Dear Berlin CSD Families and Staff:
I am writing to provide you with an important update on our Universal PreKindergarten program (UPK). Last spring one section of UPK was eliminated due to low registration. However, over the summer additional requests were made that resulted in the district pivoting and reinstating the second section with the use of emergency funds. The change in course underscored Berlin’s commitment to listening to stakeholders and meeting the needs of our youngest learners. In order to plan for the upcoming school year we need the most accurate registration numbers no later than Wednesday, April 1. Based on current registration, the district is projected to only need one section to meet the needs of all interested families. This is subject to change, but we need your assistance. As the budget for the 2026-2027 school year is developed, it is essential that we have the most accurate head count for UPK. This will ensure that every eligible child has access to UPK next fall. If you still intend to register your child, please do so before the April 1 deadline.
A reminder that all children who will be four years on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible for the Pre-K program. Please share this message with anyone you know who might be interested in registering. Please call Heather Barto at 518-658-1500 ext. 3001 or email hbarto@berlincentral.org to place your child’s name on our registration list.
You will receive a registration packet by mail that must be completed and returned to the main office at the Berlin Elementary School. Pre-K screening will take place later in the spring and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment More information will be forthcoming regarding the exact start date for the program.
I would like to thank the Mountaineer community for your ongoing partnership and support to help meet the needs of every student.
Sincerely,
Ken Rizzo
Superintendent of Schools
This letter was emailed to the BCSD Community on March 24, 2026
Message from Superintendent Re: Pre-K Registration
2026–2027 Pre-K & Kindergarten Registration Is Underway
The Berlin Central School District has begun the process of registering students for the 2026-2027 Pre-K and Kindergarten classes. Students must be legal residents of the school district and reside with parents or guardians within the school district at the time of registration and throughout their attendance at Berlin Elementary School. Proof of residency will be required.
2026-2027 Pre-K Registration – Students who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible to register. Please call Heather Barto at 518-658-1500 ext. 3001 to place your child’s name on our registration list. You will receive a registration packet by mail that must be completed and returned to the Main Office at the Berlin Elementary School. Pre-K screening will take place in the spring and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Enrollment is currently limited to 36 students and in the event that we receive more than 36 registrations, a lottery drawing will be used to determine which students will be offered a spot in the program. If not selected through the lottery, you will be placed on a wait list.
We strongly encourage you to have all completed as soon as possible to secure a spot in our Pre-K program. Please note that we are not able to guarantee enrollment in the program.
2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration – Students who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2026 are eligible to register. Please call Christine Demick at 518-658-1500 ext. 1070 to place your child’s name on our registration list. You will receive a registration packet by mail that must be completed and returned to Christine Demick at Berlin Middle High School as soon as possible to secure a spot.
Kindergarten screening will take place in the spring, and you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. If your child is currently attending the Berlin Pre-K program, their name will automatically be placed on our registration list and you will not receive a registration packet.
Please feel free to contact Christine Demick at 518-658-1500 ext. 1070 with any registration questions.
