A liaison links the school to the hospital's pre-natal and natal programs. There are ten sessions, each 150 minutes long. The goal is to prepare kindergarten students socially and academically, and to provide developmental screening. The two other elementary schools which have no kindergartens schedule a first-grade orientation for their students. In both cases the PTA provides refreshments and acts as host, welcoming parents and students.
Parents provide input as to the format.
Lawrenceville Elementary School invites parents and pre-kindergarten children to an Open House in the spring scheduled just after a parent orientation program. The parent program has a discussion guide covering twenty-five important issues to ensure that parents feel welcome and have a comprehensive introduction to the school. New students get a welcome reception by the principal and their new teachers, complete with juice and donuts. They have an opportunity to interact, ask questions, feel part of a group, and make recommendations. Most schools have newcomers who are non-English speaking.