The Countdown to Kindergarten program initiated by United Way has given a number of children entering kindergarten in the fall a “jump start”. According to Linda Yoder, executive director of United Way Marshall County, there are some 700 three or four year olds in Marshall County who are not in a preschool program or a licensed day care. She emphasized that some children may need a few days of extra help to make it easier for them to adapt to the structure of the school day. Yoder said, “They may need to develop some socialization skills to be ready for kindergarten.”
Across the state, 30 counties held classes for the Countdown to Kindergarten programs.
Three schools systems in Marshall County took advantage of the United Way grant that allowed children to attend 17 half -day sessions. Plymouth Schools had two classes with one teacher and one aide in each to care for a total of 36 children. There were also a number of bilingual volunteers to interpret for students who use English as a second language. Teachers and aides attended special training sessions to acquaint themselves with the techniques used in the curriculums and assessments.
Angie Mills, principal at Jefferson Elementary, said they used a pre-screener at kindergarten roundup to help identify children who might need a little extra help before entering kindergarten classes in the fall. United Way paid the $4,000 to $5000 cost for each classroom and the Plymouth Schools paid for the transportation costs. Mills said they had specific pickup points for bus routes. She said the corporation has a bus equipped with safety seats and harnesses required for younger children. Additionally, the schools absorbed the costs, along with federally funded lunch programs, to feed the children daily. Following the classes, those students enrolled were given a post-test to evaluate their progress.
Although the classes were held at Jefferson Elementary, the identified students enrolled will attend one of the four elementary schools in the Plymouth district. Julie Good and Kerry Johnson, both experienced kindergarten teachers, taught the sessions that included such things as identifying letters and sounds and counting to 30.
Mills said they will follow the progress of the students enrolled in the program through second grade to help document their academic progress.
Both Argos Schools and Triton Schools had one Countdown to Kindergarten class. Michele Riise, Argos Schools superintendent, said, “We provided bus transportation door-to-door for 14 children.” Riise said, “I feel the children really profited from getting into the classroom early. They could get used to the environment, routines, exposure to the classroom, and learn the expectations of the school.”
