Admissions Representative Kimberly Edwards organized the day, inviting accepted 2025-26 kindergarteners to get a closer look at a normal school day, play games with teachers, and participate in a signing ceremony. The experience is designed to mimic a high school athlete announcing their college decision, and Timberland had about 15 future students in attendance.
A banner welcoming future kindergarten students and their families to the Kindergarten Signing Day event at Timberland Charter Academy.
Students and their parents were exposed to Timberland in action and got to experience personal interactions with each of the three kindergarten teachers. One of the teacher-led activities families participated in was a paint by color where the group used fruit-flavored candy to “paint” a picture. Establishing these connections early is one of the many reasons the school has outperformed the local district for the last three years.
Future Timberland students also played with blocks and engaged in alphabet bingo. These sorts of interactions help build positive parent partnerships, one of the school’s top priorities. Edwards said that building these connections at events like this are important.
The group played various games with Timberland’s kindergarten teachers, including a paint by color game where they used fruit candy as their coloring tools.
“For first time parents, they want to know who’s going to be taking care of their child,” Edwards said. “The dean and principal attended, so it was really nice for parents to meet the staff.”
The day concluded with a signing ceremony and instead of writing or signing their names, these future students dipped their hand in paint and left a handprint to signal their commitment. Edwards said hosting this type of event helps Timberland show why families should choose them.
Future kindergarten students celebrated their decision to attend Timberland, posing for photos and participating in engaging activities.
“We have to offer something to families to show them we care about their student. They’re not just a number,” Edwards said. “We have events where we’re more of a family community where we all come in and support each other and show parents we’re all going to be here for the best interests of their child.”
What a great event Kimberly and Timberland! Keep up the great work!
Check out a school near you!
About Timberland Charter Academy
Timberland Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Muskegon, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes 99 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
Visit Timberland Charter Academy's blog to read more stories like this.