By Jessica Cabeen

Woodson Principal

Can you believe it? Your little one is about to start kindergarten! If you have a child turning 5 before Sept. 1, 2013, now is the time to begin the process of enrolling your child for kindergarten.

All Austin Public School kindergartners attend all day, every day kindergarten at the Woodson Kindergarten Center. Families of kindergarten-aged students for the 2013-2014 school year will be receiving information in the mail and/or through their preschool regarding kindergarten registration. We ask all families contact Woodson by Feb. 22 to confirm contact information. Call the school at 507-460-1400 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In March, kindergarten families will receive a registration packet. This completed packet, along with birth certificate and immunizations records, is brought to kindergarten registration on April 4 or April 5. Parents and kindergarten child will be scheduled to attend a one-hour registration session on one of these dates. During this time, parents will complete the registration process and learn more about the kindergarten center. Children will spend time in a kindergarten classroom with a kindergarten teacher where he/she will experience a few kindergarten activities with new friends and ride on a school bus.

By state law, all children must complete an early childhood screening before they can begin kindergarten. Parents are encouraged to get this completed as soon as possible if they have not already done so. Children may be screened any time after their third birthday. To schedule a preschool screening, contact 507-460-1709. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, children are required to be properly immunized before they can enroll in a public school. Children cannot begin kindergarten unless they are up-to-date with their shots. Immunization information is available from your family doctor, public health or online at www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/arekidseng.pdf

We look forward to meeting our new kindergarteners in the near future. As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. We are excited to join you as a partner in your child’s academic and social development.