Discovery urges early Kindergarten registration

Officials from Discovery Primary School are urging parents to register their 5-year-olds early for kindergarten this year.

“We don’t know how many kindergarteners are out there,” Principal Julie Bartlett said. The school’s program has about 50 vacant slots available, which is more than last year at this time, she added.

School officials have held two information sessions this month regarding the school’s kindergarten program. They plan to hold an additional meeting on April 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the school’s gym.

At the meeting, principals and kindergarten teachers will be available to answer questions regarding the program and will assist parents with registering their children into classes. Those planning to enroll their children into a kindergarten program will need to bring a copy of their child’s birth certificate, proof of residency and a copy of their most recent vaccination records. Additionally, students must be 5 years old by Aug. 31 in order to qualify for the kindergarten program. A Spanish-speaking interpreter will be available for those needing language assistance.

Bartlett insists parents register their children in the program early to ensure a slot and to help the school plan for teachers and the number of classes needed.

“It would really help the school be better prepared for school this fall,” Bartlett said. “It helps us plan for the amount of staff we need.”

One major challenge with late registrations is hiring enough teachers. If students are registered late, school officials have difficulties planning adequate staffing.

“When that happens, we have to rearrange classes and hire after school starts,” Bartlett added.

So far, Discovery Primary School has planned for eight half-time and three full-day kindergarten classes. It is important to note that those planning to enroll into the full-day kindergarten program will be required to pay tuition of $275 per month. Tuition is paid directly to the school and the first installment will be collected at the time of registration. The tuition helps subsidize the portions of the program not covered by state funds. Bartlett said the school should know by June exactly how many full-day classes the school would offer. She is optimistic the school will offer at least three.  

“People who register later will not likely have the chance to get into the full day program.”

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