Soon-to-be kindergarteners and their families received red-carpet treatment at Summit Academy Schools in Lorain, Youngstown and Warren — at special events held last week to acquaint families with the schools.
At Summit Academy Community School for Alternative Learners – Lorain, kindergarten teacher
Natalie Kasperovich led the children through story time and a craft. The families also enjoyed lessons in therapeutic martial arts and physical education as well as a snack. They received information about IEPs, Ohio Reads, extended learning opportunities, field trips, the school’s upcoming talent show and more. IEP Coordinator Kelsey Butler, Ohio Reads coach Julie Kemper and National Youth Advocacy Program counselor Christine Parker were among those on hand to discuss their respective resources and programs.
One budding kindergartener with two older siblings enrolled at Summit Academy – Lorain came with her mother, who provided firsthand insight to the visiting families.
“Her mom was able to share with the other parents what Summit Academy is and what our academic approach has done for her daughters who are currently in fourth and eighth grades,” says Administrative Assistant Jody Burnsworth.
Parents left the event with a school information packet, directions on how to apply, newsletters, school menus, and details about upcoming events.
“Our Mock Kindergarten Day was a success in that we were able to show prospective families an alternative to the larger public school
system,” says Burnsworth.
Likewise, at Summit Academy Community School – Warren and Summit Academy – Youngstown, families enjoyed school tours, classroom visits, crafts, stories, therapeutic martial arts demonstrations, snacks and an opportunity to meet the schools’ staff and students. At Warren Elementary, Principal Amanda McGinnis toured visiting families through the school while kindergarten teacher Shari Garcia discussed a typical day schedule for kindergarteners. Meanwhile, Ohio Reads literacy coach Tami Morrison helped the children with crafts. Sensei Jennifer Costarell, 8th degree black belt, engaged the little ones in a series of fun therapeutic martial arts exercises and passed out coloring sheets as parting gifts.
Parents and their children visiting all the schools came with great questions and enthusiasm, ready to begin the exciting new chapter of kindergarten soon.