Welcome, newest Pandas!

Starting Kindergarten is a big milestone—for children and their grown-ups! We know there are lots of questions that come with beginning elementary school, so we’ve gathered some of the most helpful information for incoming Sherwood Kindergarten families all in one place.

We can’t wait to welcome your family to the Sherwood community!

💙Your Kindergarten Journey Starts Here!

This list should cover you for things to do before your first day:

• Complete district registration
• Join the Sherwood Family Directory
• Review school supply information
• Check transportation/bus information
• Review lunch menus
• Follow the PTO
• Add the school/PTO calendar
• Purchase spirit wear if desired

🍦Kindergarten Welcome Events

Throughout the summer, Sherwood and the Sherwood PTO host opportunities for our newest Pandas to begin getting comfortable with their new school, meet classmates, and connect with other Kindergarten families.

Kindergarten Ice Cream Social

Kindergarten Peek at Your Seat

🎒 What Does a Kindergarten Day Look Like?

 Kindergarten is full of new routines, new friendships, and lots of learning! Your child's teacher will share classroom-specific schedules and expectations once welcome emails are sent!

• School Hours: 8:36 am- 3:13 pm
• Arrival: Students can be dropped off at school beginning at 8:20 am, when teacher supervision begins.
• Dismissal: Car riders will wait in the gym and dismiss in the order their vehicle arrives in line. Bus riders will wait inside the building and walk with their assigned bus with a staff escort. 
• Bus Transportation: Transportation assignments are available in Infinite Campus. If you have questions about your student's route or eligibility, please contact Susana Rabin, transportation manager, at 224-765-3001 or transportation@nssd112.org.
  
  • Click here for a transportation FAQ
• Lunch: Quest Food Management Services is District 112's food service provider for the 2026-2027 school year. Families can use MySchoolQuest to view breakfast and lunch menus, nutrition information, allergens, and other school dining program information. No login is required to view menus. Lunch is from 11:45-12:35 each day.
• Recess: Students will have recess during their non-lunch time slot (11:45-12:10). Kindergarten students will play in the Kindergarten playground on the West side of the building. 
• Specials: Students will participate in P.E., art, music, and library. Your child's teacher will share classroom-specific schedules during the first few weeks of school.
• Before/After-School care: AlphaBEST is NSSD112's before-school and after-school care provider. To learn more about AlphaBEST, visit alphabest.org/northshoreil.
• Attendance Procedures:NSSD112 allows parents and guardians to report student absences online 24/7 through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal using the Absence Request tool, which eliminates the need to make a separate phone call. 

🍎 Lunch at Sherwood

Kindergartners eat lunch at school each day from 12:10-12:35 pm. Students may bring lunch from home or purchase a school lunch. Families can view menus and information about school meals through the NSSD112 Website. Click the button above to view Sherwood's lunch menus. 

🚗 Getting to & From Sherwood

• Bus Riders: NSSD112 Transportation Information
• Car Riders: Daily supervision begins at 8:20, and students will play outside until 8:36 am, weather permitting. Car riders will wait in the gym and be dismissed in the order their vehicle arrives in line.
• Walkers/Bikers: Will enter the building through their assigned grade level entrance and exit the building the same way.  

📬 How Will I Know What’s Going On?

Every Friday, Mr. Saunders will send out the Panda Prints. It includes information about what is going on at Sherwood and what is coming up. Every other Tuesday, the Sherwood PTO will send out the Bamboo Bulletin. It includes information about what is coming up, where you can volunteer, and how you can support our PTO. The Sherwood PTO Instagram has quick reminders, photos, and community updates. 

💡 Kindergarten Parent Tips

Want some insider information that could really help your incoming Kindergartner? Have no fear, we've created a list!

• Label everything
• Keep an extra change of clothes in your child’s backpack if requested.
• Check backpacks regularly.
• Add important school dates to your calendar early.
• Join the directory—you’ll use it more than you think.
• Don’t worry if your child can’t tell you what they did all day. Apparently “nothing” takes approximately seven hours. 😂

We've asked current Kindergarten/First-Grade parents for their best tips, and here is what they said:

You’re officially a Panda! 🐼💙

Kindergarten is the beginning of a pretty special journey, and we are so excited that your family will be part of it. There will be lots to learn along the way—for kids and grown-ups—and your Sherwood community is here to help.

Welcome to Sherwood!