School Board Launching New Kindergarten Registration Program This Week

Free Pelican Snoballs, Activities, & More For Incoming Kindergartners

Darren Doyle, story:
Changes are in store for incoming 2019-20 Edmonson County kindergarten students that will hopefully result in a better, more efficient way to get new students registered and their guardians better acclimated to the kindergarten process. 

Edmonson County Schools is hosting it's first ever "Kindergarten Express" this Thursday, April 11th, from 4:30pm - 7pm at the ECHS gym.

Supervisor of Instruction for Edmonson County Schools Carol Stice says the biggest change in the new registration process is that this one will be district-wide instead of two individual registrations at each of the county's elementary schools.

"We feel a district-wide registration will be better for our incoming students and their parents and guardians," said Stice. "We're excited about a fun and entertaining way to introduce kindergarten to those incoming."

One thing Stice wanted to reiterate; that attendance to this week's upcoming program for next year's kindergarten students is required. All students who will be 5 years old by August 1, 2019 needs to attend.

"No matter if students have attended preschool or not, all incoming kindergartners are required to attend Thursday evening's program. We're here to make the process easier for everyone and introduce some fun at the same time."

She said participants will enter the Edmonson County High School gym at the front gym entrance (not the school office side), where one would normally enter for a ballgame. There, you will be greeted and will receive a packet of information. Students will be directed one way where they will participate in several kindergarten-readiness activities with both SEES and KES staff members. Games and other fun will be available. 

A school bus will be on site for new students to tour with longtime driver Hoppy Decker, and both school mascots, the South Edmonson Bulldog and the Kyrock Blackhawk, will be on hand for photo opportunities and other fun.

Stice said parents and guardians need to bring the following:

• Student's birth certificate
• Proof of physical
• Immunization certificate
• Eye exam proof
• Dental exam proof
• Child custody documents

If students have not had physicals, immunizations, eye or dental exams, healthcare providers will be set up at booths to make appointments for those needs. Students that have attended preschool will not need to provide this information.

"Registration for our annual Camp Kindergarten will also be available," said Stice. "Our local PTOs will be present and Principal Josh Long from SEES and Principal Shaun Stice from KES will also attend with info on kindergarten readiness."

The biggest surprise for incoming students is a free treat from Pelican Snoballs.

"Incoming kindergarten students will receive a token for a free Pelican Snoball that can be redeemed at their truck which will also be set up outside. Everyone else is welcome to purchase their own treats that evening."

Stice said while this is a new program, the school district is working hard to plan accordingly for a big turnout.

"We really believe this will be a great experience for all of us and we welcome feedback from the public," she said. "There will be lots of staff there to help and we hope to see everyone there."