Staff photo by Clay Schuldt From left, bottom row, Amie Hokesvig, Avery Knaak, James Rodewald, Emmy Munce, Clair Braulick, Maxwell Swenson (holding check), Ellen Molden (holding check), RemiLee Rieke, Meredith Helle, Maddison Easter, Daphen Hart, Shannon Sondag and Abigail Juni. Middle row, Katherine Hoffrogge, Anson Berg, Ashton Forst, Dracen LeGare, Sydney Altmann, Everly Clipp, Zander Pederson, Jaxton Hoffmann, Braxton Rathmann, Evelyn Wozniak, Skylar Durbin and Fennick Andrew. Top row, Jill Berdand, Eileen Bierk, Laurie Stark, Kathy Van Roekel, Pat Herzog, John Illikman, Shannon Hillesheim, Tom Haze and Rick Jensen. The children in the photo represented the Class of 2034.

NEW ULM — The Kindergarten Kickstart initiative was given a $5,000 grant to kickstart the program, Thursday.

A special check hand off ceremony was held in German Park as the incoming ISD 88 kindergarten class played at the playground.

Kindergarten Kickstart is an eight-day, three hour a day program for youngsters entering any kindergarten (public or non-public) in the fall.  The program targets children who were not enrolled in a preschool program or did not attend preschool this year.  Priority is given to families who present with risk factors, such as those qualify for income assistance, parent does not have a high school diploma, single parent, child referred for special education testing but did not qualify, English language learners, family is homeless, child is in foster care, history of abuse).

The program aims to enable children to enter kindergarten comfortable and ready to be successful learners.  This includes introducing kids to how a classroom works, large and small group activities along with expectations for each, activities in specials rooms (art, music, gym), etc.  Transitions from one activity to the next, or one room to the next are some of the most difficult times of day for most students.

Teacher Elieen Bierk said the program also provides busing for students who would not normally qualify and allows the program to take field trips.

In the grant application to NUAF, Betty Uehling, Early Childhood and Family Education Director, said many children were not able to access learning opportunities this past year due to programs offering smaller class sizes or families limiting contacts outside of the nuclear or child care family in order to minimize COVID-19 exposures.  The program goal is to provide kids with an introduction to the school environment, rules and routines, and academics in order to enable a student to walk in the school door confident.  By offering this program free of charge, and free in-town transportation, the hope is to eliminate any barriers to participation by those with the greatest need.

NUAF provides grant funding in four areas: arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation. Executive Director John Illikman said this easily aligns with education. It also recognizes that a well-educated citizenry positively impacts all aspects of our community. Helping children to start school successfully is just the beginning.