Kindergartners may be less crammed in classes

AIKEN --- Children in Aiken County's kindergarten classrooms might get more one-on-one attention next year as enrollment shows signs of decreasing.

In fall 2006, kindergarten enrollment peaked at 1,910, creating some space issues at schools. As elbows and knees started touching, several schools added extra classrooms to accommodate about 200 extra children district-wide.

Only 1,749 pupils are expected for the 2008-09 school year, according to enrollment figures from Comptroller Tray Traxler.

The cities of Aiken and North Augusta saw the largest influx of pupils when enrollment spiked -- the reason still unknown.

"Our projections come from the district level and the birth rate, but we also try to follow the trend of movement in the North Augusta area," said Rosie Berry, Area 2 assistant superintendent.

While children sometimes shift classrooms at the beginning of the year, Mrs. Berry said kindergartners aren't as shaken by the switches. Teacher collaborations create classrooms that are similar and keep pupils at the same pace, she said.

"Kindergartners are more flexible than we give them credit for," she said. Enrollment projections are sometimes off because not all pupils are required to attend 4-K and because many 4-K programs are private.

Two-day registration throughout the district gives administrators time to see if enrollment figures are off and adjust teaching assignments.

Registration also reassures parents and pupils concerned about starting school. Schools offer a chance to meet with the teaching team and tour classrooms.

"During those visits we begin to set the standards that their children are going to be involved in and introduce those things that enlighten everybody to the process," Mrs. Berry said. "We just hope that as many parents as possible prepare for the preregistration so we're better off at the beginning of the year."

Registration for Aiken County 4-K and 5-K begins today and continues through Thursday.

Reach Julia Sellers at (803) 648-1395, ext. 106, or julia.sellers@augustachronicle.com.