VIDALIA — Those who live in the Vidalia school district who want to enroll their youngsters in pre-K classes need to do so soon.

“A lot of people don’t realize we have the pre-K program,” Vidalia Lower Elementary School Vice Principal Charles Anderson said.

To enter the pre-K program, applicants have to be pre-screened, Anderson said.

The pre-school program is for children who will turn 4 during the 2008-2009 school year, and for their students to be screened parents need to make an appointment, he said.

For students entering other grades, if they have not registered or shown their proof of residence they need to go to the school and do so between the hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

“You especially need to do this if it is the first time the student is entering the parish as a kindergarten student or any of the other grades,” Anderson said.

The Concordia Parish School District is currently under a desegregation order from the U.S. Justice Department, and this year the district was told students entering the system for the first time or entering a new school would have to prove they resided in the school districts they attend.

Students will not be placed in a class until they prove their residency, Superintendent Loretta Blankenstein said.

Vidalia Lower will also have an open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 8.

“That will give parents a chance to meet the teacher, bring supplies to the school and let the student meet the teacher,” Anderson said.

The property tax statement, utility bills, federal or state internal revenue forms, driver’s license or a voter registration card of the student’s parent or guardian can be considered proof of residency.

At least two of those items will be required to prove residency.

To contact the school by phone, call 318-336-6220.