Skyline: Sept. 1 Pratt: Sept. 7
1
Get immunizations up to date. The Pratt County Health Department offers a walk-in clinic for immunizations from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and other days by appointment. The Health Department is getting busy as school starting dates approach, Director Debbie McGraw noted.
Required immunizations include:
DTAP — 5 doses
Polio — 4 doses
MMR — 2 doses
Hep B — 3 doses, grades K-10
Varicella (chicken pox) — 2 doses recommended for all ages
HIB (influenza) — 3 doses for children younger than 5
Pneumonoccal — 4 doses for children younger than 5
Hep A — 2 doses for children younger than 5
Tdap — Required at 7th grade
In addition, a physical is required for kindergartners and children who are new to the school district. Students participating in sports must also have a physical.
2
Enroll. Online enrollment for Pratt USD 382 will open on Aug. 19 at www.usd382.com. A One-Stop Enrollment Fair will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 20, both at the Pratt High Commons.
Skyline families will find forms at their school’s website (usd438.k12.ks.us), which they may print and mail or bring to the school from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 or 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 24. Fee sheets have been mailed to patrons. Calendars must be picked up at the school, they will not be mailed.
3
Buy school supplies. Lists for each grade level are available on school websites.
If you can help children whose families may not be able to provide all the necessary supplies, buy an extra pack of notebook paper or box of crayons or other items and drop them by the Tribune, The Peoples Bank, Walmart or Alco. Supplies will be donated to Pratt, Skyline and Sacred Heart Schools.
4
Ease into a school routine. Kids need to start getting back on schedule, Jason May, elementary principal for USD 382, advised, noting that, “if they’re not rested, it’s hard for them to learn.”
5 Make the most of the time remaining. Kevin and Michele Hamm’s children are hoping for some sleepovers before Kailey starts third grade and Troy enters the first grade. “We thought we’d have plenty of time,” Michele said.
Students need to get their brains in shape for learning. Turn the TV off and pick up a book, hopefully not for the first time in the three months since school ended, May recommends.
