Staff report

LIBERTY — The Liberty Local School District has been awarded a $45,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) to support early learning initiatives and help prepare young students for a successful start to their academic journey.

This funding will support the launch of Kindergarten Kickstart, a statewide initiative led by DCY in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). The program is designed to ease the transition into kindergarten for both students and their families while building a strong foundation for future academic and social success.

“Starting kindergarten is a major milestone for children and families,” said Ryan Stowell, PK-2 Principal of Liberty Local Schools. “This opportunity allows us to give our youngest learners the skills, confidence, and familiarity they need to feel successful from day one. When children know what to expect, they thrive.”

The Kindergarten Kickstart program will serve students entering kindergarten in the 2026-2027 school year and will focus on:

•Building familiarity with school routines, expectations and learning environments.

•Delivering instruction grounded in the Science of Reading and aligned with Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards.

•Engaging families as active partners in the transition to kindergarten.

•Strengthening children’s social, emotional and academic readiness.

Instruction will emphasize early literacy skills, foundational math concepts and executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, cooperation and following routines.

The Kindergarten Kickstart program will run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 20 to Aug. 13. Transportation to and from school will be provided, and students will receive a free breakfast and snack.

Students must already be enrolled in kindergarten to participate in Kindergarten Kickstart. If your child is not yet enrolled, call 330-759-1733 to inquire about kindergarten enrollment.