UTK/Kindergarten/New Student FAQs
To enroll in UTK for the 2023-2024 school year, click HERE.
UTK/Kinder Playdates Save the Dates!
Summer 2023 UTK/K Playdates are TBD. Stay tuned for date/time. These events are held on our Kinder Playground.
Please contact Dain Middleton ([email protected]) for more information!
Day as a Dolphin 2023 will be held on Thurs June 8th and 1pm! All incoming UTK and Kindergarten students are invited to campus to take a tour and meet our teachers. More details will be sent out soon!
FAQ:
Is my child ready for Kindergarten?
- It depends on your child. Children 5 years old as of September 1 are eligible for Kindergarten.
- Loma Portal will also continue to offer a full day Universal Transitional Kindergarten program for those children that turn 4 by September 2nd, 2023. Click HERE for more info.
How do I register my child?
- If you are not a resident of the area and would like your child to attend Loma Portal, you may take advantage of SDUSD's School Choice program. More information can be found HERE.
What is the usual start time? Can I drop off earlier?
- The school day begins at 8:20 AM everyday. All Kindergarteners need to be walked to the line up area on the upper blacktop. Please DO NOT drop your child off at curb. UTK students need to be walked to their line up area on the Kindergarten playground (please use the Willow Street gate).
- There is supervision on the Kindergarten Playground and Upper Blacktop area from 8:00 AM until 8:15 AM.
- When the Run for Life program begins (second week of school) students may participate by running laps on the upper black top 7:55-8:15 AM every day.
What is the end time? How is pick up done?
- Dismissal is at 2:30pm M, T, W, F. Thursday dismissal is at 12:25pm. All UTK and Kindergartners must be picked up at their classroom door by a parent or guardian
Is there a snack before lunch?
- Yes! There is a break for a snack and a snack recess in the mid morning. Parents, please must provide a snack for their child each day.
Is there lunch everyday?
- Yes, even on Thursdays. Students may bring a lunch from home or they can get a hot lunch at the cafeteria using their prepaid account. UTK and Kindergartners eat with other Kinder students at their own tables in the lunch arbor.
Are there bathrooms nearby?
- Yes, there are bathrooms in both UTK classrooms and also bathrooms right outside all K classrooms.
What enrichment outside the classroom is offered?
- Every week your child will attend the STEAM Lab, Library, P.E., and Music class. There are also a variety of after school programs, on campus, available for your child. Please click here for more info.
Is there small group instruction?
- Yes, UTK and Kindergartners rotate through different centers/stations during the day. The teacher is then able to work with a small group of students at a time to really help develop their skills.
- For 2022-2023, class size in grades UTK through 3rd grade is 22-24 students per class.
Can I volunteer in my child's class?
- Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the Kinder classroom, especially in the morning rotations, to help with the activity or read to them. First, please complete the volunteer forms. Then contact your teacher to set up a time: weekly, bi-monthly, or whatever works for you.
Is there homework in kindergarten?
- Not the first weeks. Usually homework is distributed Monday in a folder that your child brings back on Friday. It includes extra enrichment for your child to do at home and with you.
How can I meet other incoming K families?
- Please come to the Summer Playdate days scheduled over the summer on the K playground. Incoming UTK/Kindergarteners and their families are encouraged to come play and meet other families.
Is there before and after school care?
- Yes, Klassic Kids is offered at Loma Portal before and after school, as well as YMCA after school, and several other programs. Learn more here.
Is the campus secure?
- The ALL gates are locked by 8:45am. If you must remain on campus after the bell rings, you must go to the office and sign out. Loma Portal also has a newly installed PA system that is audible to the entire campus in case of emergency announcements along with video cameras and monitors across campus.