Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. No one knows exactly what our lives are going to look like in August. We are all hoping that we will be back to some kind of normalcy. In that hope Nederland Elementary (NES) hosted a virtual informational meeting for prospective Kindergarten parents on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. 

The event was organized by Johnnie LeFaiver, community liaison at NES, and Kindergarten teachers Meaghan McLuckie and Mary Waddell. 

Miss Meaghan and Miss Mary, who are two of the kindest people I have ever met, gave a summary of what happens in Kindergarten at NES. They talked about the daily schedule of phonics, math, literacy, specials classes and intentional play centers. 

Joining the meeting was school registrar Sheila Kassera, substitute principal Karen Daly, bus barn dispatcher Monte Miles, health room paraprofessional Kelly Hess and myself representing the PTA at Nederland Elementary. 

Information was presented and parents asked questions. It can be stressful and uneasy for parents when their child starts Kindergarten. It is a big step in growing up for the children and it can be an emotional roller coaster for the parents. 

The staff at NES is available to ease parents’ worries and answer questions for them. If parents have questions about the school and registration, please contact Sheila Kassera at sheila.kassera@bvsd.org or call her at 720-561-4808. If you have transportation questions you can contact Monte Miles at monte.miles@bvsd.org or call the bus barn at 720-561-6240. 

When the new school year starts there is a shift. Students move classrooms and some move to the next school. There is always a wonderful new group of apprehensive and excited five and six year olds. It is the start of their formal school careers. Their teachers will be ready for them. Their parents might not be quite ready to let go. The students will adapt, flourish and rise to the challenges. 

(Originally published in the April 30, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)