CLARKSVILLE — When Clinton-Massie Elementary School opened its doors to begin the new school year, teachers and administrators were on hand to welcome the Class of 2028. And the youngest members of the Falcon Family took to their classrooms, settled into their day-to-day routines, and began making themselves at home.
It was a day filled with nervous anticipation as kindergarteners somewhat reluctantly let go of their parents’ hands and followed their teachers down the long hallway that would lead to their classrooms: hubs of activity and hands-on learning that would open the doors to new and exciting adventures in education.
Cubbies where students could hang their book bags and leave and receive import papers were assigned, as were tables and chairs grouped by colors that would quickly allow both teachers and students to stay organized while transitioning throughout the day. There were reading and writing stations, art and play-based stations, white boards and reading rugs, all in place to nurture the young minds of Massie’s next generation.
As Principal Kathryn Klei began making the morning announcements, students listened attentively hanging onto her every word. The year had begun.
“I love to see the kindergarten students on that first day of school and then watch them grow and learn as they continue to progress through all of their elementary years,” said Klei. “It is one of the reasons I am still passionate about education—to watch students and their love of learning grow.”
While teachers and administrators continue to greet their students each morning, the nervous anticipation has been replaced with a zest for learning. By the start of the third week of school, it was already business as usual with members of the Class of 2028 making new friends and growing more confident each day.
Information for this article was provided by Diana Miller, who coordinates communications for several area schools.
