SOUTH WHITTIER – South Whittier School District is opening enrollment for its full-day and transitional kindergarten (TK) programs at its five elementary schools starting Feb. 15, providing opportunities for the District’s youngest learners to get a social and academic jumpstart as they explore new concepts and acclimate to an educational environment.

“Preparing our young kids for the challenges of school at an early age is pivotal to ensuring their success in elementary, middle and high school,” said Martha Mestanza-Rojas, associate superintendent of educational services.

“These students often come to school without adequate social and academic skills,” Mestanza-Rojas said. “But these programs build a strong foundation upon which they will develop maturity and learn essential pre-literacy, pre-math and other cognitive skills that will result in stronger academic gains.”

The TK program is a bridge between the preschool environment and the more structured setting of kindergarten and includes an age-appropriate curriculum. Full-day kindergarten provides a full day of enriching instruction that includes art, reading, math, science and social studies. Children also get used to a schedule similar to what they will have in first grade.

Programs are offered at the following elementary schools: Carmela, 13300 Lakeland Road; Lake Marie, 10001 Carmenita Road; Loma Vista, 13463 Meyer Road; Los Altos, 12001 Bona Vista Lane; and McKibben, 10550 Mills Ave.

Parents can begin enrolling students online or at each school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning the week of Feb. 15. Children must turn 5 years old by Sept. 1 to qualify for kindergarten enrollment. Students who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 may register for the TK program, which is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program. Parents must submit a birth certificate, proof of residency in South Whittier’s boundaries and immunization records.

Families can register online at their own convenience or access the online registration process at any of the campuses. For assistance with the online registration process, call (562) 944-6231, ext. 2052. For enrollment information, call (562) 944-6231, ext. 2004, or visit www.swhittier.net.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

021317_SWSD_KINDER1: South Whittier School District is opening enrollment for its full-day and transitional kindergarten (TK) programs at its five elementary schools starting Feb. 15. Children enrolled in the program can explore an age-appropriate curriculum that includes art, reading, math, science and social studies.

021317_SWSD_KINDER2: South Whittier School District is opening enrollment for its full-day and transitional kindergarten (TK) programs at its five elementary schools starting Feb. 15. Children enrolled in the program can explore an age-appropriate curriculum that includes art, reading, math, science and social studies.