James R. Watson Elementary

DeKalb Central School's Kindergarten Orientation is on Monday, July 21, 2025, from 8-11:00 a.m. at each of our four elementary schools: Country Meadow Elementary, James R. Watson Elementary, McKenney-Harrison Elementary, and Waterloo Elementary.

Students will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the school buildings, meet the teachers, meet other students, & practice kindergarten readiness skills.

Every student who attends will receive a bag filled with activities and materials to support learning at home throughout their kindergarten year.

Congratulations, your child is about to begin kindergarten!  This is a very exciting time for your whole family. You may be wondering if your child is ready for this big step!  

We have created ideas on how to help your child get ready for kindergarten, but they are not a requirement.  The only requirement that DeKalb Central Schools has to begin kindergarten is that students must be at least 5 years old by August 1st.  

• Social & Emotional Skills
  • Gets along with others
  • Respects self, others, and property
  • Can be independent of parent(s)

• Talk to your child  
  • Talking builds brain connections, language, and listening skills, and it prepares your child for reading.

• Read to your child
  • Talk about the pictures and what is happening in the story
  • Ask questions.  What do you think will happen next? What did you like best about the story?  

• Involve your child in everyday life
  • Sing and play
  • Learn rhymes
  • Help with chores
  • Draw pictures

Visit Before 5 for additional ideas and resources!

Elementary Registration will take place at Country Meadow Elementary, James R. Watson Elementary, McKenney-Harrison Elementary, and Waterloo Elementary on the following days and times:

Tuesday, July 22nd - 11:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Registration will be conducted in person!

Registration includes such things as:

• Turning in Kindergarten Forms, a copy of birth certification, and proof of residency.  
• Purchasing Chromebook Insurance
• Lunch Account Information
• PTO Information
• School Pictures
• Transportation Information
• Food Service Information

Alphabet Practice

Letter Formation

Letter and Number Flashcards

Writing Your Name Practice

Name Puzzle

Math Activities

Literacy Games

Transfer Request Form