Talking with Falk's Newest and Oldest Students

To reflect on the first week of the 2023-24 school year, Falk Lab School’s director, Dr. Jill Sarada, spoke with a class of Kindergarteners and an eighth-grade class about what they were feeling before the start of the school year, what they have enjoyed so far, and what they'd like to tell one another.

Kindergarten

How were you feeling before the first day of school?

Excited.

Nervous.

Now that you’ve been here for a couple of days, how are you feeling now?

Excited. Because I like school.

What’s something that you loved from this week?

Making a book of love items.

I’m excited for my birthday in 12 days.

You’re the youngest kids in this school. You’re just starting at Falk. There are big kids in eighth grade here that are older than you. What advice do you want me to give them? What do you want me to tell the big kids?

I want to meet them in the cafeteria.

We want to have a disco party with them.

Can they be friends with me?

Tell them have a safe drive if they drive home from school.

Have fun.

My sister’s in fifth grade. I just really want to see her one time in the cafeteria.

Tell them I love them.

Eighth Grade

For some of you, it’s your ninth year. Some of you started after Kindergarten. But this is an important year for you, just as it is for them. As this year was approaching and you were starting to think about coming back to school, what kinds of feelings were you having?

Hyped for footie. [Soccer]

I’m also excited for footie. I think we’re going to have an amazing season.

Nostalgia. Wanting to enjoy every minute.

Kind of weird. I keep thinking, “Where are the big kids?” Then I realize we’re the eighth graders.

Now that you’re here and you’ve had a week of eighth grade, what are your thoughts now?

I wanted to get through this week. I wasn’t ready for school to start. I need a few more hours of sleep.

I’m excited for the footie.

What happened this week that you really liked? I know you’re looking forward to soccer. What other things are you looking forward to?

I liked the egg drop.

The legacy project.

I’m kind of hype for graduation.

Is anyone nervous about the search for a high school?

I’m not exactly nervous, but I don’t want to leave everyone behind.

You’ve experienced Falk for a while. What advice do you have for Kindergarteners?

Dream big. Follow your goals.

Listen to your teachers.

When you go to intermediate from primary, always say hi to your old teachers. Whenever I did that, it made me happy and it made them happy.

Good luck.

Have fun.

Enjoy your five recesses while you have them.

We’ll meet you in the cafeteria.