Step-Up Days Allow Second Graders To Experience Chelsea School

FRANKFORT, IL — Grand Prairie Elementary School second-graders took a trip to Chelsea Intermediate School in March to meet with third-grade students for Second Grade Step-Up Day.

Each Grand Prairie second-grader is paired with a third-grade pen pal buddy at Chelsea. Students engage in written correspondence with their pen pal to develop a friendship at the beginning of the year.

In December, Grand Prairie second-graders made their first visit to Chelsea to meet their pen pals and learn about what life as a third grader will be like. March 15 was the second time Grand Prairie second-graders met with their third-grade friends.

Upon arrival, students talked and asked questions about Chelsea. Together, they listened to second-grade teachers read a story about leprechauns. Students then worked to design a leprechaun trap.

Grand Prairie second graders will once again head back to Chelsea in May for a final visit with their third-grade friends.

“The transition from second to third grade can be challenging, especially since students will be going to a new building,” Grand Prairie Principal Kirsten Frankovich said. “The hope is that Step-Up Days allow the current second-graders to become acclimated to Chelsea and alleviate some of their fears regarding the transition to third grade. “

Upon returning to Grand Prairie, the second-grade students were all smiles. They could not wait to share about their Chelsea adventures.

Frankfort School District 157-C second- and third-grade teachers work diligently to ensure that the transition is as easy as possible for the students.