Kindergarten and preschool screening appointments for the 2021-22 school year at both Owensville and Gerald elementary schools are now being scheduled for late March to make staffing plans.

Screening at Owensville is scheduled over a five-day period from March 22-26 and over two days at Gerald on March 29-30 to avoid groups of parents and children waiting together due to the threat of COVID-19, according to school staff.

Children attending preschool must turn 4-years-old before Aug. 1, 2021, to be eligible.

According to the Gasconade County R-2 School District, being screened for preschool does not necessarily guarantee placement. Preschool placement is based on a child’s Dial test scores with preference given to those who do not score as high, but if there is availability, it is open to all regardless of score. 

There are 15 spots open for preschool students in the morning and 15 in the afternoon at each building. The morning class is from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and the afternoon class is from 12:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Preschool is five days a week and free of charge. Transportation to school is only provided in the morning for Pre-K students if they will be picked up from an already established bus stop and must be picked up after class at 11 a.m. 

Afternoon students must be brought to school at 12:45 p.m. but can ride the bus home at the end of the day if they will be getting off at an already established bus stop. 

Kindergarten students must be 5-years-old before Aug, 1, 2021.

Kindergarten is a full day of school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and is also held Monday through Friday. 

There is no charge for screening which consists of vision and hearing testing along with child readiness skills. Parents or guardians must attend with the child since there is paperwork to complete for adults. Plan to allow at least 90 minutes for these appointments.

At both Pre-K and kindergarten appointments you must bring the following information and fill out an enrollment form and parent questionnaire. Bring along a: 

• state-issued birth certificate; 

• immunization record; and,

• proof of residency (a utility bill, electric or water bill, property tax receipt, or rental or lease agreement). 

If you are missing any of the above items at the time of the appointment, do not cancel your appointment. Screenings can be conducted and parents can bring in the missing documents at another time. These items will, however, need to be on record before your child can officially be enrolled at  either school.

On your child’s scheduled enrollment day, watch for signs on where to enter the building. Parents or guardians will bring their students in and school staff will make copies of all items listed above. You will be given necessary paperwork that needs being filled out but, due to Covid-19 restrictions, you will have to wait in your vehicle until your child’s screening is complete. Once complete you will be called to come back in so a staff member can go over the screening results.

To schedule a screening at OES call 437-2171. For Gerald students, call 764-3321.