Katrina Hnath's daughter Eliza will be in the graduating class of 2023.

"We can't believe it's time for kindergarten," says Hnath.

Hnath and Eliza live in the Haslett School District. But thanks to the "School of Choice" law, Hnath plans to enroll her adopted daughter in Lansing's Post Oak's Chinese Immersion Program.

"It's important to us that our daughter learn about China and the culture where she was born," Hnath says.

Important for Hnath and Eliza, but even more important for the Lansing School District.

Lansing schools ran a television ad to attract parents and students to their district. And on Monday, Post Oak, along with 22 other elementary schools in Lansing, held its annual Kindergarten Round-Up.

"We had about 100 students in kindergarten the last several years," says Camela Diaz, Post Oak Elementary Principal. "We're filling up. We fill up relatively quickly."

At a time when districts are facing looming deficits next year, educators say enrollment and kindergarten round-ups are essential in securing state dollars.

"Not only are you determining what your needs are for these kids coming in, but you also determine financial needs and how much money you'll be bringing in," says Ingham Intermedia School District Superintendent Stan Kogut.

Kogut tells us fewer children are enrolled in county schools, leading to more competition amongst districts to retain students.

"When a student attends your school district, that brings dollars," Kogut says.

But Kogut and other educators agree parents should find a program that best fits their child's needs.

"We want her to be able to go back to her home culture, go back to China, and be able to speak and understand the language," Hnath says.

For Hnath, she's found the perfect fit for Eliza and hopes to enroll her come fall.

Other school districts in Ingham County will hold their kindergarten round-ups this month.

- Charlotte
March 22 at Parkview
March 23 at Galewood
March 25 at Washington
Kindergarten orientation sessions are 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

- DeWitt
Parents can sign-up for a kindergarten round-up appointment at 10 a.m. or 7 p.m. on March 16 at Furstenau Early Childhood Center
Roundup dates are:
April 20, 21 and 22
For more information, call (517) 668-3460

- East Lansing
March 23 at MacDonald Middle School

- Grand Ledge
Roundup is at the Sawdon Administration Building with appointments from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Dates are:
April 19 for Beagle Elementary
April 20 for Delta Center, April 21 for Wacousta
April 22 for Willow Ridge
April 23 is a makeup day for all areas.
For more information, call (517) 925-5403

- Haslett
Parent information night is at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at Wilkshire Early Childhood Center
Roundup is April 22-23.
For more information, call (517) 339-8208

- Okemos
Due to the closings of Wardcliff and Central schools, the district has redrawn lines for elementary buildings. Refer to the new boundary map at www.okemosschools.net to determine which information night to attend.
Dates are:
March 16 at Cornell Elementary at 6 p.m.
April 15 at Bennett Woods at 7 p.m.
April 21 at Hiawatha at 7 p.m.

- Waverly
April 13-15 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Administrative Center
April 16 from 7:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. and noon - 4 p.m. at the Administrative Center
For more information, call (517) 319-3021

Be sure to provide a birth certificate, immunization records and proof of residency such as a utility bill, rent receipt or mortgage statement.