The United Way of Porter County along with 1st Source Bank worked together to bring Kinder Kamp, a program designed to help students obtain the skills necessary to be successful in school for those who did not receive previous preparation or education.
Three classrooms from Myers Elementary were given the opportunity to participate in Kinder Kamp. Matt Vessely, Regional President of Valparaiso Downtown 1st Source Bank and Jesus Alejandro Cervera, Assistant Vice President of Portage 1st Source Bank were present to hand out backpacks filled with school supplies to each student. 1st Source Bank also donated books to each of these students to continue building a love of reading for these young students.
“Reading is fundamental to a child’s success in school. Verbal, cognitive and imaginative skills build with each read,” says United Way for Children Regional Director Kim Olesker. “There is nothing more important than getting kids off to a great start.”
Kinder Kamps will use a current kindergarten curriculum already being used in schools, enabling students who have had no previous learning experiences to learn and provide a smooth transition for their eventual entry into kindergarten.
“Last year was our first year with Kinder Kamps and we initially had only two schools as part of this program,” says United Way President Sharon Kish. “Now we have many more schools as part of the program. We are always looking to expand and for that we need community partners. From reading a book to children to helping them prepare for the school year, as a community we can all be a part of this.”
Portage Township Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. Debra J. Dudek felt that programs were necessary for students to get a head start and also felt that the program has attracted more positive attention from parents.
“There were 374 interested families this year, up from 98 last year,” says Dudek. “We were pulling kids from all over the Portage Township Areas and found these students at Myers could have an experience of discovering and learning what school is like. Due to time constraints or income-based issues, some students did not receive the prep for kindergarten they needed. Now we can provide that for them and make a huge difference on their education now and later on.”
Along with the backpacks and books, Vale Park Animal Hospital, McAfee Animal Hospital and Westchester Animal Hospital also contributed education to the students by providing them with knowledge of animal awareness for the caring and appreciation of animals.
“The kids come first, the community comes first,” says Vessely. “We’re happy to have this opportunity to reach out and help out schools and communities in need. We’re all in this together and we want to help out any way we can.”
“I have children of my own,” says Cervera. “Seeing all the children and seeing how their eyes light up when presented with the school supplies, it really touched my heart.”