Boston Public Schools Welcomes Incoming Students to Annual Countdown to Kindergarten Celebration at Boston Children’s Museum

BOSTON – August 28, 2026 – Boston Public Schools (BPS), the City of Boston, and Boston Children’s Museum, in partnership with Cradles to Crayons, welcomed hundreds of rising kindergarteners and their families on Tuesday, August 25, for the annual Countdown to Kindergarten celebration at  Boston Children’s Museum.

Incoming students and their families had the opportunity to explore Boston Children’s Museum exhibits, climb aboard a real school bus, meet new friends, and receive free backpacks and school supplies provided by Cradles to Crayons to kick off the school year.

The event, now in its 28th year, is a partnership between BPS’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Boston Children's Museum, the City of Boston's Office of Early Childhood, Cradles to Crayons, and new this year, Nickelodeon, along with other community- based organizations. Together, we celebrate and prepare Boston's newest kindergarten students at the city's largest kindergarten readiness event.

“Countdown to Kindergarten is an opportunity to celebrate one of the most exciting milestones in a child’s educational journey,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “It is incredibly special to see our newest students and their families come together, build connections, and experience the excitement of this new chapter. We want every child and family entering Boston Public Schools to feel welcomed, connected, and confident as they begin their school journey. We are grateful to Boston Children’s Museum, Cradles to Crayons, and our community partners for helping make this experience joyful and memorable for our youngest learners, and we look forward to all they will accomplish in the years ahead.” 

“I’ve had the privilege of celebrating this event over the past four years, and it remains one of my favorite traditions in the city,” said Paula Gaviria Villarreal, Director, Mayor’s Office of Early Childhood.  “There is something truly special about seeing Boston Children’s Museum filled with a sea of yellow shirts and the joy, excitement, and anticipation of children getting ready for their first day of kindergarten. Starting kindergarten is such a big moment, not just for children, but for their parents, caregivers, and entire families. Countdown to Kindergarten creates a space where families can celebrate together, find helpful resources, and feel a little more ready as they take this next step. Every child deserves to walk into school feeling excited to learn, and this celebration reflects Boston’s commitment to making sure families feel supported from the very beginning.”

"We are incredibly grateful to come together with Boston Public Schools and Boston Children's Museum in this longstanding partnership," said Alicia Kabir, Executive Director for Cradles to Crayons Boston. "When children in our community have the supplies and clothing they need to start the school year, they come to the classroom prepared to learn. A backpack is more than just a backpack, its confidence and belonging as students begin their academic journey. Events like this remind us that through collaboration we are not only supplying kids with the resources they need as they start the school year, but we are also investing in their futures.”

The event also allowed families to connect with BPS departments, ask questions, and receive helpful resources ahead of the school year. Cradles to Crayons generously  provided free backpacks filled with school supplies for all incoming kindergarten students, and families were treated to snack bags to take home.

Countdown to Kindergarten is a partnership between BPS, City of Boston, and various community organizations that work to provide a positive and supportive transition  into BPS kindergarten (K0, K1 or K2) for students and their families. The initiative offers free parent-child playgroups, provides readiness tips and opportunities, and hosts workshops and other transition activities. To learn more, call 617-635-9288 or visit their website at countdowntokindergarten.org.  
 

Boston Public Schools Receives Nearly $445K To Expand Life Sciences Learning

The Boston Public Schools (BPS) has been awarded over $445,000 through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) Education and Workforce Development Grant Program, bringing new resources, hands-on learning opportunities, and professional development to schools across the district.

The district received two competitive grants totaling $445,219.33 as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s $12.3 million statewide investment in strengthening Massachusetts’ life sciences education and workforce pipeline.

A grant of $175,290.33 will support all BPS schools K-12 in providing high-quality instructional materials to support OpenSci Ed implementation and educator stipends to enhance life-sciences professional learning, expanding student access to high-quality, career-connected learning experiences.

A second grant of $269,929 will benefit East Boston High School, Bradley Elementary School, Otis Elementary School, Warren-Prescott Elementary School, Elliot K-8 Innovation School, and Patrick J. Kennedy Elementary School. Funding will support educator professional-development stipends, training services, and the purchase of equipment that strengthens classroom instruction and hands-on learning.

The awards are part of the MLSC’s Elementary and Secondary Education Grant Program, which distributed more than $2.4 million to 23 grantees serving more than 170 public schools across Massachusetts. The funding supports students in grades 3–12 through applied life-sciences learning while helping educators build the knowledge and skills needed to deliver engaging, industry-relevant instruction.

These investments align with BPS’ commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and lifelong success by expanding access to high-quality STEM education. New instructional materials, modern laboratory equipment, and enhanced professional learning opportunities will help students develop technical skills, explore careers in the life sciences, and gain real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to one of Massachusetts’ most innovative and rapidly growing industries.

Through partnerships like this, BPS continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to discover their passions, build future-ready skills, and thrive in an evolving workforce.