Parents deal with first day with Koffee and Kleenex

Sharon Knoll sat in the lunch room, reading school-related ma terial and wondering how her 5-year-old twin daughters were doing on their first day of kindergarten.

Though there will be many first days of school to come, this one marked a new chapter in Sarah's and Megan's life.

"It means they are growing up too fast," Knoll said.

Sharon and her husband, Carl, were two of several parents attending the Riverside Elementary School sponsored Koffee and Kleenex. The event was put on for kindergarten parents and other parents who were new to Riverside.

Counselors were in the cafeteria to answer questions, and there was plenty of tissue to dry tears.

"(For) a lot of kindergarten parents, this is their first day and they need a little Kleenex - they're crying worse than the kids," guidance counselor Linda Bargeron said.

Knoll's eyes began to water while she talked about Sarah's and Megan's first day of school. The girls woke up, got dressed and watched television without showing any signs of sadness.

"They were ready to walk right into the classroom," Knoll said.

The girls were greeted by teachers who dressed up as storybook characters and passed out bookmarks as part of the school's emphasis on reading.

Koffee and Kleenex also provided an opportunity for those new to the school to meet other parents in the same situation. This is the second year the school has sponsored the event.

"The counselors were there to answer any questions about the school year and to give out information on how to help their child have a smooth transition into a new school," Bargeron said. "We also had information for kindergarten parents on what to expect. It gives them a chance to know other parents in their grade level. And for new students in the community, it gives them a chance to meet other parents who are new in this school system."