Incoming kindergarteners at Pond Elementary got their first taste of school life before the 2026–2027 year begins, exploring their building through a library read-aloud, snack time, and hands-on activity stations during the school's KinderCamp program.

The Rockwood School District shared photos of the event on Monday, July 27, showing young students settling into the K–5 school at 17200 Manchester Road in Grover. The district's first day of school is August 24, giving families about four weeks to prepare.

KinderCamp helps smooth the transition for children who have never set foot in a school building. Instead of walking into a new environment cold on the first day, participants got to meet staff, find the library, and practice routines like lining up for snack in a low-pressure setting.

Pond Elementary is part of the Rockwood School District (R-VI), St. Louis County's largest public school system.

The event comes days after Rockwood's annual Administrative Conference on July 21–22 at Eureka High, where Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain addressed more than 150 administrators and staff. "I am so excited to come back together as a team to plan how we can best support our students, staff and each other in the coming school year," Cain said at that conference, signaling district-wide momentum as schools prepared to open their doors.

Families with children starting kindergarten at Pond Elementary on August 24 can contact the school at 636-733-3225 for supply lists, orientation details, or remaining enrollment steps.