Our incoming kindergarten students had a wonderful orientation. They got to meet their teachers and new classmates, and explore their classroom and school, all with the comfort of having someone special with them – a parent, grandparent or other trusted adult.

One of the special moments of orientation was that each kindergarten student in the district received their own copy of “The Kissing Hand,” a book written by Audrey Penn. The book was chosen by the elementary counselors to help ease separation during the first days of school.

 

 

“’The Kissing Hand’ is a wonderful and well-known story that was recommended by our team members who are also parents,” said Deana Lenz, elementary counselor team lead. “The story helps to remind kids that their parent(s) love them even when they are away as represented by the ‘kissing hand’.”

 

Many of our young students can be very nervous and emotional when leaving for school, especially for the first time, Ms. Lenz said. The story of “The Kissing Hand” reminds kids that their parents love them even when they are away.

 

 

 

Chester is a young raccoon who is a little nervous about leaving his mom, his toys and his books to go to school, just like many of the new kindergarten students. His mother tells him the secret that her mom taught her – the secret of the kissing hand. She kisses the center of Chester’s palm and closes his fingers around it. Now, whenever he feels lonely or just wants some love from home, he can open his hand and touch it to his cheek and feel comforted.

 

Each book came with a collection of heart stickers for our families to use to represent the act in the story of leaving our students with a kiss on their hand as they came in for the first days of school.

 

The students loved getting their books to read with their families at home. And their teachers also kept a copy to read with them in the classroom.