Anne Hutch Holds Orientation for Incoming 2nd Graders

Next fall will be a time of change for the district’s rising second graders, as the young learners leave the nest and comfort of Waverly and learn to spread their wings at either Greenvale or Anne Hutchinson. 

On Monday afternoon, current first-grade students and their families learned more about what daily life will be like at Anne Hutchinson, as the school held an orientation event designed to shine a light on what a normal school day will look like for the youngsters at the Mill Road school.

Anne Hutchinson Principal Laura Cappiello explained that Monday’s event is a vital part of the transition from first-to-second grade, as it provides Anne Hutchinson staff members a chance to introduce themselves to next year’s incoming students and their families. Students learned more about the different educational programs at the school, visiting the STEM lab and other learning spaces they will be utilizing next year, while parents also received important information about daily schedules, including arrival and dismissal procedures. 

“For me, it’s a chance to have parents meet the teachers and for the students to explore the classrooms and learn a little bit about what they can expect in the year ahead,” said Cappiello. “While the students are visiting classrooms with teachers, we talk with parents about a smooth transition into second grade; it’s another way for us to partner with them and to give them more information about the curriculum and routines at Anne Hutchinson.”

One of the most consequential changes for second-graders, she added, is the increased independence they will have as they continue to climb through the grade levels.

“We talk to the parents about the ways this transition can be challenging, and that one of the main parts of that is building independence quickly,” she said. “They are going from a K-1 school to a 2-5 school, and that’s a big step. It means there are going to be older kids who hopefully serve as role models for the younger students.”

As she enters her second year as the building leader, Cappiello noted that she is eager for the start to the new school year, when a new cohort of learners can begin to make the most of their time at Anne Hutchinson.

“I’m very reflective, and I’ve constantly been thinking about how we can make things even better for the kids,” said Cappiello. “Now that I’m through my first year, I’ve gotten a chance to understand the community and the culture, and that leads to new ideas on how to improve our school experience.”