LOUISVILLE (July 27, 2015) – Hundreds of 5-year-olds are expected to swarm Louisville Slugger Field the evening of July 28 for the annual Kindergarten Countdown Fair – the main event of the city’s yearly initiative to help prepare students entering school for the first time.
“This is an important milestone,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I want our kids to get excited about the first day of school, and I want parents to know how to prepare their children. Kindergarten is the first step to a successful education and bright future.”
The Kindergarten Countdown Fair is Tuesday, July 28 at Louisville Slugger Field from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Students and one adult will receive free admission to the Louisville Bats game, where they will also receive information about immunizations, health screenings and skills they should know before starting kindergarten. Students will be able to meet teachers and tour a school bus.
“We want to do everything we can to prepare our children for the first day of school,” JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “The Kindergarten Countdown helps to ensure that our youngest students are prepared and excited to start their school careers.”
Now in its tenth year, Kindergarten Countdown is a partnership between Metro Government, JCPS, Metro United Way, the Louisville Free Public Library and PNC Grow Up Great. The agencies work throughout the year to increase school readiness and to educate parents and children about the transition to kindergarten. JCPS has crafted an informative school readiness guide to help parents understand what they can do at home to maximize their child’s kindergarten experience. It can be accessed on their website.
“Metro United Way’s vision is a community whose people achieve their fullest potential through education, financial stability and healthy live – the building blocks for a good quality of life,” Joe Tolan, President and CEO, Metro United Way said. “We know this starts with kids entering kindergarten ready to learn, because children who start behind tend to stay behind. Kindergarten Countdown is a fun way to celebrate a very important milestone in a child’s education and help them prepare to be successful in school and life.”
