The Lintott Elementary playground was transformed into a carnival for kindergarteners and their families on Saturday, July 20. Tentative smiles turned to giggles of happiness as children rolled large inflated dice, practiced jumping jacks with high school students, stacked ginormous colorful boxes, decorated kingly crowns, and threw balls at the dunk tank where Assistant Principal Merisa Wilson sat eagerly waiting. Chehalis kindergarten teacher Kimberly McVay met incoming students and helped them take aim at the target, sending Wilson into the water – much to the delight of the young learners.
The event was designed to help transition to kindergarten, a big milestone for children and families. “When children come to school feeling welcomed and excited, they are more likely to find success in school,” said Lintott Principal Brenda Pohlman. “We know from research, and experience, that smooth transitions can have a huge impact on a child’s experiences during their first year of formal schooling.” Pohlman is the proud leader of the school, and a proud grandma as well. Her granddaughter, Ivy, will be entering kindergarten, along with nearly 200 others this fall.
Hosted by the Chehalis School District’s Cornerstone Program, the Kindergarten Carnival served its purpose well. Hundreds of children and parents were entertained by the carnival games, and enjoyed many free treats; hot dog lunches, followed by shaved ice desserts, face painting, twisted balloon animals, and prizes galore were all provided to families for free. Volunteers from the community, including several students from W. F. West High School made it a most successful event.
The Cornerstone Program was started in 2023 thanks to a grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council. The grant is intended to empower regional partnerships that invest in community so that parents and families can find the resources they need. In the first year of operation, Cornerstone staff have created partnerships with several organizations in the greater Chehalis area. They use this network of resources to help families make connections of support as they grow and learn. Representatives from many of these organizations were on hand to meet families and share ways they can help, including:
United Way of Lewis County
Valley View Health Center
Chehalis Parent Teacher Organization
Lewis County Parent To Parent
Summit Center for Childhood Development
Timberland Regional Library
Bethel Church Before & After School Programs
Community Mediation Center
Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County
Kona Ice
Lewis County Women Infants and Children (WIC)
Lewis County Coffee
Educational leaders in the district are targeting early childhood with greater purpose and intention, with good reason. According to data gathered from the Washington Kindergarten Inventory for Developing Skills (WaKIDS) assessment, fewer children are coming to kindergarten prepared for school. The assessment, given during the first three days of school, is an opportunity for children to show their skills, knowledge, and abilities in six domains: social-emotional, physical, language, literacy, and cognitive. Here are some examples:
- Physical development – demonstrating large motor skills like running and jumping, or fine motor skills like grasping toys
- Social-emotional – Regulating emotions and behavior, following expectations, and establishing positive relationships
Over the past ten years, fewer Chehalis kindergarteners have shown proficiency in their development early in the school year. Inequities begin prior to the start of kindergarten and persist far into the child’s K-12 experience and beyond. The district is focused on preparing incoming kindergarteners with events like the Kindergarten Carnival in an attempt to support families as they prepare their children for a transition to school in the fall.
“Our goal is to establish relationships with families so that students are prepared for the journey ahead,” said Mental Health Specialist Jacey Hinkle. “Parents are doing a great job, but we want to make sure all families have access to the support they need.” The carnival games were designed to show parents ways their kids can practice skills like taking turns, listening and following directions, and persistent effort. The event was also designed to connect parents with the school, and with community resources of support.
Families went home with a bag of games and ideas to try at home. They also have the chance to enter and win prizes provided by supportive area businesses and organizations including:
Best Western Plus
Cafe Maru
Chehalis Mints
Coming Attractions Theatres
Dairy Dan
Fairway Lanes
Great Wolf Lodge
Holiday Inn Express
King Agriculture Museum
La Quinta
McMenamins
Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf
Tiki Tap House
“The community really showed up today,” said Chehalis Superintendent Rick Goble who stopped by to watch the fun. “I’m so proud of our student volunteers and school staff, but I’m really impressed with the businesses and organizations that are here today. This is really a great place for kids and families.”
The Kindergarten Carnival in Chehalis was a huge success and served families well, but the effort doesn’t end here. Later this week, the Cornerstone Program will host the first ever Kindergarten Motor Camp, designed to help young learners practice the skills necessary for a successful first year at school. Volunteers will help campers practice large motor skills like running and skipping. Campers will also practice fine motor skills like coloring and cutting with scissors.
To learn more about the motor camp, or read more about the Cornerstone Program, visit their website at chehalisschools.org/cornerstone/.
