While the first month of school brings plenty of opportunities for fun and camaraderie, it also can bring about some anxiety as students adjust to new schedules, new routines, and new classes. This is especially true for UPK and Kindergarten students, who might be experiencing significant time away from their families for the first time. Parents can also experience some separation anxiety, and may wonder how their child is faring without them during the day.
The staff of Clyde-Savannah Elementary School work hard to ensure this transition is smooth for both incoming UPK and Kindergarten students and their families. A lot of this work takes place before the school year even begins through the school’s summer transition program. Last summer the program ran from 8 a.m. - noon, four days a week for five weeks, and gave incoming students experience in the classroom environment and opportunities to meet their classmates and teachers.
“The program allows students to experience life as a Golden Eagle,” says Mrs. Amy Steve, who teaches in the program. She has also taught Kindergarten at Clyde-Savannah for over 20 years. “When these students come in on the first school day in September, they've already seen most of everything.”
This past summer, the school hosted a number of different events including its UPK Play Day, Back to School Bash, and teacher meet and greets to give students and their families even more of a head start on their first school year. When students show up on the first day of school, chances are they’ve already met their teachers.
The first week of school is often dedicated to relationship-building and establishing a foundation for student success and good behaviors.
“The first week is a slow, easy progression,” says Mrs. Steve. “I’ll run through each assignment and phase of the school day step by step. By the end of the week, they already know what to do.”
Staff are also encouraged to keep in close contact with families, using tools like Parent Square to send updates and providing a window into the classroom environment.
“As a mom, I understand the anxiety of sending your kids off to school for the first time,” says Mrs. Steve. “I want parents to feel like this is a partnership. Throughout the day, I’ll send them pictures or small updates, even if it’s as simple as ‘having a good day!’”
With the school year well underway, it’s exciting to see just how high these newly minted Golden Eagles can soar.