Kindergarten Jump Start will be first three days of school; registration for child care begins next week

Camp KindergartenJOHNSTON, Ia. (March 5, 2025) — Kindergarten Jump Start, aimed at helping students get acclimated to school, will once again be held during the first three days of school in fall 2025.

The third day of school — Wednesday, Aug. 27 — will be a “No School” day for kindergartners. Families needing child care for that day can sign up for Camp Kindergarten beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 15. There are limited spots available and registration is first come, first serve. Register on Eleyo at johnston.ce.eleyo.com.

Schedule of events

Here’s a look at the steps ahead for your incoming kindergartener:

Early August — Initial Teacher: After registering for the 2025-2026 school year at johnstoncsd.org//school-registration/, your student will be assigned an initial kindergarten teacher and class in early August. These rosters may change based on student needs.  

Later August — Meet the Teacher: Just before school begins in August, kindergartners will get a chance to meet their teachers on the same day that other grade levels are holding their Meet the Teacher event.

Aug. 25-26 — Orientation: The first two days of school will serve as an orientation for kindergarten where students get to know the school, teachers, routines and procedures. 

Camp Kindergarten InstaAug. 27 — No school on the third day: There will be NO SCHOOL for kindergarten students on the third day of school. Kindergarten teacher assignments and rosters will be finalized on this day. Sign up for Camp Kindergarten at johnston.ce.eleyo.com starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, March 15 if your family needs child care on this day.

Goal for more balanced classrooms

When Kindergarten Jump Start was held during the summer, more than 30% of our kindergarten students did not participate. So starting in the current school year, the change to hold Kindergarten Jump Start during the first three days of school was made to allow all kindergarten students to benefit. That practice will continue next year.

“Teachers will have a better chance to begin getting to know each student,” said Chris Billings, Executive Director of School Leadership. “Staff will have the ability to make more informed decisions so appropriate classroom placements can be made, and each school will have more balanced classrooms.”

If you have questions about Kindergarten Jump Start, please contact Chris Billings, Executive Director of School Leadership, at chris.billings@johnston.k12.ia.us or 515-278-0470. Questions about Camp Kindergarten can be directed to Scott Kruthoff, Director of Community Education, at 515-278-0552 or scott.kruthoff@johnston.k12.ia.us.