FRANKLIN—The start of the next school year is about four months away, but this week is an opportunity to get rising kindergarteners signed up. Taking the lead in this task is Smart Beginnings Western Tidewater, which is sponsoring “Spring Into Kindergarten” this Wednesday, April 30, at elementary schools in the region.

This is a first for the agency, said Ellen Couch, executive director.

“We’re doing this to 1: Promote school readiness and 2: Have more children registered earlier. School divisions use this as a predictor for how many kindergarten classes will be needed,” she said.

Couch encouraged parents to bring their children with them at registration because each school will do different activities for them.

Registration is for children who live in Franklin, Isle of Wight County or Southampton County and will be 5 years old by Tuesday, Sept. 30.

In Franklin, registration will be from 2 to 6 p.m.; in Isle of Wight County from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and in Southampton County from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

“Isle of Wight County Schools is thrilled to have partnered with Smart Beginnings, as well as Franklin and Southampton schools to have our first annual Western Tidewater Kindergarten Registration Day,” said Jacqueline Carr, director of Elementary Education and Preschool Programs for IWCS.

“Parents can expect to be greeted with a warm welcome from the school’s staff,” she continued. “The actual registration process will involve someone available to help parents complete forms, while the children are engaged in some kind of child-friendly activity.

“Other information available may include the available services from the health department, the public library, information on the upcoming kindergarten school year, a free book bag with a couple of free books for the child, and more.

“We feel strongly that working together in advertising this event will help get the word out to all families who will have a child entering kindergarten to register early. This will help set the families up for school success, as well as support schools in planning.”

The registration will occur at the children’s respective zoned school. To find out where he or she belongs, call the following: Franklin – 569-8111; Isle of Wight County – 357-4393; and Southampton County – 653-2692.

Bring the following that day: Your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, physical exam record, Social Security card and proof of residence. The latter can include a utility bill, mortgage or rent statement or residency affidavit.

Other supporters include the Cover 3 Foundation, the Blackwater Regional Library and the Western Tidewater Health District.