It's already time for the Class of 2039 to sign up for classes.

The Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) School District is encouraging parents of children who turn 5 years old by Sept. 1, 2026, to register early for kindergarten classes that will begin in the fall. To register, go to http://www.l-spioneers.org/k-reg.

Kindergarten registration must be completed by Monday, March 2, to sign up for School Age Child Care (SACC). All who register before Wednesday, April 1, will be entered to win a gift card from Giant.

The school district also provides a SACC Wrap program. "Because we have half-day kindergarten, they can use School Age Child Care to wrap around into the rest of the day so they can come in the morning for SACC, then go to kindergarten in the afternoon, or vice versa," said Christi Henry, who is the L-S principal for kindergarten through second grade.

The school district requests that school district residents who do not wish to enroll their children in kindergarten email Tanya Groff of the student accounting office at tanya_groff@l-spioneers.org.

The registration period does not close. "Registration is always available to families. When they're ready, they can register for kindergarten," Henry said.

Registering early enables families to participate in school events such as Kickoff to Kindergarten and the Kindergarten Expo.

"It helps us get to know the kids," said Henry. "It helps us offer opportunities for the kids and families to get into the school for open houses and visitations. We know that the more chances the kids have to get into the school, the smoother their transition will be. ... The sooner they connect with us, the more quickly we can build a relationship and help them settle into the school."

Henry is confident parents won't be disappointed by the Early Childhood Center (ECC), which opened in August of 2024. "The ECC is an amazing place," she said. "The whole building is designed for early childhood, the size of things, the way everything is laid out and designed, the playground. The physical space is truly designed for early childhood learning and growth. Our programming is amazing. We have wonderful teachers. We have school-wide Title I. We have everything children and families could need to have a successful year."

This is Henry's 24th year working in public education and first as a principal. She worked in the Downingtown Area School District and Eastern Lancaster County School District before coming to L-S 12 years ago. At Hans Herr Elementary School, Henry taught fifth grade and then served as a program specialist for reading.

"It's been amazing just getting to know everyone, getting to know the kids, and building relationships with staff, students, and families," said Henry. "It's been really amazing. We have a wonderful team here who truly believes in doing what's best for kids, and it's an honor and a true pleasure to work with everyone here."