Off to school for the first time: Kindergarten registration and screening held Thursday, Friday
Kindergarten registration for all county children entering school this fall will take place tomorrow and Friday at McMinnville Civic Center.
“This year we’re trying to make the registration process as convenient and fun as possible,” said Patti Clarke, high school early childhood education teacher.
Registration for all county children entering kindergarten next school year will be held at the central location so system personnel can screen students for problems that might hinder their progress during their first year of school.
Officials stress the screening is not an achievement or intelligence test, rather just a way to recognize such problems as hearing, speech or vision impairments, or undeveloped physical or learning skills.
Screening is required by the Tennessee Department of Education for all students before they enter school. Officials urge parents to take advantage of the screening as any child who misses it will be delayed when school begins.
The registration and screening process will take about one hour and parents are urged to remain with their children at all times. No special preparation is needed although the following records for each child will need to be brought: birth certificate, immunization record, Social Security number, record of medical examination by a physician, and an insurance card.
All children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 30 of this year are eligible to attend kindergarten in the 2002-2003 school year. Also, all children must complete one year of state-approved kindergarten before they can enter first grade in Tennessee.
Kindergarten registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Civic Center.
For parents’ convenience the school system will arrange registration appointments. Call the school your child will attend to make an appointment. Calls should be made during school hours today.
Kindergarten registration
For: All children entering kindergarten in the 2002-2003 school year
Where: McMinnville Civic Center
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday