Kindergarten orientation at CFJ Elementary

ENDICOTT, NY (WIVT/WBGH) – Incoming students at CFJ Elementary in Endicott have spent the week learning proper classroom routine and behavior, before school starts up next week.

The Jump Start program at Charles F. Johnson Elementary, introduces new kindergarten students to classroom culture, and gives them a chance to meet one another.

Therese Yacobelli is a Kindergarten Teacher at CFJ and says the kids learn everyday routines like asking to use the bathroom, how to clean up for themselves, or how to sit quietly.

She says each kid in the program has varying levels of experience, so they start with the basics.

“They get to see a lot of faces for the first time. The bus driver, the principal, the assistant principal. Learning how to walk in the halls. So, like those really important skills that can be very scary for a four- or five-year-old. So, I’m just so proud to be part of a district that takes priority in helping these young minds and young hearts feel comfortable and safe,” says Yacobelli.

Yacobelli says the school has an interpreter on site, since several students are just learning English for the first time.

She says in total, the program has six different languages represented.

The school year officially begins next Thursday, the 5th.

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