The Okaloosa County School District recently completed its annual Kindergarten Kickstart program, a four-day initiative designed to help incoming kindergarten students transition smoothly into their educational journey before the school year officially begins.

• Held from July 21 to 24 at eleven Title I schools across the district, the program served 330 students in a low-stress environment where they could explore their new surroundings and learn classroom routines. Participating schools included Edwins, Elliott Point, Kenwood, Laurel Hill, Lewis, Longwood, Mary Esther, Northwood, Riverside, Walker, and Wright Elementary.

“This program has grown from a pilot at one school into a robust district-wide effort,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “I’m incredibly grateful to our dedicated teachers, administrators, and Title I team who make this possible. Kindergarten Kickstart provides our youngest learners with a vital head start, enabling them to meet their teachers, understand daily routines, and become comfortable in their new learning environment. It’s all about supporting a smooth and confident beginning to their educational journey.”

At Mary Esther Elementary School, 15 students participated in the program, attending from morning until noon each day. Principal Dawn Johnson said the program helps children who have never been in a school setting experience the environment without the intimidation of a full building of students.

“Some of the kids have never been in school, so this is a great way for them to experience it without having to be there the full day and without all the other kids in there,” Johnson said. “It gives them that chance to come in and walk through the halls, go to the cafeteria, see where the playground is and learn the routines in a less stressful environment.”

The program, funded by the Title I District Initiative, provided each student with a school-success kit containing a Summer Express learning book, Scholastic school-readiness literature, and essential school supplies. Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and transportation were also offered to ensure full access and participation.

Candace Herring, a kindergarten teacher at Mary Esther Elementary who led the program, emphasized the importance of establishing routines and reducing anxiety for incoming students.

• “We’ve been making sure the kids are ready for the first day of school and getting them used to procedures and classroom routines and just making sure that they’re comfortable,” Herring said. “Especially when they’re in kindergarten, they have a lot of anxiety just walking through the doors. So we’re making sure that when they come that first day that they have a friendly-face that they know.”

Herring, who has a background in social work and speaks conversational Spanish, noted the program’s particular benefit for English language learners and their families.

“For the kids that don’t speak English, they do sometimes have a lot of anxiety and knowing that they have someone there who can understand them eases that,” she said. “That school-to-home connection is so important. It helps with their grades, it helps the students succeed because if the parents don’t know what’s going on in school, they can’t help their children.”

The program also provided parents with greater access to teachers and staff compared to the busy first weeks of school. Allison Alley, a fourth-grade reading teacher at Mary Esther Elementary whose daughter participated in the program, praised the initiative from both professional and parental perspectives.

• “As a parent, I feel it’s very important because at home we reiterate that education is power. It is her gateway to her life, and so with Kindergarten Kickstart, it helps us reassure that core value to see it not only at home but in a wonderful learning environment as well,” Alley said.

Her daughter’s enthusiasm for the program was evident throughout the week. “Is it time for school yet? Oh, are we ready to go? When do I get to go see my teacher? When do I get to see my friends again? She absolutely loves it,” Alley said, adding that her daughter now proudly calls Mary Esther Elementary “my school” when driving past. 

Johnson said the program’s impact is noticeable when the regular school year begins, as participating students demonstrate greater comfort and familiarity with school routines and locations.

“When they come on that first day, the halls are full of kids. Now these kids have that comfort of knowing where their classrooms are. They know when they go to the cafeteria, where it is at. They know where they’re going for P.E. So it’s not so intimidating when they’re surrounded by 400 kids. It’s comforting for them,” Johnson said. 

For parents considering the program for future years, Alley offered simple advice: “Look into it. Ask questions. You never know what could help benefit your child unless you try something new.”