Agenda Item
Meeting Date:
4/22/2022 - 7:00 PM  
Category:
Teaching, Learning and Leadership  
Type:
Info  
Subject:
Step Up to Kindergarten Orientation Program  
ACPS 2025 Strategic Plan Goal:
Goal 2: Instructional Excellence
ACPS will ensure that all students have access to and engagement with high-quality instruction.
Goal 3: Student Accessibility and Support
ACPS will ensure students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and supports that reduce barriers to learning.
 
Policy:
 
Funding Source or Fiscal Impact (where applicable):
 
File Attachment:
220422_Board_Brief_Step_Up_To_Kindergarten.docx.pdf
 
Agenda Item Summary:
Step Up to Kindergarten Orientation Program is a half-day introduction to the school experience offered to rising Kindergarten students at their respective schools. It is an opportunity to orient the children to the school experience prior to the start of the school year.  
Background:
Due to an early start to the 2021–2022 school year, the inaugural Step Up to School Orientation for students was held on August 20, 2021. With the pandemic closure of schools having an impact on all students’ in-person learning, the orientation was divided into two parts. The morning was structured for Kindergarten/ Grade 1 students to attend a half-day schedule of activities that mirrored a normal school day. Also, students in grades 2-5 were invited to an orientation in the afternoon. This model proved quite effective in easing the transition of new K-5 students into the school setting.

The consensus was to again implement the program in 2022–2023, but to only offer it to rising Kindergarten students since the other grade levels have been oriented to the school during the 2021–2022 school year. However, families of students in grades 1-5 will be invited to an open house in the afternoon on Friday, August, 19, 2022 between 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Each school will provide more information regarding the open house activities for grades 1-5.
 
Recommendation
The Superintendent recommends that the School Board review the orientation information within this brief.  
Approvals:
Recommended By:
Signed By:
Dr. Terri H. Mozingo - Chief Academic Officer
Signed By:  
Dr. Gregory C. Hutchings, Jr. - Superintendent