HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will once again be the site for the district’s Annual Back to School Event for students entering pre-K and kindergarten and their families.
On Thursday, Aug. 29 from 4-6 p.m., students and their families are invited to the merry-go-round for activities which include meeting their new teachers and staff, riding the merry-go-round and other arts, crafts and games set up. Pizza and snacks will also be served.
Holyoke Public Schools Director of Early Childhood Education Amy Roque told Reminder Publishing the event serves as a way for the district’s incoming pre-K and kindergarten students to ease into the transition that comes with the new grades.
“It’s a great way for our incoming pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students to socialize and interact with peers and teachers and help establish early friendships and meet the teachers. Getting a sense of what their school day is going to be like, and understanding more about their school and culture,” Roque said.
Roque said each elementary school will have a representative present along with the teachers who will be taking on the new classes for the young students.
According to Roque, each year she finds the event serving in an effective manner as parents find the family-friendly and engaging event to foster a sense of community outside of the school buildings. Teachers also find the familiarity established between teacher and student as the event helps ease students into what can be a challenging start to school.
“Teachers really appreciate being able to engage with the children and families prior to the first day of school. It just gives them help to share with families a glimpse of what their child will be experiencing in their classroom setting and gives them a chance to share information about the school schedule, curriculum and the experiences their children will be having,” Roque said.
Overall, the event aims to ease any nerves for students and families of the incoming pre-K and kindergarten classes as they are gearing up for a new school year.
“It helps ease the nerves and the transition and it builds excitement for the new year,” Roque added. “It’s a happy event.”
Along with the merry-go-round and other activities for children and families to partake in, the event will also feature several community providers such as the Holyoke YMCA, Head Start and the Community Family Engagement Committee there to provide information and answer any questions from parents on the services they provide in the community.
Roque hopes students entering pre-K or kindergarten and their families come out for the event and take advantage of the gathering and information that will be available.
“I think it really sets a positive tone and it helps families feel supported. We want them to feel confident as they start their journey into HPS and our community programs as well,” Roque said. “We’re really excited to see all of our incoming families meet us at the merry-go-round.”
