of more than 50 years of success.  As you embark upon your 14-year learning journey, know we will walk alongside you and your child.  We are excited to meet our newest Kettle Moraine Lasers! 

Where is 4K located?
Each of our elementary school buildings offers on site, 1/2 day 4K.  In addition to our school sites, we also have a variety of community partners. Click  HERE to see the list of all of our 4K sites. 

Is my child ready for 4K?
One readiness measure for 4K is a child’s birthday.  Your learner will need to be four by September 1 of the school year they begin to attend.  

A birthdate is only one indicator of readiness.  Parents/caregivers and educators agree that all four-year-olds are unique in their emotional and academic readiness.  Here is a document that helps guide parents in knowing the types of skills that will be practiced in 4K.  Learner success is not tied to being proficient in each of the areas listed.  However, having some of the skills in place as you enter 4K will increase a learner's sense of confidence and ability to dig into the other skills.  

If, after reviewing this list, you realize that your four--year-old has few/none of these skills, you are encouraged to contact the Student Services department to inquire about a screening (262) 968-6300.  Our professional staff can help determine if your child may qualify for additional services. 

What can I do to help my child have a smooth transition to 4K?   
Most of our learners transition with little difficulty.  Typically, a learner's excitement about school is a reflection of parent/caregiver excitement for school.  While adults are sometimes nervous or emotional about the start of school, it is best to share the feelings of excitement and joy about school and learning.  Any concerns about the transition are best discussed among the adults (parents/caregivers and educators) without your four-year-old present.

Don’t forget about the “power of play” during this time as well.  While organized activities are fun and beneficial, unstructured play with other children teaches some of the most important school skills needed.  Encouraging children to use their hands, their bodies and their problem-solving skills during play will build school and life skills.  Playing age appropriate board games and making crafts (cutting, painting, writing) are some things you might consider doing at home.  Our happiest learners are those who can manage conflict with other children, with minimal adult assistance.  

While the use of technology is part of a learner’s school and life experience, our youngest learners need experience in fine motor, gross motor and emotional regulation, play, literacy, and numeracy skills.

What happens during a typical day of 4K?
Most of our learners start their day with a bus ride to school. This is an exciting opportunity for your child to socialize and practice safety rules guided by bus driver.  

Once learners arrive at school, they are greeted by staff who accompany learners to the classroom.  During the school day students will be guided through large group, small group and individual activities that build skills in gross motor, fine motor, pre-literacy, pre-numeracy, communication and self-regulation.  

How does 4K placement work?
Parents/caregivers will note their preference(s) during the registration process.  Choices include community providers and all of our elementary schools. Please note that transportation is only provided to the district school sites.  Every effort is made to honor the choices of a family.  

Students living within the school district will all have a “home school” assigned to them based on their address.  Additionally, students attending a district site will be assigned either the AM or PM section based on their address.  A student’s homeschool is based on school district boundaries and a map is available at the 4K Parent Night.  AM and PM placements are determined each year and may fluctuate based on transportation needs. Care is made to transport learners on the shortest and most efficient bus route possible.

Decisions about placements will be made by the first week of April and are communicated to each family via email. Waiting lists for community providers will be maintained by both the school district and the community providers.  If a district spot opens in a community provider, collaboration between Coordinator and provider will occur.  Learners will be placed using the list. 

Waiting lists for district programs will not be created.  If a family would like to have a different district placement considered, they will follow KMORR 2505 Intradistrict Transfer. 

Do children ever repeat 4K?
Research suggests that the retention of a learner rarely impacts future performance or results in long-term reduction of school struggles. With that being said, retention at 4K does have some impact on a learner's ability to be “at level” for kindergarten. 

As with any other grade in the District, all retentions (parent/caregiver or school initiated) must follow the District policy. All parties (teacher, parent/caregiver, principal and psychologist) must be involved in the decision.