Lenexa Hills Kindergartners Solve School Mystery

On their second day of school, some of the newest Lenexa Hills Lions received a Top Secret message.

 After reading the book “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes,” the students had a message from the blue cat asking them to find him in their school.

“Well as you know, I’m a groovy cat. I am as fast as can be. I’m off to tour your school. Try and find me!” the message said.

From that point, the kindergarten students worked with their teachers to find clues throughout the building. They found them in the nurse's office, the main office, the lunchroom, and specials classrooms. As students worked to solve the puzzle they often met important people along the way, like their school administrative assistant Ruth Neely and custodian Jim Gross.

The purpose of this activity was to help students feel safe, comfortable, and confident in their new school building and community.

“Going to a full day kindergarten at a big, new school can be scary for young students at first,” Kindergarten teacher Mattie Weck shared. “We are so lucky to have such a warm, welcoming staff here at Lenexa Hills that works to build relationships with students.”

By working to solve a mystery together, it also helps demonstrate to the students that there are adults throughout the building that will help them, Alex Helpingstine, kindergarten teacher added.

At the conclusion of the tour, the students solved all of the clues, but did not find Pete the Cat. However, they did discover a series of Pete the Cat books in their classroom.

“The students are excited to explore these mini Pete the Cat readers during our Read-to-Self time,” Weck added.