Kindergartners Get to "Sneak-a-Peek"

Kindergarten students attended the “Sneak-a-Peek” event on Wednesday afternoon at both Berkley and Gibbs schools. The principals and kindergarten teachers welcomed families into their classrooms and provided the children with the chance to get to know them and their soon-to-be peers while exploring their new classrooms.

Last year was the first time the schools invited incoming kindergartners to a "Sneak-a-Peek" event.

“In conjunction with the kindergarten teachers, Mr. Davies and I felt it important for our young kindergarten students to meet their teachers and classmates prior to the first day of school,“ said Patricia Aufiero, Berkley School principal. “Not only does this casual meeting help to ease children's anxiety about the first days of school, but it provides an opportunity for children to become familiar with the classroom environment, meet and be able to recognize their teacher, and begin to socialize with new friends.”

Children found their desks and had a chance to sit down and get used to their seats. They also walked around the room to find their mailboxes and see the many colorful charts and displays, most of which also had their names on them. Students found toys to play with, the bathrooms and water fountains, all of which will help them to feel more comfortable when they begin on September 7.

“I noticed a big difference the first day of school last year,” said Heidi Terwilliger, a Berkley School kindergarten teacher. “The Sneak-a-Peek made such a difference. Students came in with so much confidence.”

The Sneak-a-Peek was helpful for parents as well. Aufiero said, “Parents also have an opportunity to meet the teachers and see the rooms where their children will spend a good part of their day. Parents new to the school can see where they will pick up their children at the end of the day.  This is something we hope will remain a tradition for our kindergarten students.”