Workshop familiarizes parents with kindergarten enrollment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Parents of soon-to-be kindergarten students attended an educational workshop in the Child Development Center, May 2, in an effort to prepare themselves for their child's first school year.

The class, hosted by the 28th Force Support Squadron School Liaison Office, provided parents with key information regarding Badger Clark Elementary School's enrollment process and policies.

Michelle Henrich, BCES principal, said the goal of the workshop was to help parents who are transitioning a child into kindergarten for the first time.

"The experience is unique for both the parents and their children," Henrich explained. "I came today to try and help ease their minds and answer any questions they might have."

Henrich said BCES works hard to make sure teachers and school faculty cater to the unique challenges military families experience during deployments and permanent changes of station.

"We have a great relationship with Ellsworth," Henrich emphasized. "We always stay in close-contact with each other to make sure we're on top of things."

Bree Balistreri, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron unit program coordinator, attended the session to get a jump start on enrolling her son Keegen in kindergarten.

"He just turned 5 and he's getting ready to go to kindergarten this August," said Balistreri. "He's my only child and I wanted to be as prepared as possible. This workshop put me at ease. I got a lot of great information - websites, resources and an overall idea of what I should expect during the first few days of school."

Chad Canaan, 28th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer, noted that he is always available as a resource for Airmen, their families and civilians who want more information about the upcoming school year.

For more information, or to sign up for the next kindergarten workshop, call Canaan at (605) 385-1381.