The event brought students and their families a firsthand look at what school will look like at the next grade level. They sat in class with their next teacher, learning more about them and what to expect in their class.
Young Five's and 4K Teacher Megan O’Brien and Second-grade Teacher Cassandra Wesner helped facilitate the event and said families were also invited to watch a morning assembly to see how they work. In classes, scholars and their families participated in various events.
“With my second graders coming in, we went over what we’re going to learn and what field trips we were going to go on,” Wesner said. “Then we made Moral Focus bracelets with each color representing a different Moral Focus virtue.”
While some classrooms completed engaging activities together, others got right into learning. O’Brien said in the 5K class, teachers pulled read aloud lessons from their curriculum and the class read aloud together before answering questions.
Hosting this type of engaging activity at the school is one of the many ways Mill Creek is prioritizing positive parent partnerships. Getting parents in the building and giving a glimpse of what the school day looks like can establish a positive relationship early on.
“Families get to choose us,” Wesner said. “Coming in and seeing our school firsthand helps them validate that choice. We’re opening our doors and welcoming parents in. They’re getting to meet this teacher and see how they’re teaching the material.”
Mallards Movin’ Up was also a benefit to students, as it also helped them become more familiar with what’s ahead. Getting comfortable with the learning environment and teacher is important in helping students make the move to the next grade level.
“Even though all of my 4K kids know the 5K teachers, stepping foot in the classroom and being taught by them is different,” O’Brien said. “With this event, they’ve already established that building block of the relationship with their teacher. This sets the stage for a very positive change rather than a scary thing.”
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About Mill Creek Academy
Mill Creek Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Waukesha, Wisconsin, serving students in all-day 4K through sixth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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