Marion County parents who pre-register their children to attend kindergarten will have access to a special “kickstart” program that introduces new students to the school setting before the school year begins in August.
Marion County Public Schools says that students who are registered by June 14 may participate in a special “Kindergarten Kickstart” program that will preview the school experience in limited-size classrooms.
The experience will provide bonding time between teachers and students and will afford social time for students to learn and play together, according to school officials.
The district says the program is aimed at making the new school environment less intimidating before school officially starts for students on August 12.
Last summer, 264 kindergarten students took part in the experience, according to MCPS.
After the school year begins on August 12, district officials will implement Kindergarten Stagger Start, which will offer a similar experience by splitting kindergarten classrooms into thirds during the first three days of school.
All kindergarten students will report to class collectively on Thursday, August 15.
To register, parents may contact their nearby elementary school or visit the Marion County Public Schools website and select “Student Enrollment and School Choice.”
Children must be five years old on or before September 1 of this year in order to register for kindergarten, according to MCPS.
Registration is complete once all required paperwork, including proof of age, proof of residency, and immunization records, is submitted and reviewed by staff.