Kindergarten Entrance Age
Children must be five years of age on or before September 1 to enter Kindergarten.
In assigning students to classes, the elementary principal will normally consider a variety of issues to ensure that each child will have a successful school year. Examples of such issues include but are not limited to the following: a fair distribution of sexes, specific health needs, special needs services required, inter-personal relationships, learning styles, and academic and social needs. The principal will place heavy priority on teacher recommendations.
Parents who have information that may be relevant when assignments are being made are asked to contact the elementary principal. Parent information should be submitted in writing to the elementary principal by May 1 of each school year.
Promotion and Retention of Elementary Students
The Lenox School Committee has a policy on the promotion and retention of elementary students. Key sections are reprinted here.
Determination of a child's retention should be made following careful evaluations and conferences involving the principal, teacher(s), and parents. It is generally agreed that the earlier the retention, the more effective it is. Ordinarily, a child shall be promoted if he/she shows sufficient physical, social, emotional and intellectual maturity so that he/she can be expected to have a successful experience at the next grade level. If retention is considered, the best interests and long-range welfare of the child shall be prime consideration.
The elementary principal shall be responsible for making the final decision on retention ... based on consultations with school personnel and a careful weighing of teacher and parental recommendations. ... Under Chapter 766 regulations, the principal shall determine if a referral for a core evaluation is appropriate whenever a child is in substantial risk of non-promotion.
... The possibility of retention must be made known to them [parents] well
in advance -- no later than the end of the second marking period.
