Press Release - Kindergarten Registration 2013

For Immediate Release Media Contacts: Alysia Davis Program Coordinator Smart Beginnings Shenandoah Valley davis4am@jmu.edu 540-568-8968 Kindergarten Registration Opens HARRISONBURG, VA – March 7, 2013 – Beginning kindergarten! These two words paint a vivid picture of children heading off to school for the first time. Feelings of excitement and anticipation for what the future holds! New experiences, new learning, and new friends are on the horizon.

All children who will be 5 years old on or before September 30th, are welcomed and encouraged to register for kindergarten. Registration begins the week of March 11, 2013, in Rockingham, Augusta, Page and Shenandoah counties, as well as in Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro cities.

Registering early for kindergarten helps families, schools, and the community. Transitioning to kindergarten is exciting but it may also raise some questions for children and their families. Registering early allows those questions to be answered now rather than later. With accurate numbers of incoming kindergartners, school systems are better able to prepare and plan. Doctors’ offices and local health departments are better able to serve families through appointments for required physicals and immunizations so children enter school ready to learn.

To register a child, the following documents must be presented: birth certificate, proof of residency, immunizations and physical forms. A Social Security card is also suggested.

Please contact your local school system for more information and questions regarding specific dates: Augusta County Schools: 540-245-5100 Page County Schools: 540-743-4252 Rockingham County Schools: 540-564-3254 Shenandoah County Schools: 540-459-6222 Staunton City Schools: 540-332-3920 Waynesboro City Schools: 540-946-4600 Smart Beginnings is an organization that brings people together to ensure children in the Shenandoah Valley enter school healthy and prepared to succeed. With over 85% of the brain developing before age five, we encourage all our young citizens to have a smart beginning.