ACADEMIC INITIATIVE
School Readiness
shift_ed partners with community organizations to equip incoming kindergarteners with the tools they need to succeed—supporting early reading, sparking excitement for learning, and showing families that education matters from day one.
ACADEMIC INITIATIVE
School Readiness
shift_ed partners with community organizations to equip incoming kindergarteners with the tools they need to succeed—supporting early reading, sparking excitement for learning, and showing families that education matters from day one.
Academic Initiatives offer programs and supports that strengthen students’ skills, knowledge, and confidence in core academic areas.
Our Programs > School Readiness
Launch into Learning
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone, and shift_ed is here to help every child step into “big school” with confidence. At Guilford County Schools’ Kindergarten Kick-off events, we provide each incoming kindergartener with a backpack filled with essential supplies—thanks to partnerships with organizations like Ready for School, Ready for Life, and the Guilford County Partnership for Children. Inside are books, writing materials, and engaging activities that spark early literacy, build math skills, and strengthen motor development. In 2025, we distributed backpacks to students at all 69 Guilford County Schools elementary schools, ensuring families know from the very first day: education matters.
backpacks were distributed to rising Guilford County School kindergarteners in 2024-2025.
Amanda Mehl
As shift_ed’s Vice President of Collaborative Education, I’m excited to lead our school readiness efforts and connect families with the tools, resources, and confidence to help every kindergartener thrive from day one.
Program Focus
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
