With forty students enrolled this school year, our kindergarten classrooms are full of laughter, learning, and adventure!
Kindergarten is such a special year—it’s where curiosity meets discovery and where the foundation for a lifelong love of learning begins. Our kindergartners have jumped into the school year with excitement, energy, and big smiles as they take on new challenges each day.
In the classrooms of Mrs. Amy Houdek, Mrs. Samantha DeLong, and Ms. Vicki Haverkamp, students are exploring reading, writing, and math in fun, hands-on ways. Whether they are sounding out letters, building their reading skills through site words, or counting with colorful manipulatives, our students are learning through play and active engagement. Each new skill is a stepping stone, and we are already seeing so much growth and confidence. Mrs. DeLong says, "It's amazing to watch kids who come in knowing only some of their letters, leave kindergarten being able to read sight words and turn into great little learners!"
Equally important, kindergarten is a time to build social and emotional skills. Our students are practicing cooperation, kindness, and problem-solving during group activities, circle time, center stations, and play. They are learning how to share, take turns, listen to others, and express themselves—skills that are just as valuable as academics. "We always say that one of the biggest things we do in kindergarten is teaching kids to be students/people first. We teach a lot of problem solving, independence, friendship skills, and mental toughness, in addition to simple things such as using our classroom tools appropriately, and more. We want them to be not only good students, but good people!" says Mrs. DeLong.
Beyond the core classroom routines, our kindergartners are discovering creativity and movement through art, music, and physical education. From painting colorful masterpieces to singing new songs with our music teacher and playing games in the gym, they are developing confidence while having fun. Mrs. DeLong shares, "It is so fun to watch the kids grow through the year. The beginning of the year is a reminder for any grade of how much students will grow throughout the our time with them. Especially in kindergarten, this is many of the student’s first time being in a more structured school setting. Learning rules, building stamina for working, getting to know new friends, and all that goes into being a student, is a lot to learn in a short amount of time."
We are proud of the progress our youngest learners have already made this year and can’t wait to see all they will accomplish. Kindergarten is a big step—for both students and families—and we are grateful to partner with parents and caregivers on this exciting journey.
Some of our Kindergarten highlights to look for this year are the annual ABC Fashion show, Gingerbread House Making and the Wedding of Q & U!
