New kindergarten pod establishes community for students and teachers

Kasson-Mantorville kindergarteners are experiencing something that none of the previous kindergarten classes have got to experience before; a brand new kindergarten pod, or the orange pod. 
The pod, along with the new east gym, playground and other outdoor improvements accounts for $5.2 million of the $39.8 million project in the district. 
“I really do appreciate the support our community has given us to provide that space. We are so grateful that we are able to provide this for our kids,” said Elementary Principal Ariana Wright.
Although the school has always been set up in a pod style, meaning all the classrooms are around one central gathering space, the new pod was needed as the enrollment has outgrown the space as well as the school is now offering all-day kindergarten. 
Wright is expecting the class size to increase next year. This year’s kindergarten class is 141 students, compared to 155 the previous year. Over the years the student population has outgrown the space and classrooms have become spread out, diminishing the pod experience.