Summer Transition Activities

Each summer, Countdown to Kindergarten offers resources, events, and more to support families of incoming 3, 4, and 5-year-olds joining BPS, whether they’re entering a BPS school or a Boston Pre-K community program, ensuring a smooth transition into school in the fall. Find more information on the 2026 Summer Transition Activities below!

Welcome Card

Welcome Letter

Summer Guide

KDays Flyer

Citywide Celebration

About Summer Transition Activities

Welcome Card

The Welcome Card counts down 5 ways families can get ready for school in the summer months before the school year begins:

Boston Family Days (Year Round)
Welcome Sessions (May/June)
Welcome Gift Bag (July)
Kindergarten Days (August)
First Day of School (September)

Be on the lookout for a physical copy of your Welcome Card in the mail in May!

Yellow Welcome Bag

Pick up your free Yellow Welcome Bag at your local Boston Public Library (BPL) branch starting July 1st!

The bag contains an “I’m Going to Kindergarten” t-shirt, some fun activities, and a Summer Guide of learning opportunities throughout the city.

Please note that the QR found on the attendance calendar will activate in August.

Take a look behind the scenes at our bag assembly process in this video 🎬!

Welcome Letter

The Welcome Letter is found inside the Welcome Bag, and offers a warm introduction to families. The letter introduces the Focus curriculum and how families can learn more about the curriculum their child will be using in school. Families are encouraged to checkout books from the curriculum at local libraries to practice reading together at home before school begins!

Summer Guide

Inside the Countdown to Kindergarten Yellow Bags, you’ll find a Golden Ticket which takes you to the digital Summer Guide, where there is information about free and low-cost family activities and resources for the summer in Boston and the surrounding areas. Learn more here.

KDays Flyer

Kindergarten-Days (“K Days”) are a 2-hour party held at Boston Public Library branches throughout the city in August. Families are encouraged to attend the location that works best for them.

Each party is designed to mimic a kindergarten schedule with time for hands-on activities, community announcements circle, music and movement and snack time.

Keep an eye out for a physical copy of the KDays schedule for August 2026 in your mailbox around July!

Citywide Celebration Invitation

The Citywide Celebration is a special day to honor all first-time BPS students— 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds —who will be entering a BPS school or a Boston Pre-K community program in the fall!

At the event, children and their families can enjoy free admission to the Boston Children’s Museum, participate in fun family activities, receive a new backpack, and access important information for parents and caregivers about BPS and Boston Pre-K, and more.

Keep an eye out for a physical copy of your invitation in the mail in late July, early August!