Preparation program for preschoolers wrapping up in Boardman

BOARDMAN

The United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Success By 6 program will wrap up for the summer Thursday, after four weeks spent preparing preschoolers for the transition to kindergarten.

The program, in which Stadium Drive and West Boulevard elementary schools participate, aims to help students improve in math and literacy, as well as prepare them to start school.

Stadium Drive Principal Jim Goske and teachers had only positive things to say about Success By 6, saying it has drastically improved the preschool to kindergarten transition for the students enrolled in the program.

“On the first day when they get off the bus there is less anxiety because they know what to expect,” said Stadium Drive kindergarten teacher Tami Socie. “It stops some of the tears.”

“I can’t say enough good things about it. The biggest fear with younger kids is the unknown,” Goske said. “These kids become the leaders in kindergarten.”

Easing the transition to going to a new school is just one of several goals of the program.

Read more about the program in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.