It is an exciting time for youngsters when parents and teachers start talking to them about going to kindergarten. First, it sounds like fun… and then it might start to feel a little scary. For parents, there is a mix of emotions as well. There is a sense of accomplishment when your little one starts school, but it can be difficult to leave them in that big school all day without you.

Staff members at Nederland Elementary School (NES) opened their doors to incoming kindergarteners and their families on January 24. The purpose of the evening was to welcome families, introduce them to NES, and answer any questions they may have about the school to help put everyone at ease for this big transition in life.

First, the families enjoyed a dinner of pizza and salad bar. Pizza day is one of the most anticipated lunches at the school, according to current NES students. Next, the kids got to go to the kindergarten room to play. Preschool Community Liaison Johnnie LeFaiver and her assistants kept the little ones occupied while the parents listened to a presentation.

School counselor Kristen Kron and registrar Sheila Kassera welcomed the approximately 25 parents to the presentation. NES principal Caleb Melamed spoke with the parents via Zoom, as he was feeling under the weather.

First, the parents heard from Monte Miles, who is in charge of transportation at the Nederland bus terminal for the Boulder Valley School District. All routes are being serviced again after the struggles of finding drivers during Covid. However, Miles made it clear that they are always looking for more bus drivers and welcome applicants.

Melamed spoke to the parents about what a day is like for a kindergartener at NES. The kids at NES work on reading, writing, Fundations (phonics), and math. They also have lessons in social studies and science. And kindergarteners play! There are multiple times for play during the day.

Like first through fifth graders, kindergarteners go to art, physical education, and music classes. Kindergarteners go to the school library once a week as well.

Melamed also talked about the social emotional learning that takes place at NES: the mindfulness program and the Positive Behavior Support program throughout the school. Kindergarteners participate in the NedSHRED program and other all school activities.

Parents were encouraged to read, read, and read some more to their children. Parents can help their children practice writing numbers and letters before coming to kindergarten.

Kassera encouraged parents to register their child as soon as possible, and offered to assist if anyone needed guidance with the process.

The evening closed with a tour of the school.

If parents have questions about registering their child at Nederland Elementary School or if they would like a tour of the school they should contact Sheila Kassera at sheila. kassera@bvsd.org or 720-561-4808. NES is ready to welcome the next class of Panthers to kindergarten!