The Ocean City School District will continue its Raider Ready Program this year, which prepares district pre-K students and their guardians for a successful transition to kindergarten.
The program launched last academic year and garnered positive feedback from participants who met key district personnel, became familiar with the Ocean City Primary School, and began preparing for the academic, as well as the social and emotional, learning that takes place in kindergarten.
The 2020-2021 Raider Ready Program features six sessions designed for children entering kindergarten in September 2020, as well as their parents. The first five sessions are highly encouraged as they cover a range of topics that will support a successful kindergarten experience.
Details for the final information-rich session, kindergarten orientation, will be finalized soon. Mark your calendars for the following dates:
- Tuesday, Nov. 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Mathematics & Attendance
- Tuesday, Jan. 14, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Reading & Social/Emotional Learning
- Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Technology, Physical Education, Attendance & Social/Emotional Learning
- Tuesday, March 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Kindergarten Registration & Health/Wellness
- Tuesday, April 7, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Special Area, Attendance & Social/Emotional Learning
- Tuesday, May 19: Kindergarten Orientation & Getting “Raider Ready”
All Raider Ready sessions, as well as the kindergarten orientation and screenings, will take place at the Ocean City Primary School, located at 550 West Ave. Screenings will take place in early June.
“Through our Raider Ready Program, we aim to help all of our students begin their educational journeys feeling supported, prepared and confident to succeed,” said Ocean City Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor. “We are helping students develop a strong foundation of skills to build upon, giving parents tips for helping their students practice these skills at home, and providing both groups with a fun and positive introduction to Ocean City Schools.”
The Raider Ready Program was cited in the New Jersey Department of Education’s recognition of Ocean City School District this year as a Lighthouse District. This designation draws attention to schools that make significant progress closing achievement gaps across various subgroups. Those recognized districts are highlighted as beacons of success to help guide others toward similar progress.
“We developed Raider Ready to address the specific needs of our incoming kindergarteners and their parents,” said Ocean City Primary School Principal Cathy Smith. “Being prepared for school establishes solid foundations for learning, and solid foundations allow students to adapt to school systems and learn successfully.”
