This week at the Best Start Hub
The Littlest Graduates
by Karina Hunter
Best Start Hub and School Readiness Program Coordinator Kelly Sagle, welcomes parents, caregivers and friends of the children.
Wednesday, June 2nd Kelly Sagle, Supervising Programmer with the Manitouwadge Best Start Hub, welcomed her School Readiness Class for their last day; it would be unlike any other since they began attending – twice a week, for 2 hours each afternoon – 8 weeks prior.
Emeraude Charron follows the bumble bees to join her class at the front of the room.
Next year’s Junior Kindergarten students; Manitouwadge Public School, École Franco Publique Manitou or Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School hopefulls, had been preparing for this day since beginning Sagle’s program; parents, friends and neighbours were in attendance to help them recognize their Pre-School Graduation, another big step in their young lives.
Each student entered in turn, proudly wearing their graduation caps, they followed laminated bumble bees that had been taped to the floor to help guide their way through the eager audience and lined up at the front of the room next to Sagle. Once each had taken his or her place, they performed a number of songs for admiring fans; it was clear that Sagle had nearly as much affection and pride in her students as did their relatives. She spoke fondly of their development and progress over past weeks, explaining how they had worked together to acclimatize themselves to taking turns, attending a structured program without their parents or regular guardians, practicing to write their names and other important skills necessary to their success at school in September.
This song was a favourite among the guests; students sing about when they were 'this tall'.
The children exited the room once again, teachers Linda Jette and Reene Warren helped them return one at a time as Sagle called their names to present them with Certificates of Completion to recognize their participation in the program. Afterwards, graduates and guests were treated to a special snack which included fresh fruit, a beautiful cake and refreshments.
This was the first year which Sagle extended the program to a full 8 weeks (previously it had been just 4); she was very pleased, feeling that this and other changes she had brought to the 2010 School Readiness Program significantly benefited her young friends. Congratulations to Sagle and her team for their hard work, patience and care which helped transform these ‘toddlers’ into students, well prepared for Junior Kindergarten in the fall. They will, no doubt, be enthusiastically welcomed to their new schools in the fall.
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- The children’s smiles during the ceremony gave a look into Sagle’s teaching methods and her commitment to positive reinforcents and fun throughout their 8 weeks of study.
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- Emeraude Charron follows the bumble bees to join her class at the front of the room.
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- Best Start Hub and School Readiness Program Coordinator Kelly Sagle, welcomes parents, caregivers and friends of the children.
