News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam County elementary schools will host early kindergarten registration and orientation tomorrow.
Curriculum Supervisor Jill Ramsey said the orientations help new-kindergarteners build excitement.
Sycamore Elementary School is one of several Putnam County Schools hosting kindergarten orientation on April 9.
“That’s the main thing. We want kids to come to school unafraid, knowing a little bit about what kind of environment to expect,” Ramsey said. “A friendly smile on the teacher’s face that they already recognize. That is very important for the children and their families. It gives them peace of mind.”
Ramsey said all children that will be five before or on August 15th can register for kindergarten.
“So if your child is outside of that time or later than that time, they don’t need to start school. There are exceptions to that of course,” Ramsey said. “If they fall within the month of August and they have been to the Putnam County Schools voluntary pre-k and they are given a positive recommendation by the teacher.”
Those wishing to register must bring their child’s birth certificate, social security number, two proofs of residency, and immunization records. Ramsey said students must register at the school they are zoned for.
Ramsey said parents will have 100 days between registration and the start of kindergarten.
“If parents ask me what can I do to prepare my child for school, I always say, don’t make them sit down and write their name,” Ramsey said. “Read to them, read to them every single day. That is so important in exposing them to lots of good rich vocabulary and good literature.”
Putnam County Schools will open kindergarten registration at all elementary schools on April 9.
Putnam County Schools are one of many systems offering early kindergarten registration. Overton County Schools began early registration on April 8, while Jackson County will begin registration on the 23rd.
