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PORT CHESTER, N.Y. With a son in fifth grade and another in first, Mariella Hernandez is a veteran parent at Thomas A. Edison School. Shes ready for her youngest son Julian to start kindergarten in the fall."It's important to get them used to the school," said Hernandez, who brought Julian to an orientation for incoming kindergartners Tuesday. "Especially for your kids to see you involved."Every year before summer vacation begins, Edison School invites parents with children starting kindergarten to learn about the school and resources available to both them and their children."This is a full-service school," said Maria Flores, who coordinates community programs for Edison. "The whole idea is to provide services under one roof to support the child academically, physically and emotionally."Edison School provides subsidized health services for students through Open Door Family Medical Centers, guidance counseling and English instruction for parents, many of whom are immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries.Principal Eileen Santiago believes it's important to instill in parents the idea that their children can not only make a living when they grow up, but accomplish great things with a good education."'Your children will go to college' I always tell them," said Santiago.Hernandez is a manager at a bagel shop and her husband Carlos Lopez works at a cleaning service. They expect all three of their children to go to college.
Part of fulfilling that dream is preparing for the first day of kindergarten. Julian has told his mother he can't wait to buy his school supplies."He's ready for school," said Hernandez.
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