Bellerose Avenue Elementary School opened its doors on Aug. 30 for the annual kindergarten playdate. Principal Lori Beekman welcomed new students as they approached the playground to meet their fellow classmates. Upon arrival, students were signed in at a colorful table covered in bottles of bubbles, pencils and school spirit memorabilia.
Many youngsters clung to their parents at first, but soon were comfortable to run off with their new friends—playing wallball, blowing bubbles, and traversing the jungle gym. Parents had a chance to meet and mingle in an informal setting, and watch their children interact.
Out of the 45 new kindergarteners enrolled in the 2017-18 school year at Bellerose, most of them were in attendance. School Counselor Alan Tener, along with PTA representatives, hosted building tours to acquaint all new students to Bellerose.
“It’s a nice way to get them acclimated to school before it actually starts,” Beekman commented, “so their first real day won’t seem so daunting.”