Second Annual Camp Kindergarten Is Huge Success

SEES Camp Kindergarten

Kyrock Elementary Camp Kindergarten

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The 2nd annual Camp Kindergarten was held at South Edmonson and Kyrock Elementary Schools on June 13th, 14th and 15th. The camp is an ongoing part of the Edmonson County School District initiative to address Kindergarten readiness in the community.

“After talking with teachers and parents about camp last year, we had some very positive feedback,” said Wyn Caudill, Preschool Coordinator for Edmonson County Schools. "So many shared how this program helped students make a successful transition to kindergarten. Based upon that feedback we decided to increase camp from two to three days for students this year."

Caudill said that Camp Kindergarten students worked on academic skills like counting and letter/word recognition, in addition to social skills while learning about school rules. They also participated in story time along with computer skills and outdoor activities.

Edmonson County bus driver Marsha Lillpop provided a bus safety session for each group of students at both schools and Penny Poteet from Adult Education and Edmonson County School nurse Sherrell Thompson provided information for parents.
 
All Campers received a camp T-Shirt sponsored by community partner The Edmonson Voice. Students will also receive a school pack back filled with classroom supplies that they can pick up at each school’s open house.

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Students were treated to a pizza lunch and juice today.

Free backpacks filled with supplies, available to incoming kindergarteners.

"We had 83 total participants this year, which is up about 25% from last year," said Caudill. "This project was the result of great team effort by our district staff, including Jamie Carnes, Director of State and Federal Programs, Carol Stice, Supervisor of Instruction, and Alicia Edwards Family Resource Center Coordinator.

Caudill noted that Superintendent Patrick Waddell and all members of the Board of Education were also supportive with resources and funding to help the growing event. 

Several incoming kindergarten students were asked to share their favorite part of the camp. "The bouncy house!" said one boy. "All my new friends," said a little girl. "I liked going outside," another said, and our favorite reply was, "I love this pizza!" 

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​"We'd also like to send a special thank you to the kindergarten staff at SEES and Kyrock and the extra help from our Youth Service Center and Family Resource center who helped in this event as well," Caudill added. "I am especially excited about all the parents, grandparents and guardians who took the time to make sure their child was able to attend.  Edmonson County is a distinguished school district because of the commitment and hard work of our school staff and the support of parents and guardians. ​"