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Kindergarten kick off

Kyler Shulz, who's in pre-K at Father Marquette School, takes part in the obstacle course Thursday at the school during National Catholic Schools Week. Area schools soon wil conduct kindergarten registration and roundups for next school year. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — Each child is unique, not only in personality but educational background and cognitive development.

That’s why parents should consider attending kindergarten “roundups,” which are events where registration and screening take place.

“We’re so fortunate to establish that relationship and build that rapport with students and parents,” said Julie Peterson, principal at Lakeview Elementary School in Negaunee.

Kindergarten screening gives the district an opportunity to allow all students to be part of a universal process, she said.

“The screening allows us to identify possible student needs for the following year and place students accordingly,” said Peterson, who pointed out that screening also is a great way to welcome new parents to the school community.

An informational/registration meeting for parents of kindergarten kindergarten students in Negaunee Public Schools for the 2017-18 school year is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. March 2 in the Lakeview cafeteria.

The age requirement is for children to 5 years old by Dec. 1. In accordance with state law, parents may need to complete a waiver if they choose to enroll children who reach age 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1.

Parents are asked to bring for each child a state-issued birth certificate, immunization record and photograph of the child, with his or her name on the back of the photo. The photo will remain on file.

At the event, parents will have an opportunity to have questions answered by staff regarding transportation, breakfast/lunch, the before/after school program and health concerns.

Junior kindergarten/kindergarten screening is set for April 17-21 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, with all students needing vision, hearing, speech and academic screening. To make an appointment, call 906-475-7803, extension 0.

Kindergarten screening and registrations, in fact, are coming up for various local school districts.

The Ishpeming School District will conduct kindergarten registration for next school year from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 21-23 at Birchview Elementary School.

The Marquette County Health Department will hold hearing and vision screenings as part of that district’s registration process. Parents will be asked to present their child’s birth certificate and immunization record at the time of registration.

Parents of children who will be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 are requested to call Birchview at 906-485-6341 between 7:15 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. to schedule an appointment. If a child will turn 5 between Sept. 1 and Dec. 1 and parents believe he or she is “kindergarten-ready,” a waiver may be completed.

The Ishpeming kindergarten program includes weekly technology instruction as well as art, music, library and physical education instruction.

Registration and screening will be at Aspen Ridge Elementary School, part of the NICE Community School district, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 21. If a child turns 5 before Sept. 1, the youngster is eligible for kindergarten, but if a child is ready for kindergarten and is 5 by Dec. 1, a waiver may be completed.

Marquette Area Public Schools will hold kindergarten/junior kindergarten registration from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 8 at Whitman Hall at Northern Michigan University, located at the corner of Norway and Fair avenues.

For MAPS, if a child turns 5 before Sept. 1, the youngster is eligible for kindergarten, but if a child is ready for kindergarten and is 5 by Dec. 1, registration still may be completed provide parents complete a waiver. For junior kindergarten, a waiver must be completed and the child must be 5 by Dec. 1.

Parents attending registration need to bring the child’s original birth certificate, immunization and proof of residency. For district boundary information, call 906-225-4200.

Kindergarten in MAPS involves classes five days a week, with research-based literacy practices and interventions, and continuous monitoring of student progress. Junior kindergarten also involves classes five days a week, but in this program, students are given more time to develop academically, emotionally and socially.

Gwinn Area Community Schools will hold its “Countdown to Kindergarten” from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 16 in room 2 at Gilbert Elementary School. Families can meet with staff, take a school tour, listen to a story and have a snack.

Meetings also are scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. March 16, 6 to 7 p.m. April 20 and May 18, with a time to be determined. The May meeting will be during the day and will include a free school lunch and bus ride.

According to the school district, the purpose of the “Countdown” is to help students and parents prepare for kindergarten and to help them become familiar with their school.

In the months before kindergarten, each child and parent will receive information from the school, which will consist of activities for children, parenting information and school information.

Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to be eligible for kindergarten at Gilbert.

That age requirement is the same for K.I. Sawyer Elementary, with roundups set for 6 p.m. March 21, 6 p.m. April 25 and 12:30 p.m. May 9. At the May event, lunch and a bus ride will be provided.

Mary Jo Scamperle, principal at Father Marquette Elementary School in Marquette, said roundups are important to make sure the youngsters are developmentally ready for for kindergarten so there are no “surprises.”

She acknowledged some kids have not gone through pre-school, so registration events give school staff some information to work with.

Sometimes, though, “Waiting is the better option,” Scamperle said.

Gesell Screening is used at Father Marquette as an observational and early intervention assessment. Each child’s area of development is measured, with the child placed appropriately according to the results. The screening is administered for new students in the spring and before the start of school for late-enrolling students.

“It’s a nationally recognized screening technique to measure readiness,” said Scamperle, who noted children will be screened for either the pre-kindergarten or kindergarten programs.

This year, testing will take place at the elementary school April 6-7 during the day by appointment. Parents should call 906-225-1129 to make that appointment.

A follow-up information meeting with parents is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. April 21, also at the school, where there will be pizza and activities for the kids who will have the opportunity to visit the classrooms, Scamperle said.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.

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