South Whidbey Elementary will host a new kind of kindergarten information night this year.

Parents of incoming kindergarten students have traditionally attended an information night which included an orientation to school policies and an informative handout. This year, parents will have the opportunity to meet and hear informative presentations from a variety of school staff members including kindergarten teachers, the librarian and occupational and speech therapists.

The orientation will take place at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 21.

Principal Jeff Cravy explained that parents will spend 10 minutes at each station, talking with each of the staff members.

In addition to gathering a wealth of information about the school and kindergarten in general, parents will receive helpful advice on ways in which to prepare themselves and their child for school.

“We want it to be more of a partnership with parents.”

– Jeff Cravy, South Whidbey Elementary School principal

The occupational therapist will teach parents the best methods of helping their child hold a pencil for writing, while the speech therapist will discuss resources for parents who may have concerns and the librarian will discuss the importance of reading at home.

“This will hit the pre-K readiness skills we need them to have,” Cravy said.

Cravy explained that the orientation will help to foster a connection among the school, students and the home. This will be especially helpful due to the increasing requirements for kindergartners to do work, such as reading, at home.

“We want it to be more of a partnership with parents,” Cravy said.

It is the district’s goal to have all incoming kindergartners registered by the end of May. Early kindergarten registration is essential for planning, Cravy said, and allows him to ensure he has adequate staff and resources to accommodate the number of students.

Everyone prefers smaller class sizes, said Cravy, but it is difficult for children to move classes once the school year has begun because bonds have already been formed with classmates and teachers.

Having a good idea of the number of incoming students beforehand helps to ensure children will be set in a smaller class at the beginning of the year without the need to move.

For additional information, contact South Whidbey Elementary School at 360-221-4600 or visit sw.wednet.edu.