By WESLIE STRATTON
Moapa Valley Progress
Mesquite elementary school-aged students gathered at Virgin Valley Elementary School for the annual Meet and Greet on Friday, Aug. 10. The event provided kids the opportunity to locate classrooms, see where they will be sitting and meet their new teachers prior to the first day of school.
Principal Cathy Davis said that the event is intended to help the kids feel more comfortable and confident about going back to school.
“Its just so the kids know where to go before the start of school,” she said. “We make sure they have registration all in place.”
Attendees had a very warm experience as the building’s air conditioning system wasn’t functioning. Employees could be found holding every exterior door open in hopes of cooling participants down a little.
“We’re hoping to have it fixed by Monday,” Davis said.
First grade teacher Jodi Alejos participated in the event by welcoming her new students and meeting parents. She said that she has been in her room making changes and setting up since July 23.
“We really don’t take the summer off,” she said, adding that while she may not be spending summer days inside a classroom she spends that time brainstorming.
“How can we do better? What can we do different?” she said of some of the questions she asks herself over the summer.
Alejos said that it doesn’t take much to get first grade students excited about the new school year but that she feels more excited than the kids. She said that her goal is to make them feel loved and to focus on reading development.
“We have a great group of first grade teachers,” she said.
Alya Andrade participated in the Meet and Greet to get to know her fourth grade teacher. The 9-year-old said that she is excited about going back to school.
“I think that Ms. Potter is going to be really fun,” she said, adding that she is looking forward to seeing her friends.
“I’m really happy my best friend is in this class,” she said.
Despite the heat, Davis said that the event had a good turn out.
“There has been a steady group of people coming in and out,” she said.
At press time the air conditioning was functioning for students’ in time for the first day of school.
