Franklin County launches 'Get Ready to Fly' campaign to boost preK and kindergarten readiness

Franklin County Public Schools presented a new early-childhood initiative Monday aimed at improving prekindergarten and kindergarten readiness after teachers reported rising classroom behavior and self-care deficits.

Jennifer Thally, director of elementary curriculum and instruction, outlined the 'Get Ready to Fly' campaign and said data and educator feedback revealed incoming four- and five-year-olds often lack basic hygiene and self-care (handwashing, toileting), social-emotional regulation and simple cognitive and fine-motor skills needed for classroom routines. "We are seeing students come to school unable to follow simple directions and in some cases not even potty trained," Thally said, adding the initiative will focus on standards, parent education and community supports.

Planned steps include identifying community partners by Jan. 30, steering-committee work in late January, draft parent materials in February, partner scheduling in March, awareness and registration in May, and family-liaison and face-to-face supports in August. The campaign will leverage local churches and community organizations to sponsor family nights, parent-education sessions and mentoring, with schools identifying families who need targeted outreach.

Board members asked how partners would help with toileting and whether families would be expected to provide day-to-day training. Thally and staff clarified community groups would provide parent supports and resources, not replace parental responsibility; the family liaison will work directly with families who have children identified as needing additional support.

Administrators also noted behavioral supports are being reinforced for teachers, including sessions with an outside behavioral specialist, and a Feb. 1 community event will address social media dangers and parenting resources.