Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010
My (almost) first day
Kindergartners get a jump start on school year
Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff
Julie Scheidegger, the Journal
Kindergarten teacher Sheila Hattey gives her new class instructions as they line up at the classroom door for the first time during kindergarten open house Monday night at Cordill-Mason Elementary.
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closeThough the school year officially started today, kindergarten students across the district got a sneak peak Monday night into what was in store for them as brand new students.
“I’m excited,” said Brittany Parker, 6, as she looked around her classroom. “I’m excited to start kindergarten.”
Parker was one of approximately 100 future Cordill-Mason Elementary kindergarten students participating in the open house. And she wasn’t the only one excited to start school.
“I’m so ready to have students again. I feel like I’ve been preparing for them for weeks now,” said kindergarten teacher Sheila Hattey with a laugh. “I’d say most of our kids are pretty ready, some of them will be a little shy or scared, but it’s really just about making them feel comfortable and welcome.”
On Monday, Hattey was busy greeting new students and their parents, setting the children up with an activity while their parents asked questions.
“Hello there, what’s your name?” she asked a student, crouching down to be able to look him in the eye. “Which hand do you color with?”
After a few minutes spent looking around their classrooms – which were decorated distinctly with everything from an under the sea theme to a classroom with couches and curtains – Cordill-Mason principal Al Michelson took all the students to the cafeteria to learn about bus safety. And while a few were too nervous to leave their parents, clutching onto hands and sticking close by their sides, others happily said goodbye to Mom and Dad and walked down the hall with their new friends.
“Megan is my baby, the last one to go to school,” said Janie Hafner. “She’s ready but I’m sure I’ll be very sad on Wednesday; all the tears will be from me,” she added with a smile.
As the teachers spoke to the parents about what their children would be learning, what to expect and the other ABCs of kindergarten, the future students enjoyed a movie about bus safety and a walk-through of the cafeteria.
Finally, the students were shown outside where a school district bus sat waiting.
“Hey, that’s a real bus,” said a boy as his eyes grew wide at the bright yellow bus.
“I know exactly how to do this,” replied a girl in line confidently.
“Showing kids exactly where they’ll be going, eating and how to get on and off the bus is an important part of an open house,” Michelson said. “I think we’ve been waiting for this day for weeks. All the teachers are excited to see the kids again. It’s been a little too quiet.”
To add to the staff’s excitement, the construction that has been ongoing at the school for 18 months is finally complete. In addition to larger classrooms, two gyms and bigger activity rooms, the school boasts an entirely new addition, which will house third, fourth and fifth grades.
“There’s been a lot of growth recently, between enrollment and redrawing the boundary lines,” Michelson explained. “With our new addition, we’re going to have to a lot more room.”
Michelson said approximately 650 students will call the elementary school home this year, with room for more.
“Right now, we have five classes per grade level, but we have room for eight,” he said. “We’re happy we’ll be able to grow into our building. Everyone, from the design team to the construction crew has been great.”
But on Monday, the kindergarten students weren’t concerned with construction crews.
“I think I’ll like kindergarten,” said Megan Hafner, 5. “I met my teacher. I think she’s nice.”
“Kindergartners experience so much growth during the year,” Hattey said. “Most come in not knowing how to read, others can’t write their names and by the end of the year they’ve accomplished so much. That’s why I love being a kindergarten teacher – you get such a warm, fuzzy feeling watching them grow.
“This is their very first introduction to school and I can’t wait to get started.”
To reach Journal reporter Emily Jarrett, call 816-282-7018 or e-mail ejarrett@ bluespringsjournal.com
