Kindergarten Hub

Welcome to Kindergarten and the Northeastern School District! It is our sincere hope that you and your child have an excellent first school experience with us. In an effort to make a smooth home-to-school transition, we are providing you with this information about our Kindergarten program and our School District. Do not hesitate to contact the school with any questions you might have either prior to the start of school or after the school year is underway.

Kindergarten Parent Guide

Be Ready Bobcat

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – 6-7pm
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – 6-7pm
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 – 6-7pm
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – 6-7pm

For all NESD incoming Kindergartners in 2026-2027

Located at Orendorf Elementary

Be Ready Bobcat Pre-Registration

Program Overview:

Be Ready Bobcat is a 4 week program where students and families are exposed to the operatingnorms of Northeastern School District. Families will be introduced to T.R.A.C.K.S., The Science ofReading, the basics of the kindergarten curriculum, important social skills at school and other softskills essential for kindergarten success. At every 1 hour session, students will be read a new bookthat they will be able to keep, complete a collaborative craft or project with another student andhis/her family, and practice school expectations and norms. Each session will also have the studentsleave their families for a period of 25 minutes in order to practice being away from them (this is oftena big transition for some children). While students are with the teachers during that time duration, thefamilies will receive background on the T.R.A.C.K.S. program (PBIS mindset), Positive Action, akindergarten curriculum overview, strategies for reading at home, and ideas for practicing math skillsat home. This program is free for all incoming kindergarten students at Northeastern School District.

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Online Registration will not open until February 25th for the 2026-2027 school year.

We would like to have all incoming Kindergarten registrations completed by June 1, 2026 so that we may begin to place students in their classrooms and arrange transportation.

Online Registration

Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027 is now open!
- Once you create a portal, you will need to choose: Kindergarten Registration for 2026-2027
Instructions for online registration.

If you do not have access to a computer or cell phone with data, please call the administration office at 717-266-3667 to schedule a time slot to use one of our computers.

Registration Overview

All online registration paperwork needs to be completed.
You will schedule your appointment in person at one of the Kindergarten Information Nights OR via phone with the school secretary. Time Slots are limited.

Items Needed to Complete Registration

Student's Birth Certificate
Student's Immunization Records
- English Immunization Flyer
- Spanish Immunization Flyer
Custody Papers (if Applicable)
Proof of Residence
- Lease/rental agreement, a Mortgage Statement or Settlement Paperwork (we do not accept utility bills as proof of residency)

If you cannot provide all of the information above, please call Jennifer Spence at 717-266-3667 ext. 10224. The parent/guardian must have a drivers license or state ID for proof of identification at the time of you appointment.

Other Items Needed (not required for Registration Appointment)

Other Medical Forms Available

Kindergarten Overview

What does the kindergarten day look like?

Reading/Writing Activities (about half the day)
Mathematics - focus on counting, number sense & ID, basic problem solving
Specials - Art, Music, Library, PE
Recess - 2 per day (kindergarteners need to move!)
Lunch - 25 minutes with the other kindergarten classes
Lots of focus on learning rountine & structure

Classroom Assignments

Students are assigned to teachers over the summer months.
Classroom assignments are not final until August, when you are notified by mail.
The District discourages requesting a specific teacher.

If you know of other families with kids starting kindergarten, please share this information. It is important to balance our class sizes.

Transportation

Bus stops will be assigned with one stop for pick up, and one stop for take home.
Students may be transported by parent or guardian.
A parent or other designated responsible person must come to school to pick up the kindergarten student or meet them at the bus door.
Updated attendance laws include kindergarten. School policy will be enforced in grades K-12.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

School Readiness

Does your child exhibit curiosity?
Is your child willing to ask questions and ask for help?
Is your child emotionally ready to interact with other children?
Does your child sit for 10 minutes or more and focus on a subject?
Can your child understand rules and routines?

Preparing for Kindergarten

READ...it's the single most important thing a parent can do to encourage learning!
PLAY...through this, children learn concepts, how to interact with others, and practice large and small motor skills.
PRACTICE...the alphabet and numbers in everyday life.
PLAY...with other kids, organized and otherwise.
ASK QUESTIONS...about what you've seen and read.
TALK...to your child.
LISTEN...when he or she talks to you.