The day was hot on Aug. 30 but incoming new students were all smiles as they gathered at the Munsey Park Elementary School cafeteria to meet fellow students, teachers and their new principal, Chad Altman.
New students and their parents were greeted by Assistant Principal Nolan as well as School Community Association (SCA) President Christine Schwartz and her committee chairs. The event is a kick-off for new students who are entering Munsey Park Elementary School in grades one through six. A similar program called the Ambassador program was taking place at the same time at Shelter Rock Elementary School with Principal Richard Roder.
Both programs were designed to lessen the stress and anxiety of a new student coming into a new school. Students who are selected as ambassadors are selected by teachers who feel the student is exemplary and a positive supporter of the school who will be helpful during this difficult transition time. The new students are paired with an existing student who befriends them and acts as a valued resource to introduce them to the school and its activities. The ambassadors give tours of classrooms, libraries and common areas so that new students are comfortable beginning the school year and are somewhat familiar with their new surroundings. Parents have the opportunity to meet others and talk to members of the faculty as well as tour the school.
The best part of the day was the free ice cream, which is always a great ice-breaker.
