The first day of school can be intimidating for kindergartens.

But the “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” program helps little ones practice riding the bus to school, visiting the cafeteria, cleaning up after mealtime and more.

Piloted three years ago, “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” is now at all eight VBCPS Title I schools that have kindergarten.

For four half-days during the second week of August, up to 15 students participated at eight VBCPS Title I schools that have kindergarten programs.

Designed with care and creativity, the program focuses on:

• Helping students ease into the transition of leaving home.
• Familiarizing them with the rules and procedures at school.
• Introducing them to the faces and places that will become an integral part of their kindergarten experience.

Students learn even the smallest tasks, such as walking in single file and opening up Pop-Tart packages. School staff also get to know the new students, everything from personalities to food allergies. “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” teacher Kristina Coryell and teacher assistant Mercy Ramos Rodriguez started the first day by greeting each student as they arrived.

“When you’re done with your breakfast, put your trash in the trash can,” Coryell said with a smile. One student cried during the ride to school, but bus driver Chantel Leary Cox soothed the boy’s nerves and wiped away his tears.

Green Run Elementary teacher Catherine Fitzpatrick and teacher assistant Christine Reyes led a morning meeting with students, which included singing a song while doing light exercises.

The first day also includes outdoor activities, shared reading, a tour of the school building, workstations, lunch in the cafeteria, closing circle and packing up for dismissal. Teacher-led reading activities, such as “David Goes to School” by David Shannon and “Butterflies on the First Day of School” by Annie Silvestro, help students with kindergarten readiness skills and social emotional learning.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten! gives students a chance to preview what it will be like to be a kindergarten student in a welcoming and supportive setting. On the final day, students take a mini bus tour where they meet a school bus driver, learn about bus safety and expectations, and experience a short ride around the surrounding area, helping make the transition to kindergarten feel more familiar and exciting.

“Ready, Set, Kindergarten gives students a chance to experience school in a welcoming, supportive environment before the first day,” said Katie Karr, pre-K instructional specialist. “That early experience builds confidence, helps students feel comfortable with routines, and allows them to begin the school year ready to learn and connect.”

When filling out a survey about the program, a College Park Elementary parent stated: “My child was excited to show me the art work he brought home and was excited to see a familiar face in his class. He called it ‘Play Kindergarten’ and is now counting down until ‘Real Kindergarten’ starts. He’s less anxious about making new friends and having new teachers, and is now really excited to return.”

Interested?

“Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” serves students at several Title I elementary schools. Applications will reopen next year. If your child’s school is a participating Ready, Set, Kindergarten site, you will have the opportunity to apply when you register your child for kindergarten for the 2027–2028 school year. All VBCPS elementary schools help families prepare their students for kindergarten. For more information, contact your school or visit https://www.vbschools.com/families/registration/kindergarten.