Getting a good start
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Samantha Stough and her son Zachary celebrate after Zachary's name was drawn for a place in the Greenbrier Pre-K program in March 2004. There was only room for 20 children in the class out of the 50 children who sought places in the lottery-style drawing.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Once a pupil is registered for pre-K or kindergarten, there are some things parents can do to prepare their child.
"One of the most important things to do is to read to a child," said Phyllis Means, director of elementary student learning for the Columbia County School System. "Talk with children. Just the simplest little things to help them develop social and language skills can help. And maintain a calmness."
Preschool pupils and kindergartners often participate in activities with paint, glue and play in sand and water. Parents should dress their child in sturdy, comfortable and washable clothes, according to information provided by the school system.
School officials suggest pupils wear tennis shoes and clothes that are easy to pull up and down for bathroom needs. They also suggest pupils have a sweater or jacket available for cool days and for classroom temperature comfort. Also, write the child's name on all clothes that a child can take off at school.
Tammy Pollard cries with relief after her daughter, Christina's name is drawn for a place in the Greenbrier Elementary Pre-K program. in 2004. Registration for the state-funded Pre-K programs is already underway in some area schools; public school Pre-K registration start Tuesday an runs through March 31.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Pupils also should keep a change of clothes at school in case of emergencies.
Breakfast and lunch are available for pupils, but parents can send a snack to school with their child.
Means suggest parents offer their children a good breakfast and recommends plenty of sleep prior to school.
She also said parents need to constantly reassure their new pupil.
"The parents need to be calm and reassure their child that he is going to have a good day," Means said. "Let him know that they'll see him in the afternoon and talk about all he's done."