Kindergarteners leap into school with Jumpstart activities

August 6, 2024

Incoming kindergarten student Harlem gave a million-watt smile this summer as she ran across the large playground at Elliott Elementary School.
 
“Hi!” she said. “I like being here!”
 
Reactions like Harlem’s were common across Lincoln this summer during the annual LPS Kindergarten Jumpstart activities. Students entering kindergarten in the fall spend time meeting their future teachers and classmates. They explore their classrooms, get to know new friends and learn about school expectations such as listening, sharing, following directions and being kind to others.
 
Harlem and classmate Leilani both said they were enjoying Jumpstart. Their morning calendar included listening to teacher Brooke Morrison read them a book, touring the school library and learning about both classroom and recess expectations. They also visited the playground and discovered how it would help them with skills such as social interaction and problem-solving.
 
“My favorite part is playing outside,” Leilani said.
 
“This is fun,” Harlem said. “It’s been a good day.”
 
Morrison and fellow Elliott kindergarten teacher Mia Watson-Potratz both said Jumpstart provides a solid academic foundation for students. Morrison has worked at Elliott for six years and has led kindergarten classes for the past five years. Watson-Potratz is a veteran LPS teacher and has guided students at Elliott for the past three years.
 
“I think getting to do this is such a privilege,” Watson-Potratz said. “It just lights up my heart to see how this is helping students. I think it really makes a difference for them to be here and to get to know everyone before the school year starts.”
 
“I think this helps them in so many ways,” Morrison said. “I think this gives them a sense of security knowing what to expect when they come to school.”
 
Morrison spent a large portion of one morning teaching students about the “The Elliott Way” of being safe, responsible and respectful. She displayed a green thumbs-up on the classroom projector screen when she discussed positive behaviors like following directions and helping others. The future Owls cheered each time she said the words safe, responsible and respectful.
 
Similar happy scenes played out at Rousseau Elementary School the same morning. Approximately 80 students gathered in several classrooms to experience what a typical school day would be like. They explored the building and learned where the cafeteria and library were located.
 
Rousseau Principal Monica Jochum said she was happy to see future Rams enjoying their Jumpstart days.
 
“Jumpstart is a perfect opportunity for students to begin their educational journey,” Jochum said. “They get to meet their teachers and new friends in a smaller setting. This allows for a smoother transition to the first day of school and gets rid of some of the first-day jitters.”
 
Rylee and Ava both smiled as they shared their positive Jumpstart experiences. Ava said she has older brothers and is excited that she will be able to go to school just like them. Rylee said there are many reasons she is happy to be starting classes.
 
“I get to meet new friends and I get to learn different things and I get to learn about animals too!” Rylee said.
 
Lisa Callahan has taught at Rousseau for 11 years and has been in the profession for 20 years. She said she feels energized for the opening school day every time she greets students at Jumpstart.
 
“It’s great getting to see incoming kindergarteners early before the year starts,” Callahan said. “To welcome them into the building and be comfortable with the faces that they will see every day, and just what kindergarten will be all about.”
 
Callahan said creating positive connections with students early in their academic careers makes a big difference for everyone. Students who feel comfortable talking with their teachers are more likely to listen to them and follow their guidance. That helps them gain the educational building blocks they will use each day in class.
 
“Relationships really are the most important part,” Callahan said. “Building those strong, positive relationships so they are going to want to work hard for you and enjoy being at school.”
 
Jumpstart also helps LPS employees establish strong connections with families. Jochum gave parents tips about how they can support their new kindergarteners during the upcoming year. The orientation sessions align with student wellbeing and the family and community engagement priorities of the new LPS Strategic Plan.
 
“Parent involvement is a crucial component of a successful education,” Jochum said. “We want to build rapport with our new families from the beginning and provide as much information as possible. Having this as a face-to-face format helps to build those personal connections and to feel part of the Rousseau community.”
 
Callahan said the wide variety of lessons students like Harlem, Leilani, Ava and Rylee will learn this year makes Jumpstart a key part of their educational pathways.
 
“In kindergarten, we teach it all,” Callahan said with a warm laugh. “We teach lining up, we teach how you hold a pencil, all the things. Just getting an early start is great.”
 
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