Ann Arbor parents are putting the district's elementary schools to the test as kindergarten roundups begin for the 2011-2012 school year.

“I want to get a feel for the school, the principal, and the teachers,” said Ben Gunsberg, who attended the roundup at Abbot Elementary School on Feb. 9. “I want to walk around the school, check out the classrooms and get acclimated."

For some parents, roundup is simply a chance to see the neighborhood school their children will attend. But for others, it's a step in the process of deciding where to send their children to school.

Northside Elementary held its roundup Feb. 8, with about 30 parents in attendance. After a brief introduction from Principal Monica Harrold, parents were given the opportunity to rotate through six stations where they could meet with staff and get information about registration and class specifics. Near the end, participants watched a parent-created video that showcased many of the school's activities, such as hockey nights and a talent show.

The roundup at Abbot Elementary included kids as well as parents and drew more than 50 people. After a brief introduction, the children were taken to see what kindergarten is like in one of the classrooms, while parents were given a presentation by Principal Pamela Sica, along with a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

Sica said she thinks it's important to include students in the roundup, so they can start viewing Abbott as their school. Gunsberg said he agreed it was valuable.

“I think it was good that the school offered something for the kids to do, so they could get acclimated,” Gunsberg said.

To end the event, parents were invited to participate in a scavenger hunt with their kids as a way to explore the school.

Staff members said it's key to understand the feelings of first-time kindergarten parents.

“It’s important for first-time kids and parents to know who the teachers or caregivers are,” said Ruth Kirby, a caregiver at Abbot. “When it’s the first time, they’re always a little apprehensive.”

Some parents, such as Ade Nuga, were visiting multiple roundups and comparing schools. For Nuga, who attended the roundups at Northside and Abbot and plans to attend at least one more, major considerations are class size, diversity and student activities.

Jennifer Barber, who attended the Abbot roundup, has an older child in the district. She said she's pleased with the way she has seen teachers treat their students, and with the diversity within the schools.

Private school could have been an option, Barber said, but she and her husband felt strongly about supporting the public school.

“I just believe there is a moral obligation to give the neighborhood school a shot,” Barber said.

The round-ups began last week and will continue through mid-March. The remaining roundup schedule is listed below and also on the AAPS website.

Allen: Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. (parents & students)

Angell: March 10, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Ann Arbor Open: Feb. 16, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
March 12, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
March 20, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Bach: Feb. 17, 7 - 8 p.m. (parents only)

Carpenter: March 3, 6 - 7 p.m. (parents only)

Dicken: March 24, 4 p.m. (parents & students)

Eberwhite: Feb. 15, 7 p.m. (parents only)

King: Feb. 15, 6 - 7 p.m.

Lakewood: March 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Lawton: Feb. 17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (parents only)
March 17, last names starting A-M 5:30 - 6 p.m.; last names starting N-Z 6:15 - 6:45 p.m.

Mitchell: March 3, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Pittsfield: Feb. 17, 6:30 - 8 p.m. (parents only)

Thurston: March 3, 6:30 p.m. (childcare provided)

Andrew Turner is an intern for the Community Team at AnnArbor.com. Have a neighborhood news tip? Email community@annarbor.com.