It may seem early, but for parents of incoming kindergarteners for the 2018-’19 school year, it’s time to start thinking about getting ready for school. For parents and guardians, that means attending kindergarten orientation at your child’s new school; at that time, parents will learn all about the registration process, along with upcoming opportunities for their child to visit their new place of learning.

Chester

Twenty-five kindergarteners will start school next year at Chester Elementary School. Kindergarten orientation is on Monday, March 26; parents will learn about the registration process, get a tour of the school led by 6th-graders, and more.

“They’ll learn a lot at the orientation meeting, so it’s really important to come to that and we’ll explain all the forms we give to them and what they need to bring in,” said school secretary Pamela Graham. “We’ll have the nurse there, the PTO, our counselor, the principal, the teachers; they’ll see a slideshow of what happens during the kindergarten day.”

Parents register for kindergarten at a later date, then, just before school, the incoming students get a chance to visit their new school for the first time.

“In August the Monday before school starts, we have a kindergarten visit where [new students] come into their new classroom and also go on a bus ride,” said Graham. “That will help alleviate worry about getting on the bus.”

Kindergarten orientation at Chester Elementary School, 23 Ridge Road, is on Monday, March 26. For more information, call 860-526-5797 or visit www.ces.reg4.k12.ct.us.

Deep River

At Deep River Elementary School (DRES), more than 30 students are eligible to enter kindergarten. Principal Christian Strickland emphasized that parents who are new to the school shouldn’t hesitate to call if they have any questions.

“This is the start of their K-12 journey in the schools. If [parents] have questions, they can certainly give us a call,” Strickland said.

Kindergarten orientation is on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Parents will meet teachers and administrators, and Student Council members will lead tours of the building and its classrooms. During two additional days in May, parents can bring their children to meet the principal, school nurse, and other staff in a smaller group setting.

“They do some smaller short-term activities to give them a feel what it’s like to be in a kindergarten classroom,” said Strickland.

DRES holds an additional open house right before school starts. At that point, students will have their classroom assignments and can talk with their teacher.

“We do a very short bus ride so students can get acclimated to being on a bus,” Strickland added.

To prepare for school, Strickland encourages families to bring their children to play on the school playgrounds, to read to their children, and to begin teaching them the letters in their first name.

As for what’s new, “Last year we started working with the Bridges math program,” said Strickland. “We’re just excited to continue to see what year two looks like for our students and teachers using this math program. We’re working hand-in-hand with the rest of the district to develop activities at their level. Building those problem-solving skills—that will continue to be an emphasis.”

Kindergarten orientation is on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Deep River Elementary School, 12 River Street. For more information, call 860-526-5319 or visit www.dres.reg4.k12.ct.us.

Essex

Essex Elementary School is anticipating about 30 incoming kindergarteners for the 2018-’19 school year.

Principal Jennifer Tousignant has the following advice for parents: “Your child will take your lead. They are watching and listening to everything you say and do, even when you think they’re not. If you are excited and positive about the upcoming transition, your child will be as well! Conversely, if you are anxious and nervous about the transition, your child will be, too.”

At Essex Elementary, kindergarten orientation is on Wednesday, March 28. The parent-only evening starts at 6 p.m. with tours of the school led by 6th-grade student leaders. The tours are followed by a formal kindergarten orientation presentation at 6:30 p.m., during which time parents and guardians will meet and hear from the Board of Education Chairman, PTO representatives, school nurse, school counselor, kindergarten teachers, and principal. Two dates are set for kindergarten registration: Tuesday, April 24 and Tuesday, May 1. In August, the school holds its Kindergarten Open House, which includes a chance to visit the student’s new classroom and take a bus ride.

“Our goal is to make this transition a smooth and positive one for all,” said Tousignant.

As for the school’s plans/programs for 2018-’19?

“Our focus next year will be on taking critical and creative problem-solving to the next level in all areas as part of Region 4’s Strategic Plan,” Tousignant said.

Essex Elementary School, 108 Main Street, Centerbrook, holds an orientation session for parents of children eligible for kindergarten on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The free event includes an overview of the kindergarten program and a tour of the school. For more information, call the school office at 860-767-8215.