The First "First Day" at Falcon Elementary

Kindergarten teacher, Leah Nielsen, helps a student line up before class.

 

The First "First Day"

More than 1,000 kindergarten students experienced their first “first day” of school in District 49. Principal Craig Stevens and Falcon Elementary School of Technology welcomed nearly 30 timid, excited, nervous, and smiling students to its hallways. 

“It’s a wonderful first day,” said Dr. Stevens, who also begins his first year at FESoT. “It’s the beginning of their educational experience.”

FESoT opened its doors for the first time this semester just after 8 o’clock on Friday morning for breakfast. Families were invited into the cafeteria to eat with their kids. 

Nora poured milk into her Cheerios while her mom, JoAnna Anderson, supervised. JoAnna and Nora both have first “first days” at FESoT. Anderson is a new third-grade teacher and Nora begins kindergarten. 

“It’s good for them to get in a routine and get the nerves out, especially for kinders,” she said. 

When asked who was more nervous and excited about their first day, Anderson quickly admitted it was herself. Nora gave a thumbs up. 

Nora and JoAnna Anderson, both have first "first days" at Falcon Elementary. 

 

Daxon Gravelle ate his cereal while sitting between his parents, Devin Gravelle and Alexia Holley. Gravelle went to school at FESoT.

“It’s already bringing back some memories walking through the cafeteria and gymnasium,” Gravelle said. 

Daxon has known for years that he would attend school at FESoT.

“We’ve been driving by here nearly every day since he was one or two years old,” Holley said. “Daxon would say ‘I get to go to that school.’”

As parents, they really like the fact that the first day is only for kindergarten students. 

“I think it will keep them comfortable and not be overwhelming and chaotic,” Holley said. “Our biggest concern is that he knows where he’s going. He’s very independent at home, but this is a big school, big changes. I’m trying to hold it back (tears) until we leave. I want him to know it’s going to be all good.” 

Gaxon eats with his parents, Devin Gravelle and Alexia Holley.  

 

At 8:30 a.m., the kindergarten teachers came to get their students.  

“The first day of kindergarten is special because it is the beginning of a student's academic journey,” said Angela Amthor, FESoT teacher. “We are so lucky as kindergarten teachers to be the foundation of our student's academic career.”

“The very first day is important and special for students because for some, it is the first time away from parents. For others, it is the first time in their full day ‘big’ classroom,” said Leah Nielsen, FESoT teacher. “The first day is a metaphorical goodbye and a huge step into their schooling career. It is a balance of setting expectations in a fun and engaging way, and creating a safe and family-like environment to foster the love of learning. This monumental day, full of tears, nerves, excitement and smiles, is the first step for students to earn their wings in the Falcon Zone.” 

The students lined up in the cafeteria and waved goodbye to their parents and families. The transition went smoothly, without any crying or clinging. 

Stevens believes the Back to School Night held earlier this week helped with that. 

“The excitement we saw with the kindergarten students at the Back to School Night was incredible. Kids were wanting to know if this was ‘my school.’ It was an incredible experience watching the teachers getting to know all their students.” 

One last hug.

 

The parents stayed in the cafeteria and Jordan Moore, Family Liaison, hosted a “tissue and tea.” Parents had the opportunity to write their child a note on a card that Moore will save for the last day of school. This also provided her a chance to talk to the families about her role and how to participate in the PTA. 

“We want to make a great first impression because it’s a big day for kindergarten parents,” Moore said. “We are setting their expectations for how the next six years are going to go. I want them to see that the school is going to be engaged with them, that they are a part of this community, and that they are welcome here.” 

Stevens then led parents on a tour of the school. They were able to meet their child’s other teachers; Mandy Thompson, music; Jenn Ross, art; and Dawn Takacs, P.E. 

Kindergarten teacher, Angela Amthor, helps a student write his name. 

 

Then Melissa Ardolf, Dean, and Melania Holts, gifted education, distributed iPads to the parents for their kids. 

Falcon Zone Superintendent Brian Smith stopped by the school to see how things were going and provide encouragement to the staff. 

“It’s a very important day for our teachers and staff to love on our kids, have fun and show them what it means to be a student,” Smith said. “Kindergarten is the basis for everything they are about to do for the next 13 years. This is a day they really get to see what it’s like to be in school and start on their educational journey.” 

Meanwhile, the kindergarten students were in class receiving instructions on raising hands, putting imaginary bubbles in their mouths to be quiet, and how to use the restroom. There was some dancing and story time. The students will get lunch and a full day of school including recess, art, music and P.E. 

“I peeked in the classrooms, they are doing great,” Moore said. “We’re off to a great start.”