New Pre-Kindergarten Program Will Be Implemented At DES
New Pre-Kindergarten Program Will Be Implemented At DES
WATER VALLEY – Screening and registration is scheduled for a new pre-kindergarten program that will be implemented at Davidson Elementary School at the start of the 2016-17 school year in August. The program was adopted by the Water Valley School Board in March.
Incoming Davidson Elementary School (DES) Principal Brianna Foster has worked to implement the new program and explained the school will accept 20 pre-kindergarten students who turn four years on or before September 1, 2016. Foster stressed the students with the greatest academic need will have priority with placement based on the screening.
Foster also explained that at the start of the current 2015-16 school year, 70 percent of kindergartners at DES tested below 530 benchmark on the state kindergarten assessment test and the new pre-kindergarten curriculum is geared to help ensure students start kindergarten adequately prepared in coming years.
“We really want our kindergartners to come in at 530,” Superintendent Dr. Michael McInnis added.
Foster urged anyone who has a four year-old they would like to have tested for possible placement in the new program to call DES at 473-1110 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning May 23. Testing will begin Monday, June 27, and continue on Tuesday, June 28, and will take place by appointment only at the elementary school. Applicants must be potty trained.
Additionally, screening is scheduled on Thursday, June 30 at Rolling Hills Apartment Complex and no appointment will be needed for this screening in the multipurpose room at the complex.
The pre-k class will adhere to the regular schedule at DES that includes breakfast and lunch provided by the Water Valley School District Food Services. Transportation will be provided for the students on a separate bus, which will have a bus monitor and be equipped to meet safety requirements for the pre-k students including seat belts.
Although enrollment is not requirement, students enrolled will have to comply with all attendance requirements.
In addition with the new pre-kindergarten program, Foster also said the school is coordinating with local daycares to provide curriculum to help prepare their students for kindergarten.
In order to have a child tested for possible placement, parents must bring two proofs of residency to the testing appointment. Accepted documents for enrollment in the program include:
• Filed homestead exemption application form/land tax receipt (must be from current year);
• Mortgage documents/property deed (mortgage documents must indicate current year) if property deed used, physical address must appear on deed);
• Apartment or home lease (cannot be a handwritten receipt and must be in current year);
• Utility bills (must be within the last three months prior to registration – no cell phone or cable bills). Acceptable bills – light, gas, water, landline phone;
• Automobile registration (for current vehicle tag – not car title);
• Any other documentation that will objectively and unequivocally establish the parent or legal guardian resides within the school district as determined by the principal, superintendent or designee;
• Student is living with legal guardian (LEGAL CUSTODY DOCUMENT) a copy of the court order appointing the guardian must be provided to the district;
Other requirements for enrollment include a certified birth certificate, the child’s social security card and immunization record.
