Kindergarten Gear Up is a program designed by San Diego County Library with the help of educators. This 10-week program is for incoming kindergarteners and their adults to help build skills for school-readiness. There are limited seats for this program. Due to these limited seats, we are asking that all registrants commit to attending a minimum of 8 sessions. Williston/St. George residents only please. The schedule of topics is below; some lessons may move to different Mondays as noted as we line up adult discussion leaders. Only registered kindergartner and adults are allowed to attend the program die to space constraints and the need for adults to be able to speak freely. Registration is required. Register here.
Kindergarten Gear Up Schedule
Be Yourself with Bonnie
Monday, June 17, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: Angela Fillion, ABS Principal
Be Healthy with Bonnie
Monday, June 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: Joanne Heidkamp, MS, RDN
Be Green with Danielle
Monday, July 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: TBD
Be Safe with Danielle
Monday, July 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: Chris Fahner, Williston Sr. Firefighter/AEMT
Be an Ally with Bonnie
Monday, July 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: Cristalee McSweeney, Williston Community Justice Center
Be a Leader with Bonnie
Monday, July 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: Erik Wells, Williston Town Manager
Be Kind with Bonnie (subject to change)
Monday, July 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: TBD
Be Generous with Bonnie (subject to change)
Monday, August 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: TBD
Be Prepared with Bonnie (subject to change)
Monday, August 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: TBD
Be a Neighbor with Bonnie (subject to change)
Monday, August 19, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Adult Discussion Leader: TBD
FAQ
Who can attend? Multiple parents and caregivers can attend with each registered incoming kindergartener, and only the incoming kindergartener needs to be registered. We ask that the only children who attend are incoming kindergarteners and younger or older siblings be left in the care of another adult during the program hours.
Can I just drop my kid off? This program is for incoming kindergarteners AND their adult(s). The adults also need to be committed to attending. This is because while the kids practice skills for school-readiness, adults are discussing important topics to help support their learners! There will also be weekly handouts for adults with suggestions for discussions or actions they can practice with their kids at home.
Why do we need to attend so many sessions? Attending sessions on a consistent schedule helps reinforce behaviors and skills needed for school-readiness. If you know in advance you will not be able to attend a session, please let us know. If you register and realize later it won’t work for your schedule, please let us know as early as possible so we can fill the spot!
Do we need to register for each session? You only need to register once! Once you register for the first session, you are registered for them all!
What will each session look like? Consistency is key! Each session will start with all of us in the Community Room doing warm up activities. Then we will transition to adults leaving the room with their discussion leader to practice and talk about important topics; the kids will remain in the Community Room with a Youth Services Librarian and volunteers to learn about the topic identified in each lesson with storytime and activities. The kids will also practice skills such as introducing themselves, being good listeners, being a line leader and follower, etc. When the adults return from their discussion, they will be welcomed back into the Community Room for a quick demonstration of what was learned and a goodbye song. At the end of the program our new kindergarteners will each receive a copy of “How to Be Confident in Kindergarten” by D. J. Steinberg for their backpack or home!
Who do I contact if I have more questions? Use the Contact Us page on our website to reach out with more questions! Several librarians may be able to answer, so this is the most timely way to get the information you need.