KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP BEGINS IN CAPE SCHOOLS

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Cape Girardeau schools are rounding up next year's kindergarten students this week.

Pre-enrollment began Monday at Charles C. Clippard (Hawthorn) and May Greene schools. Today students will be rounded up at Jefferson and Washington schools.

Enrollment for Franklin School is Thursday and for Alma Schrader School Friday.

James Englehart, interim superintendent, said the roundup benefits both parents and the school district.

"The reason we really want parents to pre-enroll their children for kindergarten is that it provides the school system with a lot more accurate numbers, which we can used to determine the staff we will need," Englehart said.

"If we know the numbers at each school, we have a better idea of our needs. If parents wait until fall, that's when we run into troubles. We end up with classes which are larger than our limit. Those are the students who will get transferred.

Pre-enrollment, he said, is, therefore, to the parent's advantage.

"The reason parents should take this opportunity to pre-enroll their children is that, if we can get an accurate pre-enrollment, there is a lot better chance to house those children within their neighborhood schools," Englehart said.

Each kindergarten class may not be larger than 25 students, according to a policy adopted by the Board of Education. If enrollment at a particular school is higher than the limit, students will be transferred to another elementary school.

Parents are asked to bring their child's birth certificate and record of immunization. It is not necessary for the child to come.

If parents do not have a birth certificate, they may enroll, but should write for a copy. One will be needed before school begins next fall.

If parents miss the roundup date they may enroll any time after that date.