Spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings and if you are the parent or guardian of an up-and-coming kindergartner, administrators and teachers at Salisbury Elementary School want you to prepare now for your child’s new beginning as a kindergartner and future Falcon.

If your child will turn 5 before Aug. 31, you are encouraged to begin the enrollment process by registering online at www.salisburysd.org/kindergarten. Once enrollment is approved you will receive an email with information about how to sign up for the next important step in the process – kindergarten screening assessments.

Screenings will take place May 14-17 and each assessment will take approximately 1-1 1/2 hours to complete. Results will be shared with parents after the screening.

Kindergarten teachers and administrators alike stress the benefits of early registration and subsequent kindergarten screening.

These assessments allow teachers time to prepare the best possible instructional setting for each child by providing an optimal classroom learning environment to best meet student needs. Students who enroll early have an opportunity to participate in summer activities such as a school tour, bus ride and a Popsicle playdate.

Families are encouraged to attend these activities as a way to become familiar with the school building, teachers, bus drivers as well as fellow students and their families.

According to Assistant Superintendent Kelly Pauling, these activities are specifically designed to reduce anxiety and build excitement for the coming year.

Conversely, teachers have noted children who register late face a more difficult adjustment to the school setting when they have not had the opportunity to become familiar with teacher expectations/routines, the school building or classmates and their families.

In an effort to encourage parents to register early, Superintendent Lynn Fuini-Hetten acknowledges the significance of starting kindergarten for both children and their families as it marks the start of an “incredible adventure filled with learning, growth and countless cherished memories.” She wants to reassure parents and guardians educators understand “that entrusting your child to us is a significant decision and we take this responsibility with the utmost care and dedication.” She also noted the partnership with parents is invaluable as the district strives to create an environment for children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

If you would like your child to get a jump on the kindergarten experience and participate in summer activities, mark your calendar for the following important events open to registered kindergarten students and their families.

School tours and bus rides will take place 8-11 a.m. Aug. 8 and noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 19.

Kindergarten parent orientation will be held 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15.

Meet the Teacher Night and Popsicle playdate will take place 7-8:15 p.m. Aug. 21.

Kindergarten orientation day will be held Aug. 26 followed by the first full day of school Aug. 27.