Schools
Finding a Kindergarten Class: Easy as ABC
Parents often struggle with not only what school to send their kindergartner, but what type of class as well. Patch helps narrow down the local programs and list upcoming open houses.
This is the second in a two-part series to help parents explore preschool and kindergarten options in the local area. For more on Picking a Preschool, .
A new year brings many new beginnings and parents of toddlers may already be searching for the perfect place to send their kindergartner next fall. Half the work is knowing what schools are out there and what kind of kindergarten programs they offer – the other half is worrying about fine motor skills, ABCs, counting, and playing well with others.
The fun begins and it's only kindergarten.
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Kindergarten has taken a leap forward and changed dramatically over the last 10 years. Choosing where to send your student and enrolling them in what type of kindergarten class are hard decisions for every parent. kindergarten teacher Jan Williams finds that parents need to be honest with themselves about their child's abilities.
"I have found that mothers who are honest with themselves know whether their child is ready for kindergarten or not," Williams said. "Do they separate easily from the parent? Can they sit and enjoy a story? Are they interested in learning? Can they do things for themselves? These are just a few questions that a parent may ask when making this big decision."
Find out what's happening in Macomb Townshipwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The other big decision is where to send your student once you've decided what he or she is ready to tackle. We've compiled a list of local kindergarten programs and upcoming open houses where parents are invited to bring their child and learn more about the school's program.
: A full school open house will take place Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 5-7 p.m. Toni Partyka, program director, encourages parents to consider the Montessori theory of teaching.
"We educate the whole child and not just the academic mind," Partyka said. A Kindergarten Open House will be Feb. 29 from 6-7 p.m. Two classes are offered for full day. Tuition based.
: An all grades open house on Jan. 29, preschool through 8th grade, will include special kindergarten sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. St. Peter offers a christian environment with a maximum of 23 kids with a teacher and full-time aide in each kindergarten class.
Principal Kyle Chuhran said: "Our motto, 'Caring for today ... preparing for tomorrow,' is what we do here at St. Peter's. We create a caring Christian environment for our students and prepare them for their life ahead."
St. Peter is tuition based.
: Prospective parents of kindergartners can attend an open house Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. Immanuel offers both AM and PM half day programs, full day kindergarten and a junior kindergarten half day program. A short presentation by teachers, and administrators begins the program with tours of classrooms and the school following. Registration will begin Jan. 27. Tuition based.
Chippewa Valley Schools: Kindergarten Open Houses will be either March 14 or 15 at all Chippewa Valley's elementary schools. Each school will have teachers available to meet so you can learn about the curriculum. Starting in 2012-13, only full-day programs will be offered. Parents should contact the school they are interested in for the specific date and time of their kindergarten open house.
L'Anse Creuse Schools: , located on North Avenue, is the only L'Anse Creuse elementary in Macomb Township. Parents interested in sending their new kindergartner student to Atwood, or Chesterfield, Graham, Lobbestael and Yacks can attend the district-wide kindergarten open house on Feb. 1 at the John R. Armstrong Performing Arts Center. Each school will also schedule a kindergarten visit night for parents to return their enrollment packets, see the classroom and talk with the principal this spring.
Utica Community Schools: Parents of kindergarten-age students can begin the registration process for Utica Community Schools at the district's annual kindergarten open houses at each of its 25 elementary schools on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. As of Jan. 23, Utica offers full day programs, a Montessori preschool/kindergarten program and a Mandarin/Chinese partial immersion program.
New Haven Community Schools: Throughout the school year, parents can directly enroll at the school their child will attend. Enrollment packets are available at the schools between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Kindergarten classes are available at New Haven Elementary School and in the elementary wing of Endeavor Middle School.
