By Lisa Carolin
Close to 160 second-graders from North Creek Elementary School had a memorable visit Friday, May 22 when they arrived by school bus at South Meadows Elementary School.
It was Moving Up Day around the school district, when students in their last year at one school building get a reception and orientation at the school building they will attend in the fall.
Third-graders stood outside the entrance at South Meadows greeting the visiting second-graders.
“I like showing smaller kids around because they don’t know much and I can help,” said third-grader Hailey Kunzelman.
Second-grader Doug Veechey was excited to see South Meadows’ library.
“I hope they have soccer fields,” he added. “Anything with sports-I’ll take it!”
Second-grader Jenna Velky enjoyed her tour of teacher Gwen Stubb‘s third-grade classroom.
“There’s nothing scary about it,” said Jenna.
South Meadows Principal Stacie Battaglia spoke to the second-graders in the gymnasium about being positive, respectful and responsible. She invited students to ask questions, which included, “Are the teachers nice?” “Is the playground big?” and “How many third-grade classrooms are there?” (Seven was the answer to the latter question.)
Second-grade teacher Kirsten Smart accompanied her students to South Meadows.
“This makes the transition for students easier and a positive experience,” said Smart.
Third-grade teacher Carly Groves, who invited second-graders into her classroom, said, “My students are excited to welcome the second-graders. They did this a year ago and are happy to let the second-graders know what it will be like.”
North Creek Principal Marcus Kaemming accompanied the second-graders to South Meadows.
“It makes them more comfortable with their environment for next year,” said Kaemming.
Battaglia said, “Giving them a preview helps to ease the nervousness for many. We want them to want to come to South.”
