Perrydale SD 21 board raises kindergarten jump-start enrollment to 24

At a regular meeting, the Perrydale SD 21 Board of Directors voted to raise kindergarten "jump-start" enrollment to 24 students, from the 21 currently registered, to help children transition more smoothly into the first day of school. The change followed discussion with the elementary principal and brief remarks about the timing of registration.

The elementary principal told the board that students who attend jump-start — a partial-day program held before the full school year — are generally better prepared for the first day of school. Vanessa, who reported the current sign-up at 21, said the district has historically had uncertain late registrations but recommended expanding capacity so children could be accommodated. A committee member moved to increase the jump-start cap to 24; the chair called the question and the motion passed by voice vote.

Board members noted that jump-start typically begins a week after other summer activities and that staff would make outreach calls in the coming days to finalize plans. The board then advanced to the consent agenda.