Whether it’s a first born, or the youngest in their family, starting kindergarten brings about a range of emotions for parents and children. Westside Atlanta Charter School recognizes that kindergarten is a year of huge changes for children. Since it’s inception, Westside Atlanta Charter School has offered its rising kindergarteners the opportunity to experience kindergarten prior to the first day of school through its “Kindergarten Camp” week.
Diverse by design, Westside draws students with a variety of preschool experiences; therefore, Kindergarten Camp allows teachers to assess students, introduce procedures, and build relationships with the incoming class. Students spend the morning socializing with their peers, learning Westside’s values and procedures and light academic work. Teachers use their observations from Kindergarten Camp when forming classes and planning lessons. The camp is intended to help students acclimate to Westside Atlanta Charter School prior to the start of the school year.
On the final day of the week-long camp, the kindergarten team hosted a family lunch to start building community among the incoming class. The luncheon was made possible due to a generous grant from the United Way. Families who attended had opportunity to make connections for summertime playdates, meet teachers, and enjoy hearing about their child’s week at Westside.
