By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – When next year’s kindergartners arrive at Creek View Elementary School for the first day of classes this August, many of them will be in familiar surroundings, thanks to the school’s pre-kindergarten program and a preview day the school held on April 26.

Children’s musician Roger Day welcomed dozens of upcoming kindergartners to the school during the kindergarten snack and tour, as pre-kindergarten members and school newcomers gathered in the school’s lunchroom.

“This is a very special place, and you’re going to love the teachers here,” Day told the parents in attendance. “They’re going to get a great education, and they’re going to love your children.”

The event served to continue a school tradition of reaching out to incoming students to better prepare them to attend school for the first time.

After attending Day’s concert and hearing from school leaders and teachers, the incoming kindergartners and their parents took tours of the school to learn more about the classes they will attend for the next few years.

Kindergarten teacher Paige Pearson explained the school’s many offerings, such as its STEAM lab, iPads in the classrooms, reading stations and a crowd favorite: The outdoor playground.

CVES Principal Charissa Cole said parents can help their children greatly by practicing reading before they arrive at school in a few months.

“We are so excited to have you here today,” Cole said. “Parents, if you don’t hear anything else I say today, please make it a practice to read to your children every single day.”