Kindergarten Sign Up is on Wednesday, April 11th.

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting time for you and your child and we want the sign-up process to go as smoothly as possible for your family.

Your child must be five years old on or before September 15 to be eligible. Find the information you need to start enrollment below.

WHAT DO I NEED?

Everyone is required to provide the following documents:*

• Birth certificate;
• Immunization records;
• Photo ID;
• Resident verification (may include, but not limited to: recent utility bill, current vehicle registration, recent DHS paperwork, signed lease agreement or notarized letter from your landlord.)

*All documentation must be received before sign-up can be completed.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Current Des Moines Public Schools preschool students (including partner sites, but excluding Catholic diocese schools) will receive a letter from your student’s teacher instructing you on how to complete the kindergarten registration process. Please wait for your registration letter before beginning this process. You do NOT need to visit the Welcome Center to begin this process.

Families who already have a child attending a DMPS school or preschool may sign-up at their address-assigned school beginning Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 2:30 – 6:30 P.M.

Families who are new to Des Moines Public Schools can sign-up by visiting the Welcome Center at 2100 Fleur Drive.

QUESTIONS?

Families may call 515-242-7371 with any questions about the kindergarten sign-up process.

Headaches: Preventative Measures with Children

Headaches are one of the most common reasons students visit the health office. There are many things that can be done to help prevent children from experiencing headaches such as:

HEALTHY DIET- Eating a healthy diet and avoiding food with nitrates (hot dogs, bacon, cured meats), MSG, drinks with caffeine, and chocolate.

WATER- It is so important to stay hydrated to prevent headaches. Children should drink anywhere between 4-8 glasses a day depending on their age.

SLEEP- Children ages 6-13 years old should get between 9-11 hours of sleep each night.

ACTIVITY- Regular physical activity is so important and has been found to help reduce stress and decrease the amount of headaches someone can experience.

STRESS- Stress and anxiety can also play a role in headache frequency. Avoid overscheduling your child’s day. Be aware of your child’s emotional perception regarding school work and relationships. Teach them stress reducing techniques such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, taking a break from a task, listening to music, talking with someone about their anxiety, or doing a sensory activity (playing with water, sand, playdoh, finger-painting, etc.).

Not all headaches can be prevented and can be a sign of illness. Frequent headaches can also occur in those with certain diagnoses or genetic predispositions. If you child experiences frequent headaches despite preventative measures he or she should be seen by their regular healthcare provider.

*Please make sure to contact your school nurse if your child is diagnosed with influenza, strep, or any other contagious illness. Your child’s health information will remain confidential. This information is useful in identifying others with signs and symptoms and referring them to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. The information is also helpful in formulating preventative measures in the classrooms. Thank you!

March will be a busy month in the music room at Samuelson School. The Samuelson Singers will perform on Tuesday, March 6 at 6:00 pm, in the school gym. We have been rehearsing on Wednesday mornings before school to get ready for our concert.

On Tuesday, March 20, the 5th graders will be attending the Des Moines Symphony at the Civic Center. Permission slips will be sent home soon, so watch for them. Tuesday, March 27, is the date for our spring music program featuring the K - 2 students. Kindergarteners will perform at 1:15; 1st graders will perform at 2:00; and 2nd graders will perform at 2:45. This will also take place in the Samuelson gym.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email (Michael.jones@dmschools.org) or call (242-8441).