Covington Independent Public Schools has set aside a special evening so that parents of incoming kindergarten children can meet principals and teachers, tour schools, ask questions and complete enrollment forms.
“An Evening of Kindergarten,” will be held at each of the elementary schools in Covington from 4:30-6:30 p.m., on Wednesday, March 27.
“We know that kindergarten is the foundation of a child’s educational life,” said Suzanne Thompson, director of elementary education for Covington Schools. “We want to ensure that children and parents have a great start.’’
Covington offers free all-day kindergarten.
Children must turn 5 on or before August 1 to be eligible for kindergarten in the fall. The evening of kindergarten coincides with the district’s kindergarten registration week, which began Monday and ends this Friday.
Early registration continues through Friday at all elementary schools from 9-11 a.m.
Mrs. Thompson, who taught kindergarten for 19 of the 32 years she has been in education, knows firsthand of the role that kindergarten plays in student’s lives
She said kindergarten has not only shown to be important to students’ success to elementary school but their success in later years. Besides preparing students to get accustomed to attending school daily, Mrs. Thompson said at this stage, a child’s well-being, self-esteem and motivation are most certainly affected.
She initiated Covington’s registration campaign because she wants children to have a strong, healthy start.
She also said the early registration helps the district plan for staffing needs in the fall.
“We want to provide the best teachers for their education,” Mrs. Thompson said.
During early registration, parents can sign their children up for the “Me and My School Summer Program,” which helps prepare incoming kindergarten students by exposing them to different skills needed to be successful.
In addition, when parents register in March, they will receive a Kindergarten Activity Kit and enter into a drawing for a tablet.
To enroll your child, please bring your child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, immunization records, guardian’s driver’s license and two proofs of residency (lease, major utility bill or state award letter).
For more information, please visit Covington’s website at www.covington.kyschools.
