When many of us attended school, our first formal school experience started in Kindergarten.  Today, with the overwhelming research showing that the first ten years of a child's development lay the foundation for growth and learning later in life, CV has partnered with the First 10 organization to bring more resources to children in the district starting from birth.  CV's First 10 coordinator Karen Sullivan has secured several grants from the Conestoga Valley Education Foundation to start new First 10 initiatives in the district.  One such grant was for play equipment for an open gym.  Fritz Elementary School was full of energy and excitement on March 14 and 21 as families gathered for two well-attended “Gym Jam” events. These events provided young children with a fun, engaging space to play, explore, and build early learning skills.

Children had the opportunity to move through a variety of activities designed to support coordination, creativity, and social interaction—all while having a great time. Just as importantly, the events created space for parents and caregivers to connect with one another, building relationships within the community.  If you have young ones in the CV district or know of others who do, read on to learn more about Gym Jams and similar events!

Gym Jam is part of an ongoing series of free “play-and-learn” Pre-K events offered through the district. These programs are designed to introduce families to the Conestoga Valley School District before kindergarten, helping children feel comfortable and confident as they begin their educational journey while also connecting families to valuable resources and support. More information about upcoming events can be found here: CV Play and Learns.

At CVEF, we are proud to support these efforts through our commitment to First 10 initiatives. We believe strongly in the importance of early childhood education and the lasting impact it has on student success. By investing in opportunities like Gym Jam, we are helping to build strong foundations for learning, strengthen family connections, and ensure that every child begins school ready to thrive.