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Garfield Elementary Principal Valerie Bailey

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School is almost out for the summer, but every district is already preparing for next school year.

Garfield Elementary Principal Valerie Bailey says kindergarten registration has come and gone, but you can still have your child start school next fall if you act quickly. 

“We encourage those people who are planning to have students enroll in the Heath City School District to come in now, anytime between now and June 6th. The building will be open for a week after school is out. We want them to get in here and bring all of their paperwork so we can get their child registered and set up for the fall screening.”

Bailey says in the Heath City School District, children must be 5-years-old on or before August 1st to register for kindergarten, but there are other requirements as well. 

“You must prove your residency in the district, so bring a copy of your purchase contract or lease with you. We need the children’s shot records, social security number and an official birth certificate or passport. A student may not be enrolled with a hospital record, that is a not a recognized document by the state of Ohio.”

Bailey says the district tries to help the children get accustomed to the building before the first day. 

“On August 18th, we start posting those class lists on the door. On the 22nd of August, we have an orientation open house, where you can bring your child in as a family, tour the building and meet your child’s teacher to make it a very nice, smooth transition.”

Bailey adds that saying goodbye is sometimes just as hard for the parents as it is for the child, but it is important to get into a routine right away. 

“On the first day of school, I always recommend that if your child is going to ride the bus, put them on the bus that morning and say goodbye. Have a smile on your face and get them ready and prepared to go. If your child sees you emotionally crying and upset, they are going to wonder, ‘I don’t want to go there. Mom or dad is upset, what’s wrong?’ So, you need to be prepared as well to send your child off.”

Bailey offers some helpful tips to help parents get their child physically and mentally prepared for kindergarten. 

“At the beginning of August, set a regular bedtime for them to go to bed. Make sure they are in a good habit of eating well and getting their lunch. Also, make sure they are able to take care of themselves in the bathroom and make sure they are able to dress themselves. So, work on tying their shoes and buttoning their coats to make it easier for them to make a smooth transition.”