BROOKVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – Whether it be a young student going to kindergarten for the first time or an older student, moving up to another school can be a scary and stressful time for students.
(Photo: Hickory Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Brookville Area School District)
But, Brookville is trying to do something to lessen that fear and stress.
The school district has a number of what it calls “camps” to help in the transition whether that be into kindergarten at Northside Elementary School, going to first grade at Pinecreek Elementary School, going to third grade at Hickory Grove Elementary School or entering the Junior/Senior High School in seventh grade.
“We see it as an opportunity for the kids and parents to meet the teachers and get comfortable with the school,” K-12 Principal of Student Services Ruthanne Barbazzeni, who coordinates the program, said. “It helps the kids going to a new building. It makes the transition a lot smoother.”
The first program starts Thursday, August 9, for students entering third grade at Hickory Grove. That program will be held at the school from 10 a.m. to noon.
Then, on August 14, new kindergarten students will get their chance from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Northside, while there will be a “Bridge Camp” at the junior/senior high school for incoming seventh graders from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on August 15 followed by a parent orientation for those students’ parents the same night from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Finally, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on August 16, first graders will get their day at the Pinecreek building.
“The students have to be in the appropriate grade level to participate,” Barbazzeni said. “All parents received a notification and should register their child, but we will accept anyone in the appropriate grade who show up.”
Barbazzeni said the camp at the kindergarten level is in its first year, the camp for third graders is in its second year and the bridge camp at the junior/senior high school is in its eighth year.
“The success of the bridge camp led to the other ones,” Barbazzeni said. “Most of the students do attend these days and they enjoy it. It gets them acclimated to the building and to their teachers and where to go.”
Anyone who is looking for more information on the camps can call Barbazzeni at the school at 814-849-1112.
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