What is Jumpstart?

    • The Jumpstart program is a FREE 6-week summer program offered by MCPS. It provides early literacy interventions for children who score below proficient in one of the early literacy skills as identified through a screening process.

      The Jumpstart summer program is for: 

      • Students who will be entering kindergarten in Fall 2024. (Children who will be 5 years old on or before September 10, 2024, may participate in screening.) Must live within elementary school boundaries.

      • MCPS students entering grades 1-3 in Fall 2024. (Students must be enrolled with MCPS.)

       

    Dates and Locations

    • Mondays - Thursdays
      8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

      July 8 - August 15:

      • July 8-11
      • July 15-18
      • July 22-25
      • July 29- Aug 1
      • Aug 5-8
      • Aug 12-15

      Lowell, Franklin, and Russell Elementary Schools.  Participating families will be asked for their preferred location but will be placed according to space availability.  

      Afternoon care may be available.  More information coming soon.

      Transportation may be available from your neighborhood elementary school to and from the Jumpstart locations.  Transportation information will be available by May 1st.

      Free meals will be available at each Jumpstart location.

    Download the Flyer

    • Incoming Kindergarten Flyer

      Jumpstart flyer with a student wearing blue jean overalls jumping in the air.

      Students Entering 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Grade Flyer

      Jumpstart flyer showing little girl reading a book.

    Program Information

      • To be eligible for Kindergarten Jumpstart, children must be screened by an MCPS screener and score below proficient in one of the Early Literacy skills. 

        • Screenings will be held throughout the month of April 2024.

        • Kindergarten Jumpstart screening will take between 30-45 minutes and a parent or guardian will need to be in attendance for the entire screening session.

        • View the Screening Calendar for dates, locations and further details. 

      • MCPS families who would like their rising first-, second- or third-grade student to participate in screening during the school day may contact their student’s school to fill out a permission form.  

        • Permission slips will be available at elementary parent teacher conferences and at school offices.
        • Parents of current K-2 grade students who are requesting screening do not need to sign up for a time - screening will take place during the school day and will be administered by MCPS teachers.

      • Fill out a Registration Form to sign up for a screening (this link is included with the Screening Calendar). Families who complete this form will be sent a calendar invite confirming the arrival time and location.

      • Walk-ins are welcome!

      Notification: Families will be notified of acceptance or denial by May 15. Families must accept enrollment by no later than May 30.

      Children may be considered for acceptance into this program if they are determined to be below proficient in the areas determined by the Montana Board of Public Education and described in this Montana Early Literacy Advisory Council report.