If you have a child turning five before Sept. 1, 2012, 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 2012-2013 school year will receive information in the mail and/or through their preschool regarding kindergarten registration. We ask that all families contact Woodson Kindergarten Center by Feb. 17 to confirm contact information. There are two ways to contact the school: 1) Complete and return the preschool form to your preschool teacher; 2) Call the school at 507-460-1400.

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 March 29 or March 30.

Parents and kindergarten child will be scheduled to attend a one hour registration session. 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 http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/immunize/arekidseng.pdf

We look forward to meeting our new kindergartners 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.

By Jean McDermott
Woodson Kindergarten Principal