By Gina Holt
Enquirer contributor
BURLINGTON - Boone County Schools kindergarten registration begins this month for the 2003-04 school year.
Children who will be 5 years old before Oct. 1 can attend kindergarten this fall.
Registration day and time is different at each of the nine public elementary schools. Parents must bring their child's current Kentucky immunization certificate, current school physical, current eye examination, certified copy of their birth certificate, their Social Security card and proof of residency.
Children can come to registration but, in most cases, are not required to be there. They will meet their teachers and classmates before school begins at the school open house in the fall.
The districts are divided by neighborhoods. For example, people living in Burlington Meadows subdivision attend Burlington Elementary School, while those living in Oakbrook subdivision attend Stephens Elementary.
Parents can determine which district they are in by going to www.boone.k12.ky.us/transportation/ and clicking on Bus Stop Information. Children must attend the district they live in.
Morning and afternoon kindergarten is offered at all the schools, but parents do not choose which session their child will attend. That assignment also is based on where the parent lives.
Kindergarten is not required in Kentucky. However, Gerald Turner, director of pupil personnel, said even if a child is 6 by Oct. 1, he or she will probably be placed in kindergarten instead of primary 1.
"If a student has not attended kindergarten when they are coming to school they will most likely be placed in a kindergarten classroom," he said.
Dawn Sander, kindergarten teacher at Ockerman Elementary School, said children benefit from attending.
They learn the alphabet, alphabet sounds, work on phonics, enhance social skills, learn numbers and number recognition, and some word recognition.
Students also will use computers on a daily basis and be able to read at an entry level by the end of the school year.
"They learn to write their first and last name," Sander said. "We learn addresses and phone numbers and other personal information."
Sander encourages parents to enroll their students as soon as possible.
"The earlier you register the more time you give the teacher to be prepared."
Information: Call 282-3325
How to register
When registering your child, bring his/her current Kentucky immunization certificate, current school physical, current eye examination, certified copy of birth certificate, Social Security card and proof of residency. Call the school or Board of Education office at 282-3325 or 283-1003 with questions.
Burlington Elementary, 334-4440, March 19 1-6 p.m.
Collins Elementary, 282-2350, Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Erpenbeck Elementary, 384-7200, Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Florence Elementary, 282-2610, Feb. 27, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Goodridge Elementary, 334-4420, March 4, 1-6 p.m. Child must be present. No appointment is necessary.
Kelly Elementary, 334-4450, March 5, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
New Haven Elementary, 384-5325, March 6, 1-4 p.m.
North Pointe Elementary, 334-7000, March 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ockerman Elementary, 282-4620, March 12, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stephens Elementary, 334-4460, March 13, 1-6 p.m. Call for appointment.
Yealey Elementary, 282-3333, March 18, 1-6 p.m.
Boone County Schools
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