The "Savo Pejanović" Elementary School told RTV Podgorica that the focus during enrollment is not on academic knowledge, but on the child's readiness to meet school obligations.
"A child who knows how to take care of himself, who has developed hygiene habits. He knows how to take care of his things, can tolerate a certain level of frustration when something doesn't go his way, he can handle it, he can persevere in a task that he completes. He knows how to share toys, snacks with friends, he can resolve even a minor conflict or argument," said Milica Pušonjić from the "Savo Pejanović" elementary school.
Starting today, parents can submit an application electronically, by filling out basic information and scheduling an interview with a school psychologist.
"There is a website ww.upisiedu.me where parents register, just like on any other website. After that, they fill in certain information, they fill in basic information about the child, they answer, in fact, some questions related to whether the child went to school, how they adapted, the more information they give us in that questionnaire, the more important it is to us, every piece of information is important. After that, they choose an appointment to come for an interview with a psychologist, and it would be good if they had already completed a systematic examination before that, because in order to come for that interview, they need to bring a confirmation," said Pušonjić.
The way parents present the school to their children also plays an important role - without fear or pressure.
"It would be important for them to speak positively and affirmatively about school, not to scare children with school, not to say sentences like "you'll see the teacher, she'll put an end to it", but simply to present school realistically, to say that school is mandatory, all children go to school and that it helps us grow up, that we will meet new friends there, we will do something interesting, we will socialize, we will meet the teacher", said Pušonjić.
Parallel to enrollment, systematic examinations of future champions are also performed, which are of great interest. The examinations include a detailed assessment of the child's health, including vision, hearing, and development.
"A systematic examination involves an assessment of the child's health status - a physical examination of the child along with an assessment of hearing, spine, and feet. Blood pressure is measured and the child's speech and graphomotor skills are assessed," emphasizes pediatrician Anja Đurović.
Doctors warn that vision, spine and obesity problems are becoming more common in children. No special preparation is required for a routine check-up – the most important thing is for the child to be relaxed.
"They need to put the child at ease and tell them that this is a routine check-up like they normally do. And this is not the first time they have come to our counseling center. There, a conversation and examination are conducted, and it is generally pleasant and the children are happy to cooperate," said Đurović.
During the check-up, regular revaccination is also performed, which is part of protecting children's health. Experts say that for a successful start to school, the most important things are a healthy foundation, developed habits and parental support, while children will certainly learn to read and write at school.
