(East Boston, MA 24-August-2014) East Boston Main Streets and Countdown to Kindergarten along with the East Boston Social Center, EBYMCA, Little Folks, Head Start, the Boston Police, and the MBTA will host the 14th Annual Countdown to Kindergarten parade. With the help of many groups and individuals and the generosity of local merchants every child in East Boston who is entering kindergarten will receive school supplies, a brand new backpack, and enjoy a festive day designed to provide a positive experience as they begin their formal education.
file photo; EBMS
This year’s Parade is scheduled for Friday, September 5th at 10:30 am. Anywhere from 300 to 500 kindergarten-age children will gather at Central Square in East Boston with their parents, guardians, and volunteers from the various local early-education centers.
Before the children step off the curb, East Boston Main Streets will announce a $5,000 college scholarship in the form of a 529 college savings bond generously provided by Airmall Boston. This scholarship will be tied to impeccable class attendance during the school year and will be awarded to one East Boston kindergartener at the end of the 2014/15 academic year.
During the Parade the children will wear yellow shirts saying “I’m Going to Kindergarten” provided by the City of Boston. Along the walk the children will stop at over 20 participating businesses in the neighborhood to receive small gifts. At the end of the parade the children will return to the park for pizza donated by a local restaurant.
For more information contact Sonia Gomez-Banrey at 617.635.6816 or the East Boston Main Street office at 617.561.1044. Also, please visit the Countdown to Kindergarten website at http://www.countdowntokindergarten.org or visit them on Facebook.
