Parents, teachers attend Family Fun Night at RWE

Hats, coloring and silly pictures were a part of the PreK Family Fun Night, Thursday evening at Ralph Witters Elementary, with a running theme of Dr. Seuss. The event gives kids and parents a chance to tour the school, Early Childhood Liaison Amy Ready said. This allows parents to know what the school has to offer, and familiarizes students with the layout so they're a bit more relaxed and ready to learn when they begin classes.

Those coming into Kindergarten have some opportunities to get familiar with the classroom environment before the start of the year.

The Pre-Kindergarten Academy, Ready explained, invites incoming kindergartners for some Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) based learning, Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:45-2:45 p.m. at the Early Childhood Vocational Building.

The Academy kicked off in March, and will go through the end of the school year.

The Kinder Camp is provided for two separate two-week sessions - June 6-16, and August 1-11. Classes are mornings only Monday-Thursday at Ralph Witters Elementary, and breakfast and lunch are provided, thanks to some assistance from the Bridges Grant.

The camp is taught by Kindergarten teachers, though Ready provides some help as well.

Ready reminds parents that Kindergarten registration is coming up, April 21 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Ralph Witters, and she encourages everyone who is attending kindergarten next year to register. Students entering kindergarten must be age 5 by Sept. 15. Parents will need to bring with them their child's immunization records and state-certified birth certificate. Questions about registration can be handled by school secretary Susan Little, 864-6561.

For those whose children are not of age for kindergarten, Ready also provides the Moms and Tots program year-round, from 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Vocational Building. The program is for kids from infant to school age, though a parent or adult has to accompany them. Among the activities are playing with Play-Doh to strengthen hands, painting, singing and working with different educational toys and equipment.

Ready also travels to daycares and pre-schools in the area, providing resources and lessons in an effort to increase school readiness for all kids. Those interested in joining the programs, or who need more information, can contact Ready at 921-0975.