By: Noah Heaton
Since 2017, First Steps of Lancaster County has partnered with the Lancaster Bowling Center to host their Countdown to Kindergarten event. First Steps Program Manager Kim West was pleased to announce that this year’s event attracted more than 150 rising 4 and 5K participants and their families. The county-wide event welcomed students and teachers from 8 local elementary schools.
“Our program prepares our rising kindergartners and helps make them less anxious about school. During the summer-long program, students get to build relationships with their future teachers and parents get to gain a better understanding of what to expect for the upcoming school year. They are also given school supplies and books to build their home libraries, as we understand reading is the most important thing that we can do to help our children advance,” West expressed.
Over the summer, each teacher was assigned 8-12 students enrolled in the program and visited their homes for 5 different in-house lessons that covered topics such as math, science, and reading. The evidence-backed program ensures children start school ready to reach their highest potential. Reports indicate that their enrollment gives them the skills, confidence, and resources needed to advance throughout the school year.
“Hosting this event at the Lancaster Bowling Center has given us the ability to bring families together. Many of our participants are at-risk students who don’t have the privilege of summer vacations; therefore, this event is the highlight of their summer. We invite not only the rising kindergartners but also their entire families as well. This allows us to provide a family outing that they may otherwise not have gotten over the summer,” said West.
“We are pleased to have an ongoing partnership with Christian Services and are blown away by the support received from Christian Services Director Eric Kramer and Business Manager Ashlee Addison. Their heart for this community is unmatched and they provide something that we are so blessed to have here in Lancaster County,” West concluded.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/lcfirststeps for more information about First Steps of Lancaster County!