Knox Elementary School is once again offering a three-week Kindergarten Countdown to help students who have little or no preschool experience get ready to start school in the fall. Curriculum director Peggy Shidaker says it gives youngsters an idea of what to expect.
“They experience the type of class atmosphere and learning that actually happens or will happen when they enter kindergarten. They have an opportunity to ride a school bus, which the kids absolutely love. They’ll eat breakfast with their peers, and they’ll eat lunch with them as well. Since it is actually kindergarten readiness, the students will be immersed in those literacy and math skills to help those students enter kindergarten at the same academic levels as their peers, or at least close to the same academic levels as their peers who have had some preschool.”Knox first offered the Kindergarten Countdown in prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school year. Shidaker says students who take part are noticeably more confident when they start kindergarten. They learn their letters faster, are more comfortable separating from their parents and build friendships faster with other students.
Shidaker says there are 20 slots available, and they will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. She encourages anyone with a child who will be starting kindergarten at Knox Elementary School in the upcoming year to call her at 574-772-1602 as soon as possible, as the class will fill up quickly. First priority will be given to students who have not been to preschool. If spaces are still available, children with limited preschool experience will be considered next.
This year’s Kindergarten Countdown will take place each Monday through Thursday June 9th through 26th from 8 until 11 a.m. at Knox Elementary School.
