Kindergarten Staggered Entry (2026–2027)
Welcome to Elon Elementary! We are excited to welcome your child to our Little Phoenix family and begin this exciting kindergarten journey together. Our goal is to provide a smooth, positive start to kindergarten while helping every child feel comfortable and confident on their first days of school.
What is Kindergarten Staggered Entry?
The Alamance-Burlington School System uses a staggered enrollment process for all kindergarten students. During staggered entry, students attend school on one individually assigned day before all kindergarten students begin school together.
This smaller-group setting allows our teachers to:
Build relationships with each child
Introduce school routines and expectations
Complete beginning-of-year reading and math assessments
Observe students in the classroom
Create balanced classroom rosters that best meet students' needs
How Does Staggered Entry Work?
Each kindergarten student is assigned one staggered entry day. Families receive their child's assigned date on a colored postcard mailed to the enrollment address in early August.
Please have your child attend only on the assigned staggered entry date. Parents/guardians are responsible for childcare on the two days their child is not scheduled to attend school.
All kindergarten students will begin attending school together with their permanently assigned teacher on August 27, 2026.
Important Dates
Staggered Entry
Assigned Day 1: August 24, 2026
Assigned Day 2: August 25, 2026
Assigned Day 3: August 26, 2026
Meet the Teacher
August 26, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Families may arrive anytime during this open-house event to meet their child's teacher. Teacher assignments will be available upon arrival, and staff members will be available to assist families.
First Day for All Kindergarten Students
August 27, 2026
Morning arrival begins at 7:25 a.m.
What Will My Child Do During Staggered Entry?
Students will spend the day becoming familiar with Elon Elementary while participating in activities designed to help them feel safe and excited about school.
Tour the school
Explore their classroom
Meet classmates and staff
Enjoy lunch and recess
Meet our Music, Art, Media, and PE teachers
Participate in beginning-of-year reading and math assessments
First-Day Information
Parent Drop-Off
On your child's staggered entry day only, up to two adults may walk their child to the classroom. Beginning August 27, students will enter the building independently. Additional staff members will be available throughout the building to support students.
Arrival & Dismissal
Arrival: 7:25–7:50 a.m.
Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. will be marked tardy.
Dismissal begins at 2:35 p.m.
Early dismissal requests must be made by 1:00 p.m.; students must be picked up by 2:00
p.m.
Safety at Arrival
As part of ABSS district-wide safety procedures, all schools use OpenGate metal detectors during morning arrival. Students will walk through the detectors before entering the building. Staff members will assist students as needed to ensure the process is quick, safe, and welcoming. Families can help by ensuring backpacks contain only school-related items and supplies.
Helpful Kindergarten Reminders
Bring school supplies to Meet the Teacher on August 26.
Pack one easy-to-open snack each day.
Send a labeled change of clothes in a zip-top bag to keep at school.
School breakfast and lunch are available each day. Elon Elementary is a Community
Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, so breakfast and lunch are provided at no cost to
students.
Questions?
If you have questions about Kindergarten Staggered Entry or preparing your child for school, please contact the Elon Elementary office.
Phone: (336) 538-6000
We look forward to partnering with your family as your child begins an exciting year of learning, growth, and leadership at Elon Elementary!