Fall kindergarten student Dalton Meyer gets a ride from his sister, Kayla, as they follow clues in a scavenger hunt that leads them to art teacher Leon Ruder's classroom during Kindergarten Family Night at St. Ignace Elementary School. Following the young students are parents Jennifer and Darrin, and sister Hannah (not pictured). Skipping to the door, 30 future kindergarten students, the class of 2021, descended on St. Ignace Elementary School Tuesday evening, April 8, for a preview of school next fall. The Kindergarten Family Night was the first of at least three visits the youngsters will make to the building before school starts September 2.

Last week they were introduced to their teachers and entertained by the elementary choir. Events next year, they were told, will include a family Thanksgiving meal, a trip to a pumpkin patch, and making ornaments for downtown Christmas treas.

A scavenger hunt sent children and parents to classrooms where they were given paper cut-outs by teachers. An art brush was handed out by teacher Leon Ruder, a music note was given by teacher Stephanie Terpening, and a basketball was presented by teacher Emily Fullerton. Outside, bus driver Sandy Thorin invited students to climb on board and gave them a cut-out of a school bus. A stop at the library earned a $1 coupon to use at the school book fair later this month. The cut-outs were later exchanged for fun things like pencils and stickers.

New to the area, the Siebigteroth family visited St. Ignace Elementary School Tuesday, April 8, to participate in Kindergarten Family Night. The family moved to St. Ignace three weeks ago from the Guantanamo Naval Base in Cuba. Mother Laurie and three-year-old brother Jeffrey wait as future kindergarten student Rose watches her father, Phil, sign the guest book. Cook Carolyn Tamlyn gave a tour of the kitchen and served a snack, and parents of students in this year's kindergarten class were on hand to answer any questions from the incoming students and their parents.

The next school visit for students and parents is Thursday, April 17, when they register for their first school year.

"Every time the students and parents come in, it becomes a little more familiar," said Elementary Principal Bonnie Ledy.

During registration, kindergarten teachers Marcia Bishop, Sherrie Gustafson, and Lil McDonald will assess child social and fine motor skills and their knowledge of numbers, letters, and shapes. The process helps teachers create balanced classrooms.

In August, shortly before class begins, students will return for bus orientation, receive their classroom assignment, and meet their teacher.