Kindergartners At Two Schools Enjoy Moving Up Ceremonies

By Larissa Lytwyn

Hawley and Sandy Hook elementary schools recently celebrated their kindergarten moving up ceremonies with very different, yet equally memorable, styles of pomp and circumstance. 

Hawley’s morning and afternoon kindergarten classes brought the classic Grimm fairy tale Three Billy Goats Gruff to life with full costume drama.

Three Billy Goats Gruff is the story of three young goats whose wish to cross a bridge to reach a sweeter-tasting field of grass sweeter grass is hampered by the presence of an evil troll.

Each child had a role, from the chorus-style narration to the parts of the three goats and menacing troll. After the performance, the children received their “diplomas.”

A more traditional celebration of the kindergarteners’ achievement took place at Sandy Hook school on June 22.

Parents enjoyed a slide show of memories from the respective morning and afternoon classes, after which their precious young ladies and gentlemen entered to the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The three classes were color-coded by red, white, and blue mortar caps, complete with tassel. In keeping with the patriotic theme, children were encouraged to wear red, white and blue.

After a welcome speech by Principal Donna Pagé, the children recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “American the Beautiful.”

The classes then sang a selection of musical favorites, including “Mr Sun,” “ABC Rock,” “The Kindergarten Class,” “Everything Grows,” and “First Grade Song.”

“First Grade Song,” in which the soon-to-be-first-graders sang about the exciting transition they were planning to make with all their kindergarten friends, seemed to be a favorite among parents and their children alike.

“I can see how much she has grown, even in the last few weeks!” exclaimed JoAnne Amante, mother of kindergartener Chloe. “She is such a little lady!”

Ms Pagé thanked the teachers and parent volunteers for their support over the course of the academic year.

“[Teaching] here is not a career for our team of educators, but a calling,” she said.

Each parent volunteer received a mixed flower bouquet in thanks for their efforts.

Two alternative education students, Jenna Wilkes and Thomas Yacko, spent one day a week throughout the year assisting teachers in the kindergarten classes.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with the children,” said Thomas. “I also work at Misty Morning Day Care Center — I just love kids!”

His mother, Christine Yacko, said working with children had helped Thomas grow and “mature” notably over the past several months.

Jenna said that her work with the kindergarteners has inspired her to pursue an elementary education career.

“I really like being with the kids,” she said. “It’s a really fun, good experience.”

At the end of their musical program, each Sandy Hook school kindergartner received a “diploma,” to the camera-snapping thrill of many a parental onlooker.

“The children have worked very hard and really grown,” said kindergarten teacher Anne Annesley. “This is a wonderful day.”