The Blue Springs School District Parents as Teachers Program, in conjunction with the Early Childhood
PTA, will co-sponsor “Ready, Set, Off to Kindergarten” on Tuesday, February 24 th
, at 7:00 p.m. at
Cordill-Mason Elementary School (4001 SW Christiansen Road, Blue Springs, MO). During this adult only event, information related to enrollment procedures, school readiness, and the kindergarten experience will be presented by district staff. Parents/Guardians will also have the opportunity to visit a kindergarten classroom to see what the educational setting is like. Registration is not necessary to attend.
Kindergarten transition information and required enrollment forms are available on the district website at bssd.net.

READY, SET, OFF TO KINDERGARTEN
Top Ten Questions Asked by Parents/Guardians of Pre-Kindergartners
1. What is the age requirement for kindergarten?
Children must be five years of age prior to August 1 st , 2015, in order to attend kindergarten.
Children must be fully immunized prior to starting school on Wednesday, August 19 th
, 2015.
2. When and what is required for enrollment?
Enrollment is Thursday, February 26 th
, from noon to 7:00 p.m., and Friday, February 27 th
, from
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Proof of residency, the child’s birth certificate, the child’s immunization records, and a parent/guardian photo I.D. are required for enrollment. A current utility bill in the resident’s name and address, or a lease agreement with the same information, will suffice for proof of residency purposes. If in the process of constructing a house and it will not be finished by enrollment time, a copy of the building contract should be provided. If applicable, a copy of the divorce decree and parenting plan, or pertinent adoption paperwork is also appreciated.
Kindergarten transition information and required enrollment forms are available on the district website at bssd.net.
3. Where do I enroll?
All children must be enrolled in the attendance area in which they reside. Upon enrolling at the resident school, the principal should be consulted regarding any special educational considerations, including what to do if childcare is provided in an area of the district outside the boundaries of the resident school.
4. When will my child be screened?
Some schools screen incoming kindergartners on the same day as enrollment. At schools where this does not occur, parents are encouraged to schedule a screening appointment before completing the enrollment process. Please contact your resident schools to confirm how screening will be conducted.
5. What screening instrument is used for kindergarten?
The instrument used for pre-kindergarten children is the Brigance-III Screen. It is a survey or inventory of skills, not an entrance or IQ test. The screening process provides information about how the child performs on school-related tasks and also ideas on what to do over the summer to strengthen or enhance readiness skills. A copy of the results will be provided following the screening.
6. When will information about the school and district be provided?
Information about the school and district will be provided at the time of enrollment. Information related to kindergarten orientation activities and/or school updates will be provided at a later date.
Each school will host an orientation event in August prior to the start of the school year.

7. What instructional programming is available this summer for my child?
A pre-kindergarten summer school program will be offered during the month of June. Summer school application information will be provided at the time of enrollment. To participate in the pre-K summer school program, the incoming kindergartener must already be enrolled to start school on August 14 th and be current with immunizations. Transportation is not provided by the district for the pre-K summer school program.
8. What should I do if my child has special educational needs?
School office staff, including principals, counselors, and health aides, are available to answer questions related to special educational needs. Please notify the office staff of any educational concerns at the time of enrollment and/or screening. The district will be providing transitional kindergarten (TK) program services during the 2015-2016 school year. The TK program is by invitation only, which means that a prior screening and qualification determination are required to participate. Please contact the district’s Curriculum and Instruction Department at 224-1300 if more information is required.
9. What opportunities will be provided to visit the resident school?
An opportunity to visit the resident school will occur at the time of kindergarten enrollment and screening, during pre-K summer school if hosted at the site, and while attending the kindergarten orientation event in August.
10. Does the school or district offer before and/or after school service?
Fee-based before and/or after school service is offered at all 13 elementary schools through the district’s Prime Time program. Prime Time supports, expands, and enriches the school day through social, recreational, and life skills development opportunities. Prime Time provides fullday service during parent/teacher conferences, winter and summer breaks, and weather closure days. Incoming kindergartens are eligible to attend the Prime Time Summer Journey Program.
To participate in the Prime Time Summer Journey, the incoming kindergartener must already be enrolled to start school on August 19 th , be current with immunizations, and be capable of personally managing his/her toileting needs. Please contact your resident school’s Prime Time site lead for additional information about the program.
Other questions:

Do buses deliver to daycares?
– Yes, ask at enrollment to be sure they deliver to yours.

What immunizations are needed?
Refer to packet

Are all kindergartners transported?
Yes, as long as you are attending their resident school.

Do kindergartners get rest time?
– Yes, it will be adjusted as needed.

What is class size?
– The Board of Education has established a goal of no more than 25 students in a kindergarten classroom.

February 24, 2015, @ 7:00 p.m. @ Cordill-Mason Elementary
Pledge of Allegiance – Representative Cordill-Mason Kindergartners
Welcome and Introductions – David Brouse
PAT Educators – Jennifer Robinson, Penny Williams, & Kristi Bates
CME Administrators – Greg Johnson & Jodi Turnbough
CME Kindergarten Team Members – Jillian Littlejohn, Anne Lee, Ryan
Bohannon, Sheila Hattey, & Megan Hulver
Transportation Department – Steve Brown
Health Services Department – Cherie Chambers
Prime Time – Chriss Doherty (LFE) & Lindsey Williams (JNE)
Early Childhood PTA – Amanda Yount
Elementary Principal Welcome – Greg Johnson
Kindergarten Questions & Considerations – David Brouse
Top Ten Things to Know About the “New” Kindergarten – Jillian Littlejohn
Closing & Invitation to Visit Classrooms – David Brouse
We are looking forward to your child attending the Blue Springs School District. We know this is a very special and exciting time for your family and, for that reason, our professional staff is prepared to make the start of school a positive and successful experience. Children are “born to learn,” and we appreciate the opportunity to work with you in expanding educational horizons for years to come.
This concludes our program. Our panel members are available to answer any questions you might have. Thank you for coming and have a great evening!