"Last year was the first kindergarten expo, (and) it went really well," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning for the Pequea Valley School District (PVSD). "This year, we are making a few changes and hoping to have an even better turnout," she added.

Kindergarten Expo 2023 is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Together Community Center, 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, from 2 to 7 p.m. The event is designed for those whose children will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2023.

PVSD online kindergarten registration opened Feb. 1. Online registration stations will be available at the expo for those who still need to sign a child up. "We will have paperwork certification stations, where (parents) can turn in paperwork," noted Eckert, who added that birth certificates, immunization records, proof of residency, and parental identification may all be handled there.

"We will have (places to) sign up for kindergarten screenings and transition activities," pointed out Eckert. Kindergarten transition nights will be held at each PVSD elementary school in late April and early May. Each night will focus on a topic, such as literacy, math, or social and emotional learning, and dinner will be provided. Teachers, principals, counselors, and nurses representing each school will be present to meet families that attend.

Kindergarten Readiness Kits will be available at the expo for families that have not received them yet. Eckert said that the kits include scissors, pencils, and dice, along with information about immunizations, a Braves Bingo card, and a checklist for parents.

The event will also include free books, refreshments, a gift basket door prize, and more. Eckert has arranged for staff members from Salisbury and Paradise elementary schools to be present along with representatives from the Intercourse Library, Paradise Parent Teacher Organization and Salisbury Parent Teacher Committee, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and other community organizations. Information about Pequea Valley youth sports programs will also be available.

"The goal is to get as many of our students as possible registered early," said Eckert, who added that most children were registered by May in 2022. Readers who have questions may email lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org or call 717-381-5020.