All eyes were on were focused as the handler brought out a kinkajou, kangaroo, a snake, and a bearded dragon. Students learned how the animals are cared for and were able to ask questions about their traits and natural habitats.
Students get to see the long tail of a kinkajou.
“The biggest highlight was seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they had such a close encounter with some pretty cool animals,” said Peak Admissions Representative and Parent Ambassador Jessica Ibrahim. “What a perfect way to keep the learning going all summer long while building excitement for the first day of kindergarten.”
A student touches a snake during the visit.
While many of the children were familiar with kangaroos and snakes, they were extra curious about the kinkajou and bearded dragon. They learned that a kinkajou is a mammal that is closely related to a racoon but is native to Central America. They hang from trees with their long tails and eat fresh fruit and honey. Bearded dragons are reptiles native to Australia and are known for the spiny “beard” under their chins that puff up when they want to stretch or regulate their body temperature.
A family feels the skin of a bearded dragon lizard.
Peak Principal Kacey Gorman joined the fun and was able to snuggle with a kangaroo while visiting with families. Ibrahim said it was a special moment for parents to interact with Gorman.
“Having Kacey show her care and compassion to animals not only showed her gentle spirit of care, but it also showed the kindergartners and their families the humanity that a principal can have within a school setting.”
Incoming kindergarten students and their families got an up-close look at exotic animals.
The event proved to be a great way for students to connect with school staff and each other before the start of the school year.
What an awesome event! Keep up the great work, Peak!
About Peak Charter Academy
Peak Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Apex, North Carolina, serving students in kindergarten through eighth 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 high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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