Registration Opens March 12 for Prekindergartners, Kindergartners and First-Graders New to School System for the 2009-2010 School Year
The first day to register children for prekindergarten and kindergarten for the 2009-2010 school year in Wicomico County Public Schools will be Thursday, March 12.
On that day, Wicomico County elementary schools that have primary grades will begin enrolling children who will start prekindergarten or kindergarten next year, and children not in public kindergarten now who will be enrolled in the first grade for the 2009-2010 school year.
Parents or guardians will need to bring immunization records (please see a doctor or the health department to ensure that the child’s vaccination record is complete), birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of residency for each child. The table of state vaccination requirements may be downloaded from the Wicomico County Public Schools Web site at www.wcboe.org, under “For Parents.”
Registration takes place at each Wicomico school that serves primary grades (prekindergarten through grade 2), from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Exceptions are: Willards Elementary and Delmar Elementary, 8:15-11:15 a.m. and 12:15-3:15 p.m.; Fruitland Primary, Westside Primary and Beaver Run Elementary, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Prince Street Elementary, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Schools will register children every day after the March 12 opening day.
The next school year will begin Aug. 31, 2009. The approved calendar for the 2009-2010 may be viewed and downloaded from the Board’s home page at www.wcboe.org, under Quick Links.
Call 410-677-4580 for any additional information, including early entrance into prekindergarten or kindergarten. The Board’s policy on early admission to kindergarten and prekindergarten is on the Board’s Web site at www.wcboe.org. The policy on “age of school admission” is located under the Board of Education heading on the Web site.
Kindergarten is mandatory for all 5-year-old Maryland children unless the parents or guardians have sent a letter to the school requesting a later start. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2009. Prekindergarten is not mandatory, and is offered to qualified children who will be 4 by Sept. 1, 2009. Maryland and Delmar, Del., neighborhood children who come from low-income or at-risk situations, have prior participation in Head Start or Even Start, or who experience challenges like emergency or health problems, limited English proficiency, homeless, or other home or family circumstances, will be given priority admission to prekindergarten. Children may also be recommended for the program by government or court referral. Parents or guardians whose child does not meet those criteria can put the child’s name on a waiting list, which will be used to fill any remaining slots. Documentation must be submitted prior to a child’s acceptance into the program.
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My daughter will be turning 5 in October, and I knew about the pre-k registration date. But I did not realize certain kids will have preference because of their parents "status". So because me and my husband have jobs and we are citizens, my daughter might not be able to go to pre k??? How about giving the people that are actually working a break. I pay over $100 a week for her to go to daycare. Now I might have to continue paying that for another year so a "low income child" can go to school instead of her, while their parents are sitting home all day collecting whatever they are elible for. CRAZYYYY!!
ReplyDeleteThats correct! My son didn't make pre-k last year for that reason. Its denying a child education because there parents go out and work to make a living for there family. Whats wrong with our system?
ReplyDeleteMy child did not "qualify" last year but did make it into Pre-K after on the waiting list. I would like to see the families that register LATE NOT have priority over those that registered on time..qualified or not. They can get out of bed and be on time just like the rest of us. No child left behind, my behind.
ReplyDeleteI would like to comment on a few things:
ReplyDelete1.There is no such thing as registering "late". Parents can register their kids on the first day of school.
2.Yes, it says you are to be 5 by September 1. If your child's birthday is after that date, you can schedule a testing at the Board of Education. If your child knows enough of the letters, numbers ,colors, etc. then they can be put into kindergarten.
3. Pre-K is there to help EVERYONE.
It is true that if you are on assistance then that gives you a good chance at your kid getting into Pre-K. Also, kids who have a good chance going to Pre-K are those with speach problems, hearing problems and disabilities. Pre-K is not going to deny your child because you work.
You can call the B.O.E. or any Elementary School and they can explain it all to you. I would still suggest signing up for Pre-K. If you get denied, at least you tried.