Kindergarten Jump Start program offers preparation for school

Parents of children entering kindergarten in Vancouver Public Schools in the 2016-2017 school year are encouraged to sign up their kids for Kindergarten Jump Start.

The free program that takes place a few weeks before school starts helps prepare kids for the school routine before the busyness of the first day of school.

Jump Start participants engage in a variety of math, literacy and hands-on learning activities. They learn basic school routines and become familiar with school surroundings. Students also receive a free, nutritious snack daily.

Data shows that students who attend Jump Start are better prepared for kindergarten than children who do not participate. They also gain confidence, leadership skills and enthusiasm for school.

Kindergarten Jump Start will be offered at the following elementary schools:

• 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, through Aug. 23, at Anderson, Fruit Valley, Harney, Hazel Dell, King, Lincoln, Marshall, Minnehaha, Ogden, Roosevelt, Walnut Grove and Washington elementary schools.

• 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 15 to 19 at Chinook, Eisenhower, Felida, Franklin, Hough, Lake Shore, Sacajawea, Salmon Creek and Truman elementary schools.

Full participation is encouraged, but is not required. Transportation is not provided, so parents need to drop off and pick up children.

At Jump Start, parents will be asked to register their children for kindergarten if they have not yet done so. Children must be 5 years of age by Aug. 31 in order to enroll in kindergarten for the upcoming school year.

For details, visit vansd.org/kindergarten/jump-start. For more information and a registration form, parents should contact the elementary school where their child will attend.