School's out at School's Cool

Thursday was graduation day for the 24 kids in the Colborne School's Cool program. With parents an families on hand the 3-5-year-olds sang their songs and took their bows at the end of the school-readiness sessions held at Colborne Public School.

For six weeks the tots picked up social and learning skills which will make them more successful when they enter school in September. Sasha Korper coordinated the Colborne program. Ms. Korper zealously promotes the advantages the children gain and the instructional methods used by her three instructors, Krista Kernaghan, Julie Deladurante, and Brittney Lammers.

It's all about motivating the kids to be excited about the program she says. To illustrate her point, Ms. Korper relates a story about the kids requesting a re-reading of a story while they were outside at play time. They were motivated by the fun of the story and the interactions.

"Studies tell us that the success of kids in their early years is a predictor of success in their school careers" she says. The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and YMCA Northumberland recognise the need for readiness she added.

Part of that readiness involves socialization. It's all right to have feelings, but you have to use words to express them and to solve problems. Its about giving all kids the tools so they can share and participate. They're lifelong lessons.


The leaders of Colborne's School's Cool Program were - Sasha Korpers, Brittney Lammers, Krista Kernaghan, and Julie Deladurante.


Instructor, Krista Kernaghan agreed. The veteran of School's Cool spoke of the socializing skills and reading and writing, and readiness skills taught. The kids learn to follow routines and respond to instruction.

The School's Cool Coordinator, Trelani Chapman describes it as a play-based school-readiness program which uses outcome-based curriculum.

Schools' Cool ran four mornings a week in five Northumberland County centres this summer. The cost is $100 but the fee is waived if the parents can't afford to pay. They contribute as they can.





Thank you Mr. Ashbridge for looking after the school for us.