Incoming kindergarteners at Wild Horse Elementary got to explore their new school, meet future classmates and enjoy popsicles and chalk drawing outside during a July 29 "Jam in the Gym" playdate, one of three such events Rockwood School District held this summer to ease the transition for its youngest students.

The district shared photos of the event on X on Thursday, Aug. 6, showing the "newest Stallions" playing together at the Chesterfield school. The sessions give kids a low-pressure introduction to the building and each other before the school year begins.

Wild Horse is one of several Rockwood elementary schools running kindergarten-specific programming this summer. Pond Elementary held a similar event called KinderCamp in late July, featuring a library read-aloud, snack time and activity stations. The other two schools that hosted Jam in the Gym events were not named in the district's post.

Wild Horse families still have milestones ahead. The school's calendar shows a second Jam in the Gym playdate on Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Kindergarten New Family Orientation in the cafeteria at 6 p.m. that same evening.

Rockwood's first day of school for the 2026–2027 year is Monday, Aug. 24. Families can find school supply lists on the district's website.