Written by Jeff King, Principal
I remember fondly my kindergarten days in Mrs. Kravis' class at Myers Elementary. I cherish the memories I have of her teaching me, caring for me and nurturing me during my first year in school. I am grateful for my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kravis, because she believed in me and fostered in me a love for learning that I carry with me today. Kindergarten was a very important year for me and for many children because it is the first time we experience school. It's the first time we begin to learn and acquire skills we will need for the rest of our lives. It's a time when a love for learning and appreciation for school begin to form our attitude towards both.
As a Portage graduate and student from kindergarten through 12th grade, I can proudly say that Portage Township Schools is one of the finest school corporations in the county, state and nation. And each year at this time, I enjoy promoting Kindergarten Round-Up and informing parents of the process for which to sign up their soon-to-be kindergartners for school. With that being said, the following information will inform all parents and community members of soon-to-be kindergartners when to head over to your local elementary school and register them for next school year.
The round up is April 4. Registration times: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Kindergarten Ready Age: Children who will be 5 years of age on or before Aug. 1, 2012
When you head over to your local elementary school on Wednesday, April 4 we ask that you bring the following information with you:
- The child's Board of Health Birth Certificate
- The child's Proof of Immunization (Board of Health or Physician Verified)
- The child's Social Security Number (if available)
-
Parent/Caretakers' Proof of Residency that which to be ONE of the following THREE options:
- Mortgage Papers AND Current Utility Bill
- Lease Agreement or Current Rent Receipt AND Current Utility Bill
- Vehicle Registration AND Current Utility Bill
- Mortgage Papers AND Current Utility Bill
- Parent/Caretakers' Drivers License
- Custody/Guardianship Documentation (if applicable)
We encourage everyone to bring their Kindergarten child to the school when you register to become familiar with the setting and receive information on the kindergarten program. Additionally, some elementary schools take this time to complete a brief essential skills assessment as a means to inform their future teacher and you as parents of their current abilities and potential need for work between registration and the start of next school year. Lastly, no fees will be collected until July.
If you are unsure of which school or whether your child will be given an assessment at registration please feel free to contact your local elementary school prior to April 4.
If you are a parent of a child who will turn five years of age on Aug. 2 and before Sept. 1, 2012, you may request a "waiver" of the state adopted Kindergarten School Entrance Date. Requests for waivers will be accepted at each school until Aug. 6. Details for submitting waiver requests, or any other information regarding kindergarten enrollment, can be obtained from each elementary school office.
This is always an exciting time of the year and one that is critical for us as your child's future educators. The more students we see on April 4, the better idea we have of how many students we will be working with. Knowing this helps us better prepare to meet the needs of your child and each child coming to us for the first time next school year.
So, mark your calendar for April 4. spread the word to those you know who have children that are age-ready for Kindergarten, and come in during one of three available registration times.