News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Jackson County parents have multiple opportunities to register their incoming kindergarteners over the next two weeks.
Director of Schools Jason Hardy said Gainesboro Elementary registration will be open from 3:00pm-6:00pm Thursday and again Tuesday. Dodson Branch registration will take place May 7. Hardy said parents should bring their child, proof of residence, immunization records, and the child’s birth certificate.
“We talk a lot about the end results of graduating and going out and getting a great job or having a great future,” Hardy said. “But this is where it all begins, so even though it is scary and you might not know what to expect, parents should be looking forward to signing their children up for kindergarten.”
Hardy said registration is also important for the system as they create expectations for enrollment numbers and plan for next year’s budget. He said in many rural counties, kindergarten enrollment is falling, but he hopes that will not be the case for Jackson County this year.
“A lot of times as parents, we’re only really familiar with how we did it in kindergarten, and for most, that’s been awhile,” Hardy said. “So, you’re going to see a long list of questions.”
He said many of the kids present were in Pre-K in the Jackson County system, and the process may seem more familiar for those parents. He said the main focus for him and his staff is creating an encouraging environment and a smooth transition into school.
“We do look at location and other factors, but for the most part, it is kind of up to the parents where they want to enroll them,” Hardy said. “Although, there can be a transportation issue if they go to one that’s further away that we may not have a route, and sometimes we can’t always provide those. But we do our absolute best to make it as easy and convenient for everybody as possible.”
The Jackson County Health Department will be present for registration to update shots to satisfy immunization records. Hardy said if parents cannot produce all of the documentation needed, they are still encouraged to come get their names on the list. He said more information is available on the Jackson County Schools website and social media.
