Thursday, August 14, 2008 10:07 PM CDT
Youngsters, parents introduced to next chapter in life
By NATHANIEL WEST, Staff Writer
nwest@jg-tc.com
MATTOON — While the early morning meal for Riddle Elementary School kindergartners and their parents is aptly titled the “Boo Hoo Breakfast,” some tears probably were shed the night before too.
With first-time students embarking today on this monumental voyage that will last them the next 13 years or more, both Mattoon elementary schools on Wednesday hosted orientation programs to introduce parents as well kindergartners to the ropes of the ship that is public education.
Families met the kindergarten teachers; toured the classrooms; and learned the ins and outs of everything from cafeteria protocol to transportation.
“It helps them get comfortable with the school,” said Riddle Principal Bruce Barnard, estimating that about 70 percent of kindergartner parents participate in the orientation.
He said teachers have the opportunity “to reassure parents they’ll do their very best to take care of their children.”
Jerry and Tammy Smudde watched their eldest child, Simone, now 11, toddle off to kindergarten in Wisconsin, where they used to live. But 5-year-old Zachary Smudde begins his journey at Williams today.
Tammy Smudde said her son needs to ride the bus, and were it not for Wednesday night’s explanation of “who’s who and what’s what, I probably would have drove him” to school.
“I feel better now,” she said after the orientation.
Patrick and Beth Stapleton are sending their first child to school this year at Riddle. Allison Stapleton said she was “excited” to meet her teacher, Jan Ronchetti.
School “is fun,” she said
Beth Stapleton said she shares in her daughter’s excitement, but for slightly different reasons. “I’ll have some free time,” she said with a laugh.
She added she was glad to have the drop-off and pick-up system explained in detail during the orientation, and to get the opportunity to pose last-minute questions. “It’s better than dropping them off blindly,” Stapleton said.
Ryan and Autumn Risinger have said the kindergarten goodbyes before: Their oldest daughter, Avery, 7, started at Riddle three years ago. But this year could prove more difficult, considering that 5-year-old Tinley is their only other child.
“It’s going to be pretty tough for Mom,” said Ryan Risinger. “She’s the last one from the nest.”
While he couldn’t attend Avery’s orientation, the event Wednesday was “very good, very informative,” he said.
Ronchetti, who has taught kindergarten for more than 20 years, remembers orientation programs at the former Washington School, but these were held in the springtime.
With the opening five years ago of Williams and Riddle schools, officials opted to host kindergarten orientation the night before the first day of classes. “They’re more comfortable coming to school the next day,” said Ronchetti.
“Children are more relaxed; parents are more relaxed.”
Contact Nathaniel West at nwest@jg-tc.com or 238-6860.
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