For kindergarteners, the classroom might feel intimidating. For new middle school students, new freedoms can also bring new anxiety.
Grand River Academy hosted the perfect events to help these students get a feel for the upcoming school year. KinderCamp and Lion Pride Camp are three-day programs where new kindergarten students and new middle schoolers prepare for the new school year. Thanks to these camps, the first day of school will feel more like the next day of school.
Both camps take a similar approach. Students practice their new routines, with kindergarten students getting familiar with the classroom setting and middle schoolers learning expectations for new things such as transitioning between classes.
These experiences are not meant to be done solo. One of the benefits is meeting new friends and establishing connections before school starts. At Lion Pride Camp, current students making the jump from fifth grade are there to welcome kids new to the Grand River community.
A new Kindergarten student poses for a photo at Grand River’s KinderCamp, an event where students meet new friends and get familiar with the classroom.
“It’s nice at Lion Pride Camp that new students have peers that have already been in the building, so they already know the way of Grand River and can help answer questions,” said Dean of Lower Elementary Emily Baracy.
Both events feature plenty of team-building activities and time with classroom teachers. For middle school students, practicing a rotating schedule and meeting all their teachers helps them become comfortable with what can be jarring changes.
Kindergarten students take a few tests to help their teachers get a full understanding of how much they know and the areas they need to grow. This helps teachers build class rosters, ensuring all students are set up for success.
Whether participants are new to school or want to learn new routines, these camps help students set the foundation for a successful year in the classroom.
“They’ve already built that confidence,” Baracy said. “They know familiar faces and know where they’re going, so they’re ready and comfortable on the first day of school.”
What a great way to get students prepared for a new school year, Grand River!
About Grand River Academy
Grand River Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Livonia, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Grand River Academy's blog to read more stories like this.