Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. Nederland Elementary School and the PTA hosted their annual Kindergarten Round Up. Principal Laurel Reckert says, “This is a way to welcome families to our school community, share important information and answer questions.”

Families were treated to a healthy BVSD food service meal of salad and pizza. Then, teachers played games and did art projects with the kids while the parents attended a presentation about Kindergarten at NES.

Kindergarten teacher Mary Waddell shared with parents what happens in the classroom. Kindergarten at Nederland Elementary is a very academic program that stresses literacy, math, science, social studies and social skills. Students also get music, art, physical education and library time.

Ms. Reckert also shared information about BVSD’s fee-based Kindergarten Enrichment program. This is a play-based program that extends the half day Kindergarten to a full day. This is an optional program.

NES’s registrar Sheila Kassera spoke with the parents about how to register their child for Kindergarten. She encouraged parents to call her at 720-561-4800 with any questions they may have. There is also a computer in the school office to assist parents with the registration process, if needed.

Keith Putnam, BVSD transportation supervisor, spoke about the bus routes and how safe bus transportation is. Drivers receive over 100 hours of training. Mountain drivers must complete several more hours of training on top of that to transport students to Nederland schools. It can be scary for a parent to put their 4 or 5-year-old child on the big bus for the first time. Mr. Putnam was there to try to ease some of those concerns.

PTA President, Jessica Fitzer shared with parents how important parent volunteers and support are to the school. The PTA fundraises to support enrichment activities like field trips, assemblies and Ned SHRED.

Kindergarten Round Up was organized by Kristi Venditti. In her position as BVSD community liaison she helps enroll preschoolers in Caribou Mountain Preschool and then transition into Kindergarten.

The event was well attended by excited soon-to-be Kindergartners and their parents. Going to Kindergarten is a big step for all our local kids. We wish them all the best as they start their school journey in August.

(Originally published in the March 14, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)