kinderpalooza May 6

Kinderpalooza, a fun event for Kelso kindergartners, early learners, and their families, is Tuesday, May 6, at Coweeman Middle School (2000 Allen St, Kelso) from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm. The highly-anticipated event is a great way to introduce young learners to Kelso School District and get them excited about entering kindergarten.

Every elementary school in Kelso will have a table with kinder teachers, fun ideas, give-aways, and even some school mascots will be present. Community organizations and resources will also be on-site, including Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Girl Scouts, Head Start, Kelso Public Library, Red Cross, and Youth and Family Link.

At this event you can:

  • Register for school if needed (even if you’ve already registered, please come)

  • Meet Kelso staff

  • Board and ride a school bus

  • Learn about summer learning activities in our community

  • Get information about the breakfast and lunch program

  • Learn how to become a parent volunteer

  • Talk to a school nurse about medications and immunizations

  • Take a picture at the Class of 2038 photo booth

  • Enjoy some snacks

  • AND MORE!!!!

For additional information or questions, families can contact their school office or email early.learning@kelsosd.org.

Can’t make it to Kinderpalooza?

Kindergarten registration is open in Kelso for children who will be five years old by August 31, 2025.  There are two ways to register:

  1. Fill out a paper packet. Enrollment packets may be picked up at any elementary school or downloaded from the Kelso School District (KSD) website at bit.ly/enrollatksd.

  2. Enroll online at bit.ly/enrollatksd.

To determine which school children should attend, families can enter their address at bit.ly/school-site. Documents needed for enrollment include: birth certificate, proof of residency, and immunization records.

Applications opened on March 1 for Transition to Kindergarten (TK) and Preschool Pups. These programs serve early learners ages 3 to 4.  

TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN (TK)

Transition to Kindergarten (TK) is a FREE pre-kindergarten program for children who will be four years old by August 31, 2024, and would benefit from additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten the following year. Classrooms are staffed by certificated teachers and paraeducators.

  • Full day, five days a week

  • Access to transportation (for those not in identified walking boundaries), specialists, recess, lunch, and all aspects of the kindergarten school day

  • To the greatest extent possible, students will be placed for TK at their home school

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can apply for the program online at bit.ly/ksd-tk-app.

PRESCHOOL PUPS
Preschool Pups is a FREE, inclusive preschool program comprised of typically-developing children who play and learn alongside children with disabilities. This program is housed at Catlin site and open to all Kelso families.

  • Open to three- and four-year-olds, must turn three by August 31, 2024

  • Morning and afternoon sessions, four half-days a week

  • Morning session provides breakfast; afternoon session provides lunch

Families can learn more at bit.ly/ksd-early and can enroll for the program online at Catlin.

Not sure which program is right for your child? For a detailed comparison between TK, Preschool Pups, and Head Start—including program staffing, calendars, and qualifications—visit bit.ly/ksd-early or click here for the document pdf.