Highlands hosts Early Childhood Fair to help youngest learners acclimate

Highlands families with children who will be enrolling in school this fall can get acquainted with the district’s Early Childhood Center during a two-day event this week.

The Early Childhood Fair, an annual tradition to welcome the district’s youngest learners, will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

New building Principal Kristie Gizienski will be on hand to meet with families and guide parents through registration for preschoolers and kindergartners.

“I aspire to be a hands-on leader that partners with students, parents and the community to build a strong foundation for our youngest learners,” Gizienski said. “My desire is to provide our children high quality education in every classroom every day while also promoting social emotional learning experiences to prepare them for future success.”

Gizienski touted the district’s mission of building a strong foundation for every child and said it is accomplished through perseverance and collaboration.

She recently took over the role as building head three weeks ago after serving three years as assistant principal at the elementary school.

Throughout the evening, parents can meet teachers and staff, ask questions and fill out necessary paperwork for new students.

Gizienski said other district leaders will be available, including the director of student services, school attendance officer and PTO members.

Parents will have a chance to learn about school programs through teacher presentations, which begin on the hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

New students will get to visit classrooms, make a craft and listen to a session on school readiness.

Children have to be 5 years old on or before Sept. 1 to register for kindergarten and must be 3 or 4 years old by the same date to register for Pre-K Counts (preschool).

Parents should bring with them: their child’s original birth certificate, two proofs of residency, and immunization records if available.

Pre-K Counts registrants also need proof of income.

Gizienski, who began her career in Butler County’s Head Start program, has about 15 years of classroom teaching experience at the elementary level.

“I have always worked to foster the development of the whole child,” she said.

“I eagerly look forward to working with parents and their children. I value the partnership to ensure the success of all children, every day.”