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Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Orono Weekly Times - 11 Kawartha Pine Ridge Schools Kindergarten registration now underway Starting school is an important milestone in a child's - and parent's - life. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) encourages parents and guardians to register their children now for the 2012-13 school year, to help ease the transition. "Starting Kindergarten is a huge step for children, whether in the regular, parttime program, or the new full-day, every-day Kindergarten," says Diane Lloyd, Chairperson of the Board. "Regardless of the type of program, our schools and our partner community agencies offer parents a wealth of resources to help prepare little ones for starting school. By registering their children now, parents gain access to these helpful tools." "Our goal is to help all students meet with success," notes Director of Education Rusty Hick. "It's important that we work as partners with parents to help their children be as comfortable and successful as possible, from the moment they enter school. Early registration also allows parents time to speak with the principal about their child's unique learning needs. The principal, in turn, can see that the necessary learning supports are in place for all children. This is particularly important because the early years form the foundation for all future learning." "The number of elementary schools offering fullday, every-day Kindergarten will more than double in September 2012, bringing the total to 33. By September 2014, all elementary schools will offer Kindergarten full-time," explains Jennifer Leclerc, Superintendent of Teaching and Learning. "Eight schools also will continue to offer French Immersion next year, starting in Senior Kindergarten. Through play-based learning, all of these Kindergarten programs offer students opportunities for academic, social, emotional and oral language development. They form the basis for learning to read, write, understand mathematics, and interact appropriately with others." Registration requirements School registration forms are available at www.kprschools.ca and in each school office. All parents and guardians are invited to register their children for September 2012 if either of the following applies: Junior Kindergarten ­ child must be four years of age by December 31, 2012, Kindergarten ­ child must be five years of age by December 31, 2012. When registering their children, parents should bring a birth certificate or other proof of the child's age, proof of address, and current immunization information. As registration times may vary, parents should contact their local school for details. If parents are unsure of which school their child should attend, they may call 705742-9773 or toll-free 1-877741-4577, ext. 2127, to find out which school is designated for their address. Once children are registered, schools will provide parents with a wealth of information on helping to prepare their children for school. This includes publications from the school board and community organizations serving children, as well as parent information nights in the winter and spring. Full-day, every-day early learning will be offered at Orono and Newcastle Public Schools. Tips to help prepare children for school How can parents help prepare their children for school? Here are a few helpful tips. By the time they begin school, most children should know their first and last name, age, address, phone number and the names of family members. Additionally, most children should be able to do a number of things independently, including: · getting dressed · tying shoelaces or doing up Velcro straps · using the bathroom · eating snacks or a meal on their own. Children learn best through play. Interaction with other children and adults boosts their confidence and improves their communication skills. Parents and guardians can help their preschoolers by giving them the opportunity to participate in group activities such as play groups, nursery school, library reading programs, and gatherings of extended family members or friends. Parents should encourage children to share and co-operate, speak about their feelings and actions, and participate in new experiences. As well, parents should help their children become good listeners and allow them to solve problems. If parents are worried about their child's readiness for Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten, they should contact their child's school principal as early as possible. Schools are a good source of information and community contacts, and they may be able to help parents get support for their children's special needs. Additional, practical tips for preparing children to start school are available at www.kprschools.ca Reduce · Reuse · Recycle Renew your subscription NOW! ORONO WEEKLY TIMES Yours for as low as $40 per year! 905-983-5301 oronotimes@rogers.com