“Would you like some milk?” Lizzie David asks Jonathon Davis and Anthony Fulkerson.

“Yes please,” they both respond.

Davis then holds out a container of chocolate milk and they each take a carton.

Welcome to Jump Start, a District 20 program—now in its third year—where youngsters who will begin kindergarten this year learn academic and social skills to “jump into” school when it begins on Aug. 16.

First-grade teacher Michelle Stienike, who directs the program, said 47 students, the most so far, are enrolled in the program that began July 9. It ended Aug. 2.

Stienike said there have been no big changes to the program since it began, only some updating and adjustments.

Seven para educators help teach the program that is offered for three hours in the morning, five days a week.

What Davis said he’s liked best so far about Jump Start is learning letters, shapes and numbers.

Fulkerson said he’s enjoyed making sand castles on the playground.

Allyson Buss likes playing on computers while Avery Salomon said the playground is where she likes to be.

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