The Fruits of Our Labor

Bright BeginningsAdvocacy, Community

First Day in a Kindergarten Classroom

Caryn Lewis, Assistant Superintendent for Monterey County Office of Education, reflects on her annual visit to a local kindergarten classroom. Caryn is a leader within the Bright Beginnings movement, where we are working together to make sure that every child’s first day of school is a bright beginning!

The first day of school is always extra special in kindergarten classrooms. Dedicated school employees go out of their way to create a welcoming environment for students and parents. It was a morning to remember in the Alisal Union School District on Thursday, August 16th where teachers and staff members welcomed hundreds of students for their first day of school. The staff focused on setting the stage for the district-wide theme of celebrating the success of the whole child.

New kindergarten students arrived at Bardin Elementary School, ready for a day of excitement and wonder. All students were greeted by colorful classrooms, songs, and smiles from new friends and steadfast teachers. In one classroom, students entered to find their brightly decorated room covered in stars and rockets. “I’m going to fly into space!” one student chanted.

Administrators from the Monterey County Office of Education along with district officials visited the kindergarten program. Each of the visitors left with a kinder rocket sticker and a song to start the school year off “with a blast.” Kindergarten teacher Benjamin Cogswell shared, “Each one of our students has the talent to reach for the stars.” Cogswell engaged the kindergarten students in a story as they practiced classroom routines and learned the names of their newest friends.

Visiting a kindergarten classroom on the first day of school is one of the best things educators can do. It reminds us of the potential that exists within our society. It is a moment that is filled with hope and promise.

Kindergarten teacher, Benjamin Cogswell, engages his students on the first day of school at Bardin Elementary School.