Earlier this week, first grade teachers Bryce Thompson and Courtney Harrel made their way to a nearby apartment complex for a Tiffany Park Elementary School tradition that’s been ongoing for 12 years — a visit the homes of soon-to-be kindergartners to introduce themselves to the students and families.
It’s a tradition that not only helps students to ease into their transition to school but helps establish a connection on their first day.
“It’s a great experience,” said Thompson. “We go to these new students’ new homes. Since it’s their first time, they’re obviously scared about going to school and nowadays, since it’s full day kindergarten, it’s a full day for them. It’s an opportunity to go and see a teacher.”
These house visitations were introduced by principal Irene Olsen when she came to Tiffany Park 12 years ago. Olsen had done these visitations in previous schools, and knew she had to continue it at Tiffany Park.
“It had made such wonderful connections with the kindergartners and I thought it would be great to bring it over to Tiffany Park,” said Olsen.
The program is scheduled right before school starts and is made possible by staff who volunteer to greet students. Even though Thompson and Harrel are first grade teachers who have volunteered since the program’s inception at Tiffany Park, those early connections make a lasting impression.
“Since I’m a first-grade teacher, I let them know that someday they could be in my class and that school is a fun place. I want them to be able to meet an adult, give them something and welcome them to school, and hopefully, make them feel comfortable,” said Thompson. “They’ll remember for years, too. We have even third and fourth graders who come up and remember how I came to their house and how fun that was.”
“They recognize me in the hallway, even if I teach first grade,” said Harrel. “They’ll see me around and know that someone cares about them.”
Both Harrel and Thompson said that these visitations are highly valuable for teachers as it gives them an opportunity to see where their students are coming from.
“A lot times, as teachers, we’re isolated to the classroom and focusing on the curriculum,” said Thompson. “We don’t get to know where these kids are coming from, what kind of family life they might have. Its’ a great visual for us. That’s the memory that gets ingrained, to be able to see, relate and build that background for us. It helps us as teachers to teach them.”
“It’s so important for teachers and me to see the environment the child is in and to know how we can support them at home as well,” said Olsen. “It gives a really good sense for teachers as to where they’re children are coming from. It helps us help the kids.”
