The first day of kindergarten often brings a blend of excitement, confusion, and anxiety for young students. Successful transitions from preschool to kindergarten depend on strong connections between schools and families and between preschool and kindergarten teachers. The Okaloosa County School District offers various activities to support this transition, including the "Kindergarten Kickstart" program at ten Title I schools.
This initiative allows incoming kindergarteners to enter the classroom before the entire school community arrives. It helps them become familiar with the campus, learn resilience strategies, and understand daily routines. Held from July 22-25 and funded by the Title I District Initiative, Kindergarten Kickstart enrolled 340 students across Baker School, Bob Sikes, Edwins, Elliott Point, Kenwood, Laurel Hill, Longwood, Northwood, Riverside, and Wright Elementary Schools. Each student received a school success kit, including a Summer Express Learning book, a collection of Scholastic school readiness literature, and school supplies. Additionally, the program provided complimentary breakfast and transportation.
Superintendent Chambers expressed his gratitude, stating, "I appreciate the teachers and administrators who ran the program at their schools and our Title I Department for making this program successful. We initiated the Kindergarten Kickstart program several years ago at just one school. It has grown into a robust program offered at several schools across our district. This initiative gives our pre-K students a crucial head start, allowing them to get ready to meet their teachers, understand the processes, and gain awareness of their new environment. It's all about ensuring a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten."