Rounding-up at Renaissance

By Meredith Mayberry
Edited by Sarah Schuch and Kelly Morse

Renaissance Public School Academy rounded-up kindergarteners Tuesday evening.

Kindergarten Round-up, an annual event that gathers and informs future kindergarteners and their families about the Renaissance Academy, lasted from 4 to 7 p.m. in the school, located at 2797 South Isabella Road in Mount Pleasant.

“Parents in the community are invited into the classrooms to get to know the teachers,” said Holly Abcox, assistant principal of the academy.

About 20 families attended the event.

There are two kindergarten classrooms at Renaissance. The two teachers take turns talking with the parents and future students.

“We interview the children,” said Rachel Biedenbender, one of the Kindergarten teachers. “We ask them what their age is, the names of colors, how high they can count. We like to see where they’re at.”

Biedenbender said the round-up gives parents a chance to see how she runs her classroom, as well.

“We let them see the school and introduce ourselves so parents have the opportunity to see me,” Biedenbender said. “We let them feel comfortable.”

The parents received additional information about the workings of the school during the event. Parents were given a handout explaining the schedule of a typical kindergarten day at Renaissance, a description of the school uniform, and a list of the special studies given to studends, such as Spanish, music, art and gym.

Speech and hearing tests were given to the students at no charge.

“It’s a convenience thing, so the parents don’t have to make a trip to the clinic,” said Biedenbender. “It’s nice to have it here.”

Renaissance’s kindergarten classes run all day, which is another convenience and an attraction for many families, Abcox said.

The two classes are usually filled with about 24 students in each classroom. Biedenbender said this year’s round-up attendance is a good sign at this point in time.

“The numbers are normal for this time of year. We’re in good shape,” she said.