Hawthorn Dist. 73 schools welcome first full-day kindergartners

Kindergarten teacher Mimi Batson gently traced a raccoon kiss into the small hand of Ayva White as she read the story "The Kissing Hand" during the first day of classes Wednesday at Townline Elementary School in Vernon Hills.

Ayva was among a group of trailblazing youngsters Wednesday - the first full-day kindergartners in Hawthorn School District 73. In all, 454 kindergartners are participating in the full-day program's inaugural year.

"It is a great opportunity for the kids. We can help them learn more with longer amount of time and we can expose them to more things," said Batson as she worked with students spelling their names. "We are all exploring new adventures together and looking forward to a successful year."

Students listened to stories, went to lunch in the cafeteria, played on the playground, and toured the school.

"When I got here, I wrote a first day story and that was fun," said kindergartner Micheal Schart.