WESTFIELD — Westfield’s public schools are hosting a “Countdown to Kindergarten” information and registration night in the Westfield Middle School cafeteria, 30 W. Silver St., on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Families of prospective kindergartners may attend anytime between 6 and 7:30 p.m., and may bring the kids. The snow date is Feb. 8.
Assessment and Accountability Director Christine Shea said the district’s goal is to get as many kindergartners registered as possible, to help plan for the 2024-25 school year.
“That way, we know who’s coming. We can have them come to screenings in May, invite them to play dates in the summer, and be ready to welcome them to school in the fall,” Shea said.
There will be information for families, with central registration staff and translators available to answer questions and to register children for kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2024, to enter kindergarten in the fall.
Shea said families can bring their paperwork with them, and learn what else they need. A list of paperwork needed for registration is available at www.schoolsofwestfield.org/page/required-enrollment-documents.
Families are encouraged to bring their prospective kindergartner with them. There will be a school bus outside for children to climb onto and explore, and inside will be a family “photo booth,” art kits with crayons and coloring books, raffle prizes and more.
Between 6 and 7 p.m. each elementary school will have a table where families can meet their future principals and teachers. Partners such as the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA, will also have representatives on hand, so families can connect and learn more about before- and after-school programs.
The evening is also an opportunity to ask questions about transportation, to hear about school lunches and see a sample menu.
Shea described the evening as the kickoff for kindergarten registration. She said if families miss it, they may register online, or visit the central office welcome center in the Westwood Building on the first floor of 94 Elm St., Westfield.
The Countdown to Kindergarten is sponsored in collaboration with the Westfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant and community partners. For more information, call Sarah Kotarski at 413-572-6439 or email s.kotarski@schoolsofwestfield.org.
For translation assistance, call Laura Surprise at 413-642-9320 or email l.surprise@schoolsofwestfield.org.
