This November, our Kindergarten Adventure Day events took students and families on a whirlwind tour of the kindergarten experience at each in-person elementary school across the district! From climbing aboard the big yellow school bus, to playing on the playground, to eating lunch in the cafeteria, to even spending time in a real kindergarten classroom, Kindergarten Adventure Day gave more than 150 participating families an exciting sneak peek of what they can expect when they send their future kindergartner to our schools next year.
“It’s an opportunity for families to get a firsthand look at what their child’s day will look like in kindergarten,” said Meghan Gasdick, associate principal at Eden Lake Elementary. “For most of us, the last time we were in kindergarten we were 5 or 6 years old, and a lot has changed. It’s powerful to see the classroom, lunchroom, playground, and walk the halls with your soon-to-be kindergartner.”
This year, Gasdick had the unique experience of being both a school leader and parent participating in Kindergarten Adventure Day — her son will be an Eden Lake kindergartner next fall. “As an associate principal, I loved seeing our future students and meeting their families,” she said. “As a mom, I loved seeing my kid in a classroom and interacting with other students.”
When invited to give feedback, families who participated in this year’s Kindergarten Adventure Days shared their appreciation for the immersive events.
“Riding the bus to the school, eating lunch at school, and most of all participating in an actual kindergarten class were highlights,” said one Oak Point Elementary family in their feedback form.
“The teacher welcomed the kids to the space and involved them in activities right away, which gave us a better sense of the classroom interaction,” added a Forest Hills Elementary family. “Both kids and parents were engaged, and the teacher was fantastic!”
For Mike Ongie, associate principal at Cedar Ridge Elementary, Kindergarten Adventure Day was about more than just giving families and students a glimpse into kindergarten at his school. It was an important opportunity to establish a connection with them.
“These events are important to me because they are the foundation for building relationships with our students and families,” Ongie explained. “We can meet with families before their students start kindergarten to talk with them about the amazing things happening at our school, and they can ask questions to ensure their students will thrive at Cedar Ridge.”
Families clearly felt the enthusiasm from school leaders and teachers alike.
“It was such a warm and welcoming experience,” said one proud Prairie View Elementary family.
“We appreciate the overall experience and opportunity!” echoed another Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion attendee. “It provided comfort knowing we got to see the school and our child got to have a taste of what it looks like. Thank you!”
Kindergarten Adventure Day is one of several events the district hosts throughout the year for incoming kindergarten families. Prior to the Kindergarten Adventure Day events, Virtual Kindergarten Kickoffs in October allow families to meet and ask questions of administrators, teachers and current kindergarten families at their neighborhood school. Our Kinder KidFlick events in January welcome families and students for a special movie night, and before the school year begins, KinderCamp is an opportunity for students entering kindergarten to build confidence about the start of the school year. In a free, two half-day session, students experience the elements of a “typical" kindergarten day, which include learning about and spending time in their new school and meeting new friends who are also entering kindergarten! Future EP Online kindergartners have their own suite of events throughout the year, visiting virtual kindergarten classrooms for lessons in science, math and writing.
If you have a future kindergartner and would like to participate in our upcoming Kinder KidFlick events to watch one of your favorite movies and meet our amazing kindergarten teachers, or if you are interested in learning more about kindergarten in Eden Prairie Schools, please check out our Welcome to Kindergarten page!
