Kindergarten Countdown Camp: Round Lake Principal Testimonial
Up next for our Kindergarten Countdown Camp (KCC) summer blog series, we’d like to introduce Jason Smith, the principal at Pleviak Elementary School. During the month of June, 30 students are attending a 3-week KCC at Pleviak Elementary in Round Lake.
What benefits does Kindergarten Countdown Camp have for the children and families attending?
Kindergarten Countdown Camp gives kids who have no formal preschool experience a chance to “learn” what school is about and refresh/review/reinforce important literacy and numeracy skills. It also gives the families a chance to connect early with the school and gain familiarity with us.
How has your partnership with United Way benefitted the Round Lake School District?
They have helped us in so many ways over the years – from providing school supplies, to providing fun events, to helping with better preparing our soon-to-be kindergarten students for school. We could not be more thankful to the United Way for all their help!
Why is it important for children to be on track and ready to learn when first starting kindergarten?
Recent research has shown that students that lack any formal preschool experience often start kindergarten at a disadvantage when it comes to basic literacy, numeracy, social and emotional skills. The more that parents can do to prepare their children for their first formal year in education, the better! A successful year of kindergarten often translates to success in elementary school and beyond.
What does education mean to you?
It is the key that can unlock any dream for any student. Even in kindergarten, we are preparing our students to be collaborative, independent thinkers and problem solvers.
