Elementary Schools Welcome Visiting Kindergartners

By Roxana Orellana, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.

May 12–District kindergartners spent the evening touring the place they’ll call their elementary school next year.

Nearly 400 students will make the transition to elementary schools in their neighborhoods after completing the district’s first year of all-day kindergarten at Woodson.

All four Austin elementary schools welcomed parents and students Thursday. First-grade teachers at each school took the students on tours of the buildings, while parents learned about first-grade expectations.

“They’re very excited,” said Tina Watkins, a first-grade teacher at Banfield. “This is the first time they’ll have a library, art, music and gym teachers. They asked pretty good questions.”

Banfield is expecting 111 first-graders next school year and will add a fifth first-grade teacher.

Those students who attended Thursday’s meeting were separated into five groups for the school tours.

“We had a larger crowd than expected,” said Katie Berglund, Banfield’s principal. Berglund said the event was organized to share information with parents and ease anxiety as the kindergartners prepare for first grade.

Zach Farrand, 6, said he was excited to go Banfield next year because he always has wanted to go there.

For Emily Hovden, 6, first grade will be a chance to draw pictures of herself. Her mother, Jessie, said she is excited and eager to see her daughter start first grade. Jessie Hovden said it was helpful to get information, such as contact numbers and schedules, in advance.

Alyssa Anderson, 5, said she is happy to be going to Banfield because her older brother goes there.

Brenda Anderson, Alyssa’s mother, appreciated the tour. “It’s really nice that they do this for parents who do not have kids in this school.”

During the tour, students visited the computer labs, a typical first-grade classroom, the library, the art room and the cafeteria.

On May 15, fifth-graders and their parents will have a similar experience as they visit Ellis Middle School for a tour and information on what to expect for sixth grade.

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