As the end of August approaches each year, students often experience many varying emotions. While some kids become excited for the autumn and its change of pace, others may be sad summer vacation is already over and feel nervous about starting school. At the start of the academic year, teachers and administrators throughout the Hempfield School District seek to abate the concerns of students and their parents in a few ways.

Every school in the district provides an opportunity for students to visit their classrooms prior to the first day of school. At the middle school and high school level, kids are offered a chance to tour the building with their parents to become familiar with the many classrooms and teachers.

All of the school district's elementary schools participate in an annual Sneak-a-Peek day, which was held on Aug. 17 this year. On this day, the schools open from 10 to 11 a.m. to allow students to stop in with their families to meet their teachers, see their desks and make connections with soon-to-be classmates. "It allows the kids to get a lay of the land and know where they're headed on the first day," said Tom Kramer, principal of Centerville Elementary School. "It gets those first-day jitters out of the way and gives them a sense of comfort when they return for the first day of school."

Each grade at Centerville Elementary School participates in different activities on Sneak-a-Peek day, but every activity shares the same goal of familiarizing students with the school. Students in fourth grade take part in a scavenger hunt to locate specific items in the classroom, and teachers show the kids where they will place their backpacks and eat lunch.

In addition to easing the minds of students and parents, Sneak-a-Peek day provides several benefits for teachers. Many teachers have already taught siblings of their new students, allowing them to build on existing connections with the families. Older students will often visit their old classrooms to see their former teachers, which helps to establish a friendly environment for children who are stepping through the door for the first time. "The most important thing for me and my building is getting kids to be comfortable. We want them to be excited about being here and anticipating day one," Kramer said.

Although it's beneficial for students to practice reading and math to keep their skills fresh over the summer, Kramer noted that the best way to prepare for the school year is to just take a break. The teachers at Centerville Elementary School want their kids to be well-rested and ready to tackle a new year of lessons.

For the first six weeks of school, school staff members' main priority is creating a sense of community and mutual respect throughout the entire building. "It's really important to lay the groundwork for a successful learning year," Kramer said. "It's such a great time. The kids are excited and we're excited. It's why we became educators."