As a district, we wanted to create a place to share information related to the kindergarten entry for the 2024-2025 school year.  This site is dedicated to ensuring open communication is in place.   We will provide updates as we move forward with this process.  

A collaborative partnerships of students, educators, family and community 

In accordance with Section I of PA 23-208, which amends Section 10-15c of the Connecticut General Statutes effective July 1, 2024, children seeking admission to kindergarten beginning the 2024-2025 school year must be five years old on or before September 1. 

As a district, we recognize the importance of providing our community with clear communication regarding how our district will address this new legislation.  A district committee composed of educators and administrators met over the past several months to thoughtfully address the recent Connecticut legislation addressing the kindergarten eligibility birthdate.The team worked together to review the legislation, discuss the implications of this change for both the district and families, collaborate with colleagues in our surrounding area to understand their approach to the change, and work to develop a responsive approach for our community. 

1. The district will adhere to the Connecticut Legislation stating that starting 2024-2025 school year, students must be five years of age no later than September 1 to be eligible to enter kindergarten.

2. Families with children turning five after the set date can complete and submit a waiver to the building principal by February 23, 2024, for current New Milford families and by June 1 for families moving into New Milford after the deadline. This process will include a district-developed assessment as part of the waiver decision process.

• The waiver will be available for families on this site by January 10, 2024.

• The waiver should be downloaded, completed, and sent to the attention of the building administrator no later than 4:00 p.m. on February 23, 2024.

• Families will receive communication from the building administrator the week of March 4 regarding the next step - the student assessment portion of the waiver.

3. The community will have an opportunity to learn more about getting ready for kindergarten at an event held on January 9 from 6:00 - 7:00 at SARAH NOBLE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL • LMC. A snow date has been scheduled for January 11 at the same time and location. A flyer will be shared with the community with this information. We kindly ask that families RSVP to plan for childcare properly should this be needed. 

Thank you for your partnership.  

Respectfully,

Cathy Calabrese and Gwen Gallagher