By Archita Aggarwal, McKenzie Kane, and Billy Queally
LEXINGTON, Va. — Starting kindergarten can be a tedious job and an intimidating experience both for kids and their parents, but “A Day in K” is finally back to help reduce the stress.
For the past two years, the Rockbridge County School System’s “A Day in K” event at Hull’s Drive-in was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. This year the event is back and at a new location. On April 28, a Thursday, in the back parking lot of Maury River Middle School, local organizations from around the county will set up tables to help kids and parents get excited about starting school. The event will run from 5:30-7 p.m. All seven public elementary schools in the county, Buena Vista and Lexington will be represented.
“A Day in K is focused on rising kindergarteners,” said Kelly Fujiwara, chairwoman of the committee in organizing “A Day in K.” “We’re looking at how we can help families and kids…and how we can help make everyone more successful.”
The event started as part of United Way’s early education and child literacy initiative. The agency continues to fund the event every year.
In the year preceding the COVID-19 closures, the event saw its biggest turnout with nearly all of the area’s elementary school teachers, superintendents and principals present. The local YMCA, Lexington fire and police department, Girl Scout, and Boy Scout troops all set up booths to create a vibrant atmosphere for both the children and their families.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for families to come and learn a little bit more about what they’re getting into, introduce them to some resources that are available in the community, and make it a fun festival,” said Fujiwara.
This year organizers decided to host it at the middle school to reduce organizational expenses. Those funds will instead be used to increase the number of goody bags with school supplies handed out to students during the event along with any resource pamphlets or guides available to families in the area.
“The guide has all the things families can do to help their children get ready for kindergarten,” said Rebecca Walters, the Superintendent of Lexington City Schools.
As the date of the event gets closer, intensive preparations are underway to make this community-based event a success for everyone.
“Volunteers are always welcome to help with organizing and hosting activities on the day,” Fujiwara emphasized. “The event is a win for the community…and it lets our educators know how much we appreciate them.”