Parents of kids who will be entering kindergarten in the fall are strongly encouraged to sign up their children for Kindergarten Jump Start, a free program that takes place a few weeks before the school year begins.

Jump Start participants engage in a variety of math, literacy and hands-on learning activities. They receive a free, nutritious breakfast daily. Students also receive opportunities to learn basic school routines and become familiar with school surroundings.

Jump Start will be offered at the following elementary schools in 2015:

Aug. 3-25

Anderson, Fruit Valley, Harney, Hazel Dell, King, Lincoln, Marshall, Ogden, Roosevelt and Washington

Aug. 10-21

Minnehaha and Walnut Grove

Aug. 17-21

Chinook, Eisenhower, Felida, Franklin, Hough, Lake Shore, Sacajawea, Salmon Creek and Truman

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at all schools. Full participation is encouraged, but not required. Transportation is not provided.

At Jump Start, parents will be asked to register their children for school if they have not already done so.