This story is free to read.

Hamilton County kindergarten prep program launches for second year, emboldened by student success

Camp K attendee KiLeigh works on writing her name at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences. Camp K attendee KiLeigh works on writing her name at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences.

By Meghan Mangrum June 11, 2019 5 min read

Photo Gallery

Camp K

Teacher Kelly Piazza, bottom, works with KiLeigh, top, and Halo during Camp K at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences.

Education assistant Patricia Eady, left, works with Marlia during Camp K at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences.

Education assistant Patricia Eady helps Halo during Camp K at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences.

Chattanooga 2.0 Interim Executive Director Molly Blankenship speaks with local media during a tour of Camp K at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School on Tuesday, June 11, 2019 in Chattanooga, Tenn. During the month of June, Camp K is providing over 400 rising kindergartners across 15 Hamilton County public schools access to foundational English and literacy skills and social-emotional experiences.

“What types of animals live in the woods?” Kelly Piazza, a kindergarten teacher at Bess T. Shepherd Elementary School, asked preschool students Halo and KiLeigh.

“A bear!” KiLeigh shouted.

“Snakes,” said Halo.

Piazza pointed to a page in the book she was holding in front of the two 5-year-olds at a small table in her Camp K classroom Tuesday.

“How many words are on this page?” she asked.