Kindergarten roundup well attended

It seems that school and school functions accelerate after the 100-day mark. With just 80 days of school left, it is also time to plan for next school year.

At Clark Elementary, Monday, Feb. 28 was busy launching the upcoming fall of for School Year 2023-2024.

At 5:30 p.m. in Clark Cafeteria, Principal Todd Palmatier introduced himself and welcomed approximately 48 families.

These families are considering enrolling their youngsters into the Class of 2036!

Each family was presented with a packet of information about Clark Elementary and enrollment procedures.

On hand were four experts to explain and offer their help to each family.

The school nurse, Lindy Williams, explained the immunization laws and information needed to make sure students enter healthy and ready to start school. Children now must have an up-to-date immunization record (or an approved exemption form), a proof of lead test, a dental screening, a vision screening, a recent physical exam and an over-the-counter medication permission form.

Julie Brown of our local Lions Club explained the free vision screenings sponsored by the Lions that will be provided at school during the first week. The Lions Club has had improving vision as a primary function of the services it renders to its communities since its founding. A permission slip was provided for parents who wished to participate in this service. Mr. Palmatier emphasized that Ms. Williams is a full-time nurse available all day to students of NLCSD.

Brenda Heinold, school secretary, explained the Student Information page. She needs this information so that she can contact the families to make sure they have provided everything needed for a stress-free start to school.

Additionally, transportation information is very important. Brenda quickly becomes the trusted source for all questions and her ability to get concerns to the right person in the school district. She is a great friend to all the students.

Mrs. Scarff and Mrs. Nelson, kindergarten teachers, explained that the traditional Round-up is no longer used.

Children were so shy and sometimes frightened by the process it was difficult to get the information needed. Also, things have changed. Most children now attend preschool.

The kindergarten teachers have access to information from NLCSD’s own Pre-K program, Grow n Glow and NL Community Day Care.

All teachers are working every day to ensure a child’s success in school. For parents a compact list of things to know from school arrival and departure times to school lunch was provided.

Kindergarten students are expected to enter with an impressive list of skills. User-friendly versions of the Core State Standards in Language Arts and Mathematics was included. This formal statement will help parents understand the goals for children through the year.

A separate form on open enrollment was available for those who asked. It is too early to tell, but it looks as if three kindergarten classes are a possibility.

The addition of classrooms at Clark may come just in time. Upon dismissal of school for summer break, the conversion of the gym into classroom space begins.

Finally the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. The families and children followed the teachers down the hall for a preview of the classrooms.

Parents also got a chance to visit with either or both teachers. The most difficult part for the children was not running. Their enthusiasm was very apparent. It is going to be hard to learn not to run on the slick floors when fall starts.