This summer, the Leflore Promise Community hosted the Small World Summer Camp in Greenwood. Small world prepared young learners for a smooth start to the school year. Designed to help Pre-Kindergarten students adjust to classroom routines before the official first day of school, the camp created a welcoming environment where children could grow comfortable with their teachers, peers, and new surroundings. By the time August rolled around, students who attended were already confident, eager, and ready to learn in their kindergarten classrooms.
Teachers noted that the difference was clear. Children who participated in the camp transitioned into school routines more easily, demonstrating stronger engagement and fewer adjustment challenges compared to their peers. The Small World Summer Camp Coordinator emphasized how critical early exposure can be in setting students up for long-term success.
“I believe programs like Small World play a huge role in the long-term success of the students. Programs like this one help set the tone and foundation for their educational pathway.” – Bridget Harper
The camp’s impact was also recognized by school leadership and staff. One Pre-K teacher shared how quickly her students adapted thanks to their summer experience.
“Because the students had the opportunity to come a whole month early, it helped us have a smoother transition in August… I feel like the summer camp helped equip us and them right off the bat by allowing them to get familiar with the environment.” – Ebony Meeks
Another teacher reflected on the sense of readiness she observed in her classroom.
“Many of the students came in ready to go! They knew the routine. They were able to assist the other students who did not participate in the summer program by offering hugs and ensuring them that everything would be okay.” – Morrianda Pleasant
Outcome data from similar initiatives show that students who begin school ready to learn are more likely to achieve early literacy milestones, maintain steady attendance, and stay on track academically. The principal emphasized how the Small World Summer Camp helped lay this foundation by encouraging consistent attendance from the very start.
“We worked hard to enforce the attendance and truancy rules established in the school system with parents during the summer to prepare them for what is expected of them during the school year.” – Shajuanda Davis
The success of the Small World Summer Camp also resonated with DHA’s partners. The Special Grants Coordinator/DHA Liaison with the Greenwood Leflore Consolidated School District expressed pride in the program’s impact and the collective efforts that made it possible.
We are proud to celebrate the success of the Small World program which has prepared students for school and enriched our school environment. The program exceeded our expectations bringing students, families, and staff together in a powerful way. I want to thank our dedicated staff and students for the Small World program which has become a model of success in our community -Nekeisha Collins
With these early gains, the Small World Summer Camp is not just easing transitions, but it is also helping to close achievement gaps before they begin. By bridging the gap between summer and the start of school, the camp is building a foundation for long-term academic success in Greenwood.
This work reflects Delta Health Alliance’s broader mission: to provide children and families with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to succeed from the earliest years of learning through their journey to lifelong achievements.