Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

March 6, 2008 issue

Time To Think About Kindergarten

Watauga County Announces Kindergarten Orientation Schedule

Kindergarten orientation for children starting kindergarten in August 2008 will be held at each of the Watauga County Schools in April and May. Children who will be 5 years old on or before October 16, 2008 can be registered for kindergarten during the orientation.

The coming school year will be the last one in which the October 16 cutoff date applies to children entering kindergarten. The North Carolina General Assembly adopted legislation changing the cutoff date to August 31 effective with the start of the 2009-10 school year.

Children can only enroll in a Watauga County Schools kindergarten at the school in their designated school attendance area. Parents who are uncertain about their school attendance area should call Transportation Director Toni Weaver Floyd at 828-264-6391.

Parents need to bring the following documents to register their children for kindergarten: a certified original birth certificate, proof of immunizations, the previous month’s power bill or other proof of the current address and a copy of a physical exam completed since August 2007. Immunizations that must be documented include five for DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus), four for polio, three for Hepatitis B, two for MMR (mumps/measles/rubella), and one each for varicella (chickenpox) and Hib.

Parents should contact the school their child will attend to confirm the time of the orientation and to request any additional details about registration. The orientation dates for each school are also be posted at the Watauga County Schools website.

Bethel: April 3, 4—828-297-2240

Blowing Rock: April 14, 15—828-295-3204

Cove Creek: April 17, 18—828-297-2781

Green Valley: April 21, 22—828-264-3606

Hardin Park: May 1, 2—828-264-8481

Mabel: April 10, 11—828-297-2512

Parkway: May 5, 6—828-264-3032

Valle Crucis: April 28, 29—828-963-4712