First Day of Kindergarten: 'It Can Be an Emotional Day'

Few things are more stressful -- for parents and kids -- than the first day of kindergarten.

“It can be an emotional day,” said Brookview Elementary School Principal Terry Hurlburt. “A positive attitude goes a long way.”

To help answer any questions and give advice for parents, Brookview Elementary School had an Introduction to Kindergarten Night July 18 in the school’s library. As moms and dads absorbed information on the looming big day, their children were doing fun activities and eating Popsicles.

Steve Vize went to the event because he has a son who will start kindergarten on Aug. 14.

“It was nice to see all the parents here and it helped my son feel better,” Vize said. 

Hulburt said it is important for students to be excited about the beginning of school. Parents can help their kids with this by going back to school shopping, practicing a night and morning routine, and reading books about the first day of school.

“Parents should do all they can to build comfort with the school and kids in the neighborhood,” Hurlburt said. “Take them to the school playground and read books about school.”

Stacie Hesterburg, co-vice president of the Parent Teacher Organization, discussed the upcoming events, fundraisers and ways parents could get involved.

“Welcome to the Brookview family,” Hesterburg said.

Linda Warman, a kindergarten teacher at Brookview, was there to talk to parents and answer questions.

“It’s an icebreaker,” Warman said. “This event makes the kids more comfortable and relieves any anxiety.”

Parent Dan Twedt also came with his son.

“The school district thought it was for the parents to feel comfortable and also the incoming students,” Twedt said. “I like how Terry Hurlburt emphasized that this is a family and there are values that are important to the curriculum and how the students will learn.”

Hurlburt said he encourages parents with questions to contact the school.

“We do believe Brookview is a large family,” Hurlburt said. “We have nearly 20 staff members whose kids either attend Brookview or have attended Brookview and they are very invested in the school as either teachers or parents and we rely on each other to make sure we are there for people.”