Lindbergh Elementary gives families tools to boost reading and math skills at home

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Lindbergh Elementary is giving families a helping hand with learning at home by distributing nearly 500 academic toolkits tailored to each grade level from K-6 grade.

The kits are filled with materials parents can use to help their kids practice math and reading skills outside the classroom.

The goal is to give families simple, practical ways to support their children’s learning at home and help them build a strong academic foundation.

Kaleb Johnson, assistant principal at Lindbergh, said he wanted to create the toolkits because he believes it’s important to work alongside parents and build strong relationships with families.  

“We are able to create the partnership with families. I am a firm believer that our parents will walk beside us and help us if we just tell them and ask them and show them what we need here at school,” he said.  

His goal is to encourage a love of learning while helping students strengthen their basic math and reading skills. By giving families the tools to support learning at home, he hopes educators will see greater academic growth among students. 

Johnson said one of the biggest challenges was separating and organizing all the materials.  

“Getting them stuffed into bags which was 500 times plus. And parents and families will find out about the distribution at the conferences,” he said.  

Families will learn more about the toolkits and how they will be distributed during parent-teacher conferences.  

Johnson said the conferences were the ideal time to introduce the program because they give educators an opportunity to speak directly with families, explain the purpose behind the kits and answer any questions. 

Johnson said educators typically see a certain level of academic growth each year, but he hopes having these resources in students’ homes will help accelerate that progress. 

“Also getting feedback from teachers too. Our students leaving the classrooms more confident of basic math skills and reading skills is also a key indicator,” Johnson added.  

The toolkits were fully funded by an anonymous benefactor who recognized the importance of supporting local families and students. Johnson was asked to put together a budget outlining the project's needs, and that’s how the idea became a reality. 

The effort also brought community members together.  

“We invited community members who game up some of their evening to help assemble the kits. I believe that we are surrounded by many people in our community who want to help the schools,” he said.  

Johnson said he is excited to see how the toolkits will help students and families and hopes the additional support will give children the confidence and skills they need to reach their academic goals and succeed.