On Day 11, you can give back by learning more about what you can do to help children be prepared for school. School readiness is everybody’s business. It is a shared responsibility among many individuals and institutions, and there are many ways that you can help support children and families as they prepare to enter school!
Entering kindergarten is one of the most significant events that a young child experiences. It sets the tone for his or her entire educational experience and lays the foundation for future success in school and life. The goal of the Transition to Kindergarten (TTK) Initiative, a collaboration between Durham Public Schools and the Partnership, is for every child in Durham to enter kindergarten feeling excited, ready to learn and supported by their school, family and community.
Throughout the year, we ask volunteers to build Blast Off to Kindergarten Kits containing school readiness materials that we distribute to rising kindergartners. Volunteers also help at our TTK Transition Team events at elementary schools, offering children and families a chance to ask questions, get to know their teachers, and become familiar with the school. Last year, we held our inaugural Kindergarten Registration Week, and we distributed nearly 2,000 registration packets to rising kindergartners in Durham through volunteers at child care centers, elementary schools, local businesses and grocery stores, hospitals, and public agencies.
This year’s Kindergarten Registration Week will take place March 19-25, and we need your help! We are calling on the whole community to get involved and make a commitment to Durham’s future. Think about what you can do within your own family, your place of business, and your own neighborhood to help get more children registered and in school. Volunteer to help us spread the word during Kindergarten Registration Week (click here for more information). Make the first day of school for all children a priority.
School readiness is everybody’s business, and we need your help in carrying out the critical effort of making sure Durham’s children are ready for school! Please get involved, and make your gift to the Partnership today!
