Weeks before walking into the classroom, a group of incoming Kindergartners gained some of their first experiences at school by taking part in the Shawnee Mission School District’s Jump Start to Learning program.

“We learn how to sit, how to read, math, ABCs,” Landon, a new Kindergarten student shared.  “They are trying to get us ready for Kindergarten!”

 

During Jump Start, held in July, students and teachers focus on literacy, numeracy, and the skills of being a student. It’s a time for students to practice being Kindergarteners before it starts, said Shauna Hammett, Kindergarten teacher.

 

“It’s so great to see relationships develop,” Hammett expressed “It’s an innovative opportunity for us to do what is best for kids, schools, and parents.” 

For some students, this is the first experience they have in the classroom because they did not attend a preschool program, noted Savannah Goolsby, Jump Start teacher.

“It provides a little bit of structure and gives them a little bit of a segue into what Kindergarten will be,” she added.

In addition to a more traditional classroom setting, students were able to gain valuable experiences thanks to community partnerships with local fire departments and visits from the Johnson County Library. They also took a field trip to Shawnee Mission West High School to see a performance by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre. Family members also eased into the Kindergarten experience by attending family engagement events.

“It relieves a lot of the anxiety of the transition because you can go in and see the progress your child is making,” Torre Norton, parent, shared. “We’re extremely pleased with the program and are glad to be a part of it.”

To Enroll in Kindergarten Kindergarten is a full-day program offered in all 34 of Shawnee Mission’s elementary schools. By state law, students must have been 5 years old on or before Aug. 31 to be eligible for Kindergarten.

There is still time to enroll! Click here for more information about Kindergarten.

For more information about Early Childhood opportunities in the Shawnee Mission School District, click here. Pre-Kindergarten is offered in 21 of the district’s 34 elementary schools. Pre-K is open to students who are 4 years old, and some limited classroom spaces may be open for 3 year olds. 

Click here for information about how to enroll.

Jump Start to Learning is made possible in part by generous support from the Hall Family Foundation and the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation.