Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
We're so excited to welcome your family to the Mark Twain community! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and this page is designed to make the journey as simple and stress-free as possible. Here you'll find the essential information, important dates, helpful resources, and next steps to help your newest Twain Tiger get ready for an amazing first year.
Have questions along the way? Our Kindergarten Representatives are here to help! Don't hesitate to reach out—we're happy to answer questions, point you in the right direction, or simply help you feel more confident as you prepare for the school year.
We can't wait to welcome you and your little Tiger to Mark Twain. Here's to a wonderful first year!
A Day in the Life of a Twain Kindergartener
Wondering what a typical day looks like? Here's a quick look at the exciting adventures that await your newest Twain Tiger!
Morning Arrival
Breakfast is available beginning at 7:10 a.m. Students who wish to eat breakfast may enter through the cafeteria doors after being dropped off in the designated carpool line. Students not eating breakfast may be dropped off beginning at 7:20 a.m. in the designated carpool line or at the front entrance.
For everyone's safety and independence, parents must use the designated drop-off locations and may not walk students into the building.
Morning Routine
During the first few weeks of school, all kindergarten students begin their day in the cafeteria, where they meet their teachers before walking to class together.
The first bell rings at 7:20 a.m., the second bell rings at 7:30 a.m., and students must be in their classrooms and ready to learn by 7:30 a.m.
Breakfast is free for all Mark Twain students.
Learning & Specials
Every day is filled with hands-on learning in the classroom along with weekly specials including Spanish, Art, Music, Science, and P.E.
Throughout the year, students also enjoy visits to the library and learning experiences in our beautiful outdoor garden, with these opportunities becoming more frequent as students settle into their school routines.
Lunch & Recess
Students enjoy lunch with classmates in the cafeteria before heading outside to our beautiful Spark Park playground.
Thanks to the Mark Twain PTO, our playground now features wonderful shade structures so students can play comfortably throughout the year.
Dismissal
Dismissal begins at 3:00 p.m. Kindergarten families pick up students at the Kindergarten Gate, located in the volunteer parking lot.
Students may also be independent walkers if they have an older sibling at Twain. Older siblings pick kindergarten students up from their classrooms and walk them out together.
Families may also choose the carpool lane, and all dismissal plans are shared with your child's teacher before school begins.
Stay Connected
Teachers primarily communicate through ParentSquare. If you're new to Mark Twain, your ParentSquare account will be created through HISD before school begins.
Please ensure your contact information is up to date with HISD so you receive classroom updates, reminders, and important school announcements throughout the year.
Kindergarten Fun All Year Long
From the first weeks of school through the end of the year, these special traditions help our newest Twain Tigers make friends, build confidence, and create wonderful memories.
Incoming Kinder Kona Ice Party
Keep the back-to-school excitement going with a sweet morning at the Mark Twain Spark Park! After meeting your teacher and reconnecting with familiar faces, join us for a fun opportunity to make even more new friends before the school year begins.
Every incoming kindergarten student will receive a complimentary Kona Ice, generously sponsored by the Mark Twain PTO. Additional Kona Ice will be available for purchase for parents, siblings, and other family members.
Come celebrate the start of an amazing school year, connect with fellow Twain Tiger families, and enjoy a cool treat together!
Kindergarten Pizza Party
Celebrate the season with one of our favorite kindergarten traditions! Each October, our newest Twain Tigers and their families gather under the pavilion for a special pizza party filled with laughter, friendship, and fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to spend time with classmates while parents meet one another, build connections, and celebrate a fantastic start to the kindergarten year.
Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast
One of Twain's most treasured kindergarten traditions! Families are invited to join their student for a special Thanksgiving celebration during the school day and make lasting memories together.
Kindergarten Carnival
What better way to celebrate an incredible first year than with the beloved Kindergarten Carnival! Hosted by our amazing kindergarten teachers, this end-of-year tradition is filled with games, treats, laughter, and plenty of fun. It's a joyful celebration of all our newest Twain Tigers have learned, the friendships they've made, and the memories they've created throughout their first year at Mark Twain.
Kindergarten Musical
One of Mark Twain's most cherished traditions, the Kindergarten Musical features each kindergarten class performing a selection of songs for family and friends. It's a heartwarming celebration that gives every student a chance to shine on stage.
Need Help?
Not sure where to start? Contact the PTO and we will point you in the right direction.
