Marion, Mattapoisett, and Rochester children who will reach the age of 5 before Sept. 1, 2025, are eligible to register to attend kindergarten at the elementary school in the town they reside in for the 2025-2026 school year, reports Michael Nelson, Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55.

Families must complete pre-registration for their kindergarten student via the elementary school website for their school, rms.oldrochester.org/ for Rochester Memorial in Rochester; ss.oldrochester.org/ for Sippican Elementary in Marion and cs.oldrochester.org/ for Center School, Mattapoisett.

Once pre-registration is complete, the child’s records must be provided directly to the elementary school building. Paperwork can be dropped off at the school anytime during the school’s regular hours of operation.

The required documents include: child’s valid birth certificate and military records, if applicable; proof of residency, such as a property tax bill, mortgage statement, utility bill, current signed lease with dates and address; child’s medical records; and child’s updated immunization record,  including DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), hib, polio, hepatitis-B, varicella, record of lead testing, TB screening, and vision screening/stereopsis.

Families are encouraged to complete the registration process by April 1.

A virtual kindergarten registration information session for all three elementary schools will be held on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. The link to join the session can be found on the elementary school websites.

Families that have completed the kindergarten registration process will receive an email with a link to sign up for kindergarten screening.

Screenings, which are required by state law, are completed to identify children who might have a special need so that the school can provide for the child’s needs appropriately. Screenings will take place at Sippican School, Center School, and Rochester Memorial School on Monday, May 19 or Friday, June 1.  

Each appointment is expected to take no longer than 30 minutes. Children need to be present for the screening, and parents will be able to wait in the lobby while their child is participating in the screening.

A Kindergarten School Building Orientation will be held on March 27 at 6 p.m. This in-person orientation is an opportunity for parents/guardians to meet key staff members, learn about a student's daily schedule, and gain insights into the transition to kindergarten.

Questions about the registration process should be directed to the child’s elementary school: Sippican School at 508-748-0100, Center School at 508-758-2521, Rochester Memorial School at 508-763-2049.