Pomp And Preschoolers At St Rose Moving-Up Ceremony

By Larissa Lytwyn

To the timeless notes of “Pomp and Circumstance,” St Rose of Lima Preschool’s 3- and 4-year-old classes recently enjoyed their Preschool Moving-Up Ceremony in the St Rose Parish Hall.

The children, bedecked in their Sunday best, entered single-file into the hall, heralded by the flash of the cameras of familial onlookers.

Preschool teacher Amanda Delaney discussed the difference between collegiate graduates and preschool-aged children.

“When you think about it,” she said, “you see the similarity. Most of what we have learned [as adults] we first learned at the same age our children are right now.”

These skills, she continued, include values such as listening attentively, following directions, and respecting others.

“Of course, there are also lots of other basic lessons, like learning our numbers, colors, shapes, and letters,” Ms Delaney said.

She paused.

“These children are in love with Jesus!” she declared. “Throughout the year, we have really emphasized the value of faith, of what Jesus means to us.”

Sister Thaddeus, who is replacing Deborah O’Handley as the St Rose Preschool director for the 2004-05 school year, led the group into a prayer.

Her acoustic guitar slung across her hips, music instructor Helen Malyszka led the students into a number of songs, including “God Made Me,” “The Lord Is My Shepard,” “Praise Him, Praise Him,” “Joy, Joy,” and “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.”

Using small chimes and other instrumentation, the 5-year-olds then gave a special performance of “Twinkle, Twinkle.”

They also recited numbers and the prayer, “Dolce Madre,” in Spanish, demonstrating St Rose’s introductory instruction of foreign language.

“I was really impressed with the Spanish,” said Beatrice Goyda, whose granddaughter, Megan, was moving-up to kindergarten at St Rose School. “[Megan’s] been teaching me!”

She said she was very proud of Megan.

“When I heard ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ I got tears in my eyes!” she exclaimed.

She smiled.

“It won’t be the first time, either,” she added.

Megan’s 9-month-old sister, Ms Goyda continued, will be continuing the St Rose Preschool tradition in a few years, too.

“She’ll be right behind her!” Ms Goyda declared.

Kerri Cartelli said she was excited to see her son Domenic moving up to kindergarten.

“He’ll be attending kindergarten at Sandy Hook Elementary School,” she said.

She said that she liked the elaborate decorations adorning the parish hall, from balloons and bouquets of flowers to a lavish brunch spread including three cakes, bagels, and other treats.

The St Rose Preschool class of 2004 are:

Ms Delaney and

Ms Haddard’s AM Class

Caroline Beal, Lauren Cirone, Zachary DeMeglio, Sabrina Hartz, Matthew Koerber, Mackenzie Macchiarulo, Madeline Meier, Bryan Morrissey, Julia Sughrue, Talia Trackim, Ashley Wagnblas, and Jack Wellman.

PM Class

Andriana Bonadio, Robert Brinker, Patrick Brinker, Marshall Bruno, Justin Dunn, Bryce Griffin, Victoria Kelley, Andrew Janco, Nickolas Lansing, Christopher McFarland, Nicole Palmieri, and Bridget Walsh.

 

Ms Waldron and

Ms Cain’s AM Class

Olivia Adams, Kendal Anderson, Emily Bell, Matthew Guinee, Francesca Kerekes, Gabriel Locke, Connor McNerney, Shanelle Pincus, Brendan Skewis, and Ashling Sugarman.

PM Class

Liam Begany, Conor Brennan, Andrew DeLuca, Marian DeThomas, Meghan Doyle, Austin Engler, Garrett Fitzpartrick, Justin Gillespie, Nicholas Glazier, Tommy Magda, Khori Moreland, Maria Ringes, and Nathan Sanchez.

Ms Nastri and

Ms Cocchiloa’s AM Class

Claire Boyle, Michael Cabral, Domenic Cartelli, Alan DePinto, Olivia Hamula, Lucy Helgren, Brian Kerins, Noah LaFerriere, William LeMay, Isabella Luciano, Scott McLean, and Erica Smith.

PM Class

Chaeli Allen, Emma Cavanagh, Hailey Conrad, Thomas Cotton, Grace Frost, Megan Goyda, William Gully, Quinn Helmig, Sarah Holland, Caroline Keane, Jack Moulder, Charles Soto, and Joseph Vega.