Frequently Asked Questions

By state law, your child must be five-years-old on or before September 1 of the school year in which he/she is scheduled to begin.

• Mandatory has a negative connotation and we believe, supported by substantial research, everyday kindergarten has a positive impact on a child’s educational growth.
• While every parent can make their own decision as it relates to their child’s education, our program is structured for every child in ISD 728.

• Community Education provides before and after school programming, EdVenture Club, with a wide range of offerings at a reasonable cost.
• Please call (763) 241-3544 or visit isd728.org/EdVentureClub.

• Yes.
• Minnesota state law requires participation in screening before a child starts kindergarten, or must take place within 30 days of when a child starts kindergarten.
• Children who attend Head Start or Early Childhood Special Education may not need to participate; please visit isd728.org/screening  or call (763) 241-3525 for more information.

• Early Childhood Screening is a free and simple check of how your child is developing and growing and consists of the following components:

  • Cognitive Development

  • Large & Small Muscle Development

  • Language & Communication Skills

  • Social & Emotional Development

  • Vision & Hearing

  • Height & Weight

  • Healthy History

  • Immunization Review

• Screening in early childhood supports children’s readiness for kindergarten and promotes health and development. Screening may link families to early learning opportunities and resources such as Early Childhood Family Education, Early Childhood Special Education, School Readiness or home visiting programs. Screening is not a substitute for health care from your family physician or other providers.
• Visit isd728.org/screening for more information.

• Students will receive a core academic program that will focus on language arts, math, social studies, science and health.
• Kindergarten teachers will embed art, music and physical activity into each day's lesson.

• Yes.
• Breakfast and lunch programs will be offered.

• Yes.
• Southwest Foodservice Excellence, our district food contractor, has a confidential online application for Free and Reduced Meals.
• To learn more visit isd728.org/FARM or call (763) 241-3400 x1350.

• Yes, we welcome all children.
•  We recommend you call (763) 241-3557 or visit isd728.org/SpecialEducation for additional information.

• Students will ride the bus to and from school.
• There are provisions, requirements and specifics, so we recommend you visit isd728.org/Transportation or call (763) 241-4420 for more information.

• Yes.
• All of our teachers are licensed and qualified by the State of Minnesota.

All ISD 728 elementary schools, with the exception of Westwood (grades 2 through 5) offer every day kindergarten.

Similar to grades 1 through 12, qualified students attend public schools with no tuition cost.

• We recognize children come to our schools in all shapes and sizes and with different needs. Health is no exception.
• There are factors that we as a team of parents and staff must address to ensure not only your child, but everyone in the school learns and works in a healthy environment.
• Please call (763) 241-3433 to discuss your child’s health needs.

• Research shows active parent involvement has a positive impact on a child’s developmental growth. We highly recommend that all parents not only read and help their child with their homework, but also to become appropriately involved in their school.
• Call your new principal to find out how you can help your child and school succeed.

• The early admissions program allows exceptional students to be considered for kindergarten if they turn five years of age between September 1 and October 15.
• The application must be submitted before June 1 of the forthcoming school year.
• Parents/Guardians should consider applying for early admission only if they feel their child's total social, cognitive, and emotional development is outstanding compared to most children of the same age.
• Contact the Elementary Assistant Superintendent's office for more information.

Each year all residents in the ISD 728 geographical area are mailed that year’s calendar. This includes comprehensive information, including key dates for the district and schools. You can also access the calendar online by clicking here as well as visit your school website.

• If you received our notification to register and your child will not be attending an ISD 728 school, please complete the Non-Attendance Form and return to our Welcome Center or child's school. This is essential for helping us determine accurate enrollment numbers to plan effectively for our upcoming school year.
• Download the Non-Attendance Form

• When registering for kindergarten, there are several additional forms or documents that may be requested when the school contacts you.
• Use this checklist below to ensure you have all of the necessary, and fully-completed, paperwork and forms to begin the journey of learning in ISD 728.

  • Parent and/or guardian photo identification

  • Student Transportation Information Form

  • Early Childhood Screening verification if not screened in ISD 728

  • Two proofs of residency, such as a utility bill, signed rental agreement, deed, etc. (if not uploaded in the Online Registration)

  • Photocopy of Kindergartner’s birth certificate or immigration documentation (if not uploaded in the Online Registration)

  • Health and Medical Examination Form (if not uploaded in the Online Registration)

  • Pupil Immunization Record Form (if not uploaded in the Online Registration) OR a statement of conscientious or medical exemption.