Smart Beginnings Welcomes Children New to School

Smart Beginnings Rappahannock Area is partnering with Fredericksburg City, King George County, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County Public Schools in welcoming children who will be starting school for the first time.

"We’ll line the school parking lots to greet and cheer the kindergarten children and their parents," Sara Branner, executive director, said.  Community volunteers will distribute our Ready Freddy t-shirts, stickers and bookmarks to all the children," she said.

High school bands, cheerleaders, Sheriff's department and Fire department staff will also be participating at some of the schools.

"Elementary schools that actively involve families and communities through positive communication and activities significantly increase attendance and decrease chronic absence," Branner said.  "Being present on the first day of kindergarten sets the stage for school success."

The participating schools are:

• King George Elementary School: 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., August 28                              
• Conway Elementary School: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m., August 28                                       
• Hugh Mercer Elementary School: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., August 29                             
• Spotswood Elementary School: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m., August 30