3 Shores Districts Host Kindergarten Roundups

While most people are thinking of spring these days, local school districts are already thinking of next fall and ushering in their youngest students.

The three school districts in St. Clair Shores are each planning a kindergarten roundup in the near future. The events will take place between late February and mid-March.

The districts are inviting not only local residents, but also general residents of Macomb County who may be interested in educating their children at , or South Lake Schools.

Below is a brief description of each district’s kindergarten event:

Lakeview Public Schools Kindergarten Roundup:
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23
Cafeteria

Lakeview’s roundup will begin with introductions and a general presentation about the district’s kindergarten program, which includes both half-day and full-day options.

 Attendees will then move into breakout sessions that address school-readiness skills in three areas: fine and gross motor skills, math, and reading and writing. Lakeview kindergarten teachers will facilitate the sessions, and parents will have the opportunity to rotate among all three presentations.

“I think for parents, the event allows them to have their first contact and form a relationship with the district,” said Tracy Van Peeren, assistant superintendent for curriculum and technology. “Parents will get to meet central office administrators, principals and teachers, and they’ll really be able to leave that night knowing what the program is all about and what they can expect for their children.”

Lakeview is asking parents to RSVP for the event by contacting Linda DeHooghe at 445-4000, ext. 2504, or e-mailing ldehooghe@scslakeview-k12.com.

The district will provide free child care for parents who RSVP and sign up for the event.

In addition to the district kindergarten roundup, individual elementary schools will have their own kindergarten orientation dates. A schedule is listed blow:

Princeton: 9:30-11 a.m. Feb. 28
Harmon: 9-10:30 a.m. March 1
Greenwood: 1-2:30 p.m. March 2
Ardmore: 1-2:30 p.m. March 4

Lake Shore Public Schools Kindergarten Open House:
6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 2
Violet Elementary School

Lake Shore will be welcoming families at Violet Elementary School for the kindergarten open house. Parents and their children will have the opportunity to interact with teachers from Lake Shore's three elementary schools and learn more about the kindergarten programs, curricular areas and support areas including gym, music and library.

"All of the teachers from all three elementary schools will be together at this event," said Libby Netschke, Violet Elementary School principal. "It is a fun event as well."

Snacks, cookies and coffee will be available for parents and children, and children will receive a copy of  The Very Hungry Caterpillar along with kindergarten readiness activities for families to prepare for the coming school year.

Families who are interested in registering their child for kindergarten need the child's original birth certificate, three pieces of proof of residency, a compete enrollment form, completed kindergarten preference form and current immunization records or health appraisal form.

South Lake Schools Kindergarten and Preschool Enrollment Fair:
10 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 19
Koepsell Education Center

South Lake’s event will feature many kid-friendly activities, including face painting, bus rides, clown entertainment, inflatable slide, bounce house, fun learning activities and free snacks.

Also, a representative from Children’s Hospital of Michigan will be on hand to sell professionally fitted bicycle helmets.

Parents will be able to travel among different stations to learn about South Lake’s kindergarten and preschool programs, ask questions and register their children. To register, parents need to bring their children’s birth certificate, immunization record, and four proofs of residency in the district or in Macomb County. Preschool applicants do not need to provide proof of residency.

“The enrollment fair provides parents with a wonderful opportunity to meet our teachers and principals in a fun environment,” said Superintendent Pamela Balint. “This is one of our favorite events, and we hope to see many new faces.”