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Warsaw Community School Corporation will be hosting the 2014 Kindergarten Roundup from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. The event this year will offer parents and students an opportunity to get acquainted with their local schools, teachers and WCS staff as well as gain a sneak peak into a modern day kindergarten classroom.
Warsaw Community School Corporation’s Assistant Superintendent David Hoffert sat down with StaceyPageOnline.com to discuss this year’s roundup. According to Hoffert, the program is open to both in-district and out-of-district families at all eight of the WCS elementary schools.
Though parents are welcome to apply for a school outside of their neighborhood, Hoffert noted that the process of selection must begin at each families neighborhood school. Due to this, families are asked to only attend the roundup at their neighboring school.
Hoffert noted those who are seeking a half-day kindergarten option are welcomed and encouraged to express their interest at roundup. Though there has been much interest in the half-day kindergarten program, he noted it is still too early to state where and if the program will occur. The official word on half-day kindergarten will come after the final enrollment deadline on June 15.
The event will offer parents an introduction with students, WCS classrooms, administrative staff, nursing staff and transportation staff. Students will be provided with educational games and entertainment, provided by the WCHS boys golf team and National Honor Society, while parents enjoy a presentation and question and answer time with WCS staff. Parents will have the opportunity to speak with nursing staff and transportation staff to have any questions or concerns answered regarding health care and bus route specifics.
In addition, parents with students who have not had the opportunity to experience preschool prior to entering kindergarten are welcome to seek entrance into the corporation’s highly successful Kindergarten Countdown Program, sponsored by United Way. The 17-day program allows students to become familiar with classroom skills and basic learning prior to the beginning of kindergarten. Hoffert noted that students who participated in last year’s program demonstrated “great results.”
Please note that families with a student under age 5 by Aug. 1, are not eligible for entrance into kindergarten. However, a parent with a student who will turn 5 years old no later than Sept. 30, is welcome to submit an appeal to be considered for enrollment. To view the WCS Early Entry Policy click here.
All children who attend the event will be supplied with a free Usborne book as well as a coloring kit made by WCS students. Parents who are unable to attend roundup are encouraged to contact their neighborhood school, visit Warsaw Community School’s website (click here) or call the main office at 574-371-5098 for further information and forms. For all questions regarding half-day kindergarten, call David Hoffert at 574-371-5098.