Canton Public School District hosts pre-kindergarten boot camp

Shoney Harris, Ed.S, director of literacy and early childhood education for CPSD, said, “The pre-kindergarten boot camp is designed to get a head start with preparing incoming 4-year-olds academically, socially and emotionally. It is the belief of the Canton Public School District faculty and staff to educate all 4-year-olds in the city of Canton. In doing this, we will be able to prepare students early for state assessments as well as producing fluent readers on all academic levels.”

The purpose of the pre-kindergarten boot camp is to aid previous daycare students, Headstart students, and homeschooled students with their transition to the in-person school setting before the school year starts in August. This year’s pre-kindergarten boot camp will heavily focus on any learning loss due to the coronavirus pandemic and building the students up by meeting their individual needs. 

“Parents can expect their child/children to be introduced to rigorous hands-on instruction in reading and mathematics. The ultimate goal is to have these students reading by mid-year, computing mathematical facts, decoding words, developing and building comprehension skills. The students will also be introduced to daily routines and operations of the upcoming school year,” Harris said.

The pre-kindergarten boot camp will operate with in-person instruction. CPSD is expecting at least 80 to 85 students this year. However, due to the pandemic, class sizes will be decreased to 12 students per class, allowing teachers and students to be socially distant. 

“The teachers’ and students’ safety are of the utmost importance of CPSD. Hence, safety protocols have been put in place to ensure the safety of everyone while ensuring that instruction can and will take place effectively,” Harris said.

“It is my belief that a blank slate can be taught anything; there is no limit. Therefore, targeting students in the early stages, developing a solid educational foundation for them, they will be on the road to immediate success and smooth educational matriculation throughout elementary, middle, and high school. Perseverance conquers all,” Harris said. 

Parents can sign their children up by emailing Shoney Harris, Ed.S at [email protected] or via phone at 601-859-6720. Applications can be returned through email, mail, or dropped off at the CPSD Central Office at 403 East Lincoln Street.