"We are very excited. This is the first time we have done this," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD). Eckert's excitement is related to Kindergarten Expo 2022.
Kindergarten Expo 2022 will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the Together Community Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be designed for those whose children will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2022. Kindergarten Expo 2022 will offer parents a place to turn in paperwork, including birth certificates, immunization records, proof of residency, and parental identification information. The event will also include online registration stations, information about transition activities, a free book for each newly registered kindergartner, refreshments, door prizes, and more. Eckert has arranged for local organizations, including the Pequea Valley Public Library, Pequea Valley youth sports leagues, the Paradise Parent Teacher Organization, the Salisbury Parent Teacher Committee, The Factory Ministries and Community Action Partnership Child Care to have displays at the event. PVSD staff members will be present at the expo during the day.
Eckert believes the timespan of the drop-in event will give parents plenty of opportunities to stop by. "We will hopefully reach as many families as possible," she said, noting that computers will be set up at the expo so that those without regular online access can register a child with assistance if needed.
Kindergarten Readiness Kits will also be available at the expo for parents who have not received them yet. Eckert noted that the idea is to get the kits into the hands of the parents of the more than 100 incoming learners as quickly as possible. "We received a grant from the (Lancaster County) Community Foundation to provide kits for all our incoming learners," said Eckert. PVSD purchased pre-assembled kits and then added more items, along with a folder of instructions for parents. Eckert said the kits include scissors, pencils, and dice, and the folder includes information about immunizations; a Braves Bingo card, which offers a variety of activities to prepare for kindergarten; and a checklist for parents.
Along with picking up a kit, parents can sign up for Transition Nights, which were offered for the first time in 2021. Transition Nights will be held at Paradise and Salisbury elementary schools in late April or early May. Each night will have a theme. "We will have a literacy night, a math night, and a social and emotional learning night," said Eckert, who noted that teachers, principals, counselors, and nurses will all be at the schools. "(Families will) experience the school, meet the staff, and learn about a topic," said Eckert, who noted that dinner will be provided.
"We want families to have information, especially if they're new to the district," explained Eckert. "We hope to have that one-to-one connection to share what we have to offer and (help families) to know the district before the children start kindergarten."
Readers who have questions may email lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or call 717-381-5020.
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