Commonly Asked Questions About Elementary
1. How old must my child be to start school?
2. What do I need to enroll my child in school?
3. What is Kindergarten Roundup?
4. Can my Kindergarten student be “moved up” to first grade?
1. How old must my child be to start school?
In accordance with state law, students who are five (5) years old on or before September 1 are eligible for the kindergarten program. A child may be enrolled in the first grade if he or she is at least six (6) years of age at the beginning of the current school year or has been enrolled in the first grade, or completed kindergarten, in the public schools of another state prior to transferring to the district. (TEC 42.003(c))
All students who are at least five years of age on September 1 of the current school year shall be enrolled in the kindergarten program at the time of registration.
Exception to the rule is made for students who have been enrolled in the first grade in the public schools in another state prior to transferring to a Texas public school or have completed kindergarten in the public schools in another state prior to transferring to a Texas public school. Students to whom the exception applies shall be enrolled in the first grade at the time of registration.
Students who are at least five years of age and have been enrolled for at least a half year (as determined by actual school days in the current district school calendar) in a public kindergarten program in another state prior to enrolling in the District may remain in the kindergarten provided space is available on the home campus (or the parent can provide transportation to another campus in which space is available). Also, in order to be promoted to first grade, students must demonstrate academic achievement or proficiency in skills and abilities required in kindergarten. (RRISD Policy FD Local)
2. What do I need to enroll my child in school?
Parents or guardians of new students should present the following items for their child at the time of registration:
1. Birth certificate (To obtain a copy of a birth certificate, see below)
2. Immunizations record [immunization requirements]
3. Proof of residence in the school district (lease agreement, if renting) contract of sale or a tax statement, if purchasing
4. Last report card or withdrawal form from previous school district
5. Social Security number
3. What is Pre K and Kindergarten Roundup?
Any child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2011, and who lives in the Round Rock ISD is eligible to attend the district’s full-day kindergarten. The week of March 7-11, 2011, with the target day of Thursday, March 10, has been designated for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Roundup for the 2011-12 school year. Parents may register children at their neighborhood elementary campus during this time. More information about Pre K and K Roundup.
A half-day prekindergarten program is also available for children who will be 4 years old on or before September 1 and who live in the district and have a limited ability to speak and/or comprehend the English language, are homeless, or whose family income allows the child to qualify for free and reduced lunch. Registration for the prekindergarten program is also scheduled for Monday, March 8, 2010 between 9 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at all RRISD elementary schools.
4. Can my kindergarten student be “moved up” to first grade?
The District recognizes that some children who attended a kindergarten program in previous years may need to be placed in other instructional environments to avoid unnecessary duplication of the kindergarten experience should skills have been mastered. To be considered for grade advancement, kindergarten students other than those completing a program in another state must meet the Texas requirement to be a least five year of age on September 1 of the current school year. Also, in order to be placed in first grade, the student must demonstrate academic achievement or proficiency in skills and abilities required in kindergarten. (RRISD FD Local Policy)
To request an alternative placement for your kindergarten child, the following procedures must be followed:
1. The child must attend kindergarten classes until screening procedures are initiated and completed for a period of not less than two weeks nor more than six weeks.
2. The parent request for testing for alternative placement must be submitted to the principal in writing. The written request must be provided by the end of the school year (for students registering during the spring Kindergarten Round-Up), within the first two weeks of school (for students enrolling during summer months), or within two weeks of enrollment (for students who enroll during the school year).
3. The parent must submit a letter of recommendation from the sending school indicating that first grade placement is needed. In addition, the parent must provide copies of preschool grade reports, work samples, and prior test data.
NOTE: Many children enter school reading and decoding words. First grade placement is not based solely upon the child's ability to perform these skills.
4. The screening criteria for first grade placement are as follows:
a. Composite achievement test scores at or above 90 percent in both reading and math, normed for first grade.
b. Mastery of 90 percent of the District objectives for kindergarten in reading and math.
c. Completed EPSS result indicating the child's learning style and developmental age at 6-1. (The EPSS is administered to all incoming kindergarten students within the first weeks of school).
d. A sample of student products from the current school.
e. Recommendations from a placement committee (principal, counselor, and teacher) concerning performance and skills.
f. Successful completion of a one-week trial placement in first grade, if recommended by the placement committee.
As you make the request for alternative placement for your kindergarten child, please consider the unique personality of your child and how he or she may be affected by a testing situation. Please be assured that our teaching staff will serve the needs of your child and provide a challenging curriculum for learning.
Elementary Report Cards