Cheer on new kindergarteners at Pittsburgh kick-off events

The first day of kindergarten is a momentous occasion for a young child. And each year, the Pittsburgh community gathers together to cheer on our littlest students during this important milestone. If you can spare a couple of hours, you’re invited to take part in this year’s fun!

“It’s an exciting day for some families and it’s a very sad day for others,” says Alicia Chatkin, director of programs for children and youth at the United Way of Allegheny County. “To see so many caring adults excited to be there really seems to ease that anxiety and makes for a great first day for the kids and their parents.”

This year’s kick-off events are being coordinated by the United Way, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Public Schools and Reddy Freddy. Festivities will take place on the morning of September 3 at 19 locations within the Pittsburgh Public Schools. In addition, at least two PPS middle schools will hold Start Strong events for entering sixth graders on August 31.

Chatkin hopes that more than 350 volunteers will welcome families to these schools—giving out high-fives and hugs, smiles and stickers. “Being that positive presence for kids is the best way you can start your day,” she says, noting that the United Way is still looking for volunteers at several locations.

Volunteers can sign up here and will then receive detailed information on parking, times, etc. But the obligation is pretty minimal. “Volunteers should just arrive on that first day enthusiastic, excited, super positive,” says Chatkin. “It’s a pretty powerful picture for these kids to walk into school with all these caring adults around them.”

While easing first day jitters is one motivation for kick-off events, there’s more. Chatkin alludes to research studies demonstrating that regular school attendance—even in early grades—can influence overall academic success. “If kids miss a lot of school during their kindergarten or first grade years, they are more likely to be chronically absent, which puts them at greater risk of not graduating from high school.”

Kindergarten Kick-off and Start Strong events are just two components of the United Way’s larger Be There campaign, which encourages regular school attendance throughout a student’s academic career. “We view the first day of kindergarten as one of the pivotal moments in establishing positive attendance habits,” says Chatkin.

Featured photo: Kindergarten Kick-off, Photo courtesy of United Way of Allegheny County