Westborough Library hosts kindergarten pep rally

By Kate Tobiasson, Contributing Writer

Westborough – Eager faces looked up at Hannah Gavalis, the Westborough Children’s Librarian at the Kindergarten Pep Rally held Aug. 14 at the library. A room full of five-year olds sat cross legged, tentatively glancing back at their parents as the night got underway.

Throughout the special event, excitement and participation steadily increased. Gavalis hosted a storytime while the children practiced raising their hands to answer questions about the books. Throughout the month, the library displayed a collection of books about kindergarten at the entrance to the department in an effort to build community support and enthusiasm for the start of school.

The rally was a delightful event for young families in Westborough.

“This is a great chance to come to the library, take out some books and check things out,” smiled Beth Lubelczyk who laughed with her daughter Addison throughout the scavenger hunt..

“The library is a great place to explore, and to meet parents and other children. My daughter, Nandita, is looking forward to kindergarten,” Subha Kannath shared. “But really, Nandita is most excited about the school bus!”

There is much to be excited about when it comes to entering kindergarten, but many families have questions and concerns about this big change.

The town of Westborough has worked hard to help students transition into kindergarten. Each elementary school screened incoming students last June, and will host kindergarten get-togethers and open houses at the end of August. The Westborough Public Library offered a unique opportunity for students from all three of the elementary schools to come together to talk and build anticipation for this big transition at the Kindergarten Pep Rally.

No pep rally would be complete without a group cheer and pom-poms. At the conclusion of the evening, Gavalis lead the room in a “Three Cheers for Kindergarten” chant while the children shook their colorful pom-poms in the air. The night ended with thunderous cheers and applause; a wonderful celebration of the start of school for Westborough’s youngest students.