An informational letter was sent home about transitioning to kindergarten for the 2018 -2019 school year. Additionally, a video was sent to all parents, via email, on Friday, November 17, to discuss the kindergarten enrollment window, which is from December 1, 2017 through January 15, 2018. St. Vrain Valley School District offers the following Kindergarten program configurations at various schools:
• Traditional Half Day Classes (half days AM/PM, 5 days per week)
• Half Day, Alternate Day Classes (1 half day, 2 full days per week)
• Full Day, Every Day Classes (full days, 5 days per week)
· If parents choose to enroll a child in a Full Day, Every Day Kindergarten, there will be a tuition charge for the “other half” of the day.
· Full Day Kindergarten Program Tuition – tuition for ’18-’19 has not yet been determined, and this requires a registration fee
If parents would like to enroll a child in Full Day, Every Day Kindergarten, but would need tuition assistance, they will need to complete a tuition assistance application form, available at: http://www.svvsd.org/about/departments/early-childhoodpreschool/kindergarten. Please be aware that tuition assistance is limited and may be allocated on a lottery or first-come, first-serve basis to those who qualify. Qualification for free or reduced lunch status does not guarantee enrollment in Full Day Kindergarten. There is also a tuition-assistance sliding scale. Please speak with the elementary principal for additional options (scholarships or other tuition assistance programs may be available).
For the 2018-2019 school year, kindergarten applications will be accepted between Thursday, December 1, 2017 through January 15, 2018, in a first-come, first serve basis. Enrollment will continue throughout the winter, spring, and summer as well.
The above information applies to all children including children with special needs who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The Half Day District Kindergarten Program is offered at no expense (Free Appropriate Public Education) to families. The services specified in an IEP will be delivered during that portion of the day. In rare instances, when it is necessary to extend the school day, this must be approved by the District Director of Special Education.
Online Registration is a great option for new families to St. Vrain. Families still have the option to fill out a paper registration packet if preferred, contact the school to obtain a complete packet. The online option is at: http://svvsd.org/schools/online-registration.
We recommend parents take advantage of various methods of learning about schools:
· Visit the school’s website and social media.
· Call and make an appointment to talk to the principal or to visit the school.
· Check with the school to see if they offer tours or informational nights for interested parents.
· Look at the Colorado Department of Education website to see how students at the school are performing: http://www.cde.state.co.us/schoolview/performance
· Ask friends and neighbors with first hand experiences about their child’s school. Listen for trends.
If families have concerns about a child moving on to kindergarten, please contact the child’s teacher. Generally, it is not our practice to retain children in preschool based solely on their date of birth. It’s important for families to gain an understanding of what is expected in kindergarten and to communicate their concern to their child’s teacher. After talking to the teacher, the teacher can request a team meeting. Conversations about concerns regarding a student’s progress and achievement should typically begin in January. Any concerns regarding the consideration of retention by either the parent or the teacher require more than one meeting and need to involve the administrator at Spark, the administrator at the in-coming elementary school, early childhood coordinator, and special education staff (if child has special needs). Using input from parents and teachers and a body of evidence, the final decision regarding retention is up to administration.