Montgomery County Public Schools outlines kindergarten enrollment, attendance and family resources

A family engagement specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools urged parents to complete enrollment and health forms and to partner with schools to support children entering kindergarten, emphasizing regular attendance, communication tools and available resources.

The presentation — part of the district's Parent Academy series — stressed that "parents and guardians are lifelong teachers," and described kindergarten as a major transition where students begin building social, emotional and academic routines. The specialist recommended early preparation at home, including practicing self‑help skills (dressing, using the bathroom), establishing sleep and morning routines and labeling belongings so young students feel confident and secure.

Why it matters: The specialist said family engagement is linked to higher attendance, better grades and improved social skills, and noted that missing school in kindergarten can make it harder for children to catch up. Parents were told to report absences promptly and to submit an absence note within three days; acceptable reasons include illness, religious observance, death in the immediate family, court summons, suspension, state emergencies and hazardous weather.

Enrollment and paperwork: Families were directed to the kindergarten handbook and slide links that will be shared after the session. The specialist emphasized that prekindergarten is a separate program and that children who attended preK must still be enrolled for kindergarten with the standard documentation (proof of residency, health and medical history forms) submitted to the school’s office or attendance secretary.

Meals, payments and supports: The district serves breakfast and lunch; families were reminded that free and reduced‑price meal eligibility is income‑based and can be applied for online. The specialist referenced the Division of Food and Nutrition Services and the My School Bucks online account for adding funds to a student's meal account.

Communication tools and language access: The district uses ParentSquare (texts, emails and calls) for mass messaging; families must keep contact information current so they receive system messages. ParentView and school websites were recommended for ongoing information about schedules, grades and school events. The specialist also noted staff can request interpreters via the district language line for families that prefer a language other than English.

Events and supports: Parents were invited to join school PTAs/PTSAs and to attend other Parent Academy sessions; recordings and slide materials will be available. The presenter announced a system transition day set for Aug. 24 for incoming kindergarteners (and for students entering sixth and ninth grades) and encouraged families to attend school‑level meet‑and‑greet events and back‑to‑school nights in the fall.

Contacts and next steps: The specialist asked parents to reach out to classroom teachers, principals, attendance secretaries or counselors with questions and to contact family engagement specialists (the presenter noted a colleague, Aba) for help navigating ParentView, registration or other family supports. Slides and linked resources will be shared after the session.

The session closed with a reminder to register as soon as possible so schools can plan for incoming students and to update phone numbers and addresses to ensure families receive important communications.