Saranne Pace, Renee Dikeman, Savannah Ochterski (left to right) Photo from St. John the Baptist School

Pre-K graduation was celebrated in a leveling up event at St. John the Baptist School in Kenmore.  Pre-K 3-&4-year-olds and their families participated in a reverse parade to commemorate the end of the school year and the 4-year-old's graduating to Kindergarten!    

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in the March closure of schools and subsequent distance learning, students returned to St. John's campus to celebrate their graduation from Pre-K with faculty and staff.  Families remained in their cars as they're greeted by cheering teachers/staff at the celebration balloon arch and received their 'diploma,' a memory book, and a class gift.  They'll also had the opportunity to take a photo with their teachers.  A well-developed traffic plan and thoughtful precautions ensured the safety for all.

"We wanted to end the year on a positive note and acknowledge the hard work they're been doing to be ready for Kindergarten next year," explains Pre-K teacher Danielle Plank.  "Our Pre-K team has worked diligently to deliver creative, engaging 'at-home lessons and activities' to develop the fundamental skills necessary for success in Kindergarten."  

"It's an opportunity for everyone to see each other and celebrate their accomplishments" adds Pre-K co-teacher Renee Dikeman.  "Our gifts—sand buckets and pool noodles—are fun, symbolic reminders of what we've instilled year-long:  learning should include 'buckets full of fun' and to always 'use your noodle' in life!"   

"The morning was magical," says Pre-K parent Mary Kate Conrad.  "Once again, our SJS teachers and principal reinvented the wheel with a welcoming celebration full of cheers, applause, and smiles! Although the hugs were missed, Molly received end-of-the-year gifts, as well as her work from the school year, which I will treasure.  At the end of the parade, we went and took a picture at the front doors of the school, some last-day-of-school traditions will never change (despite the pandemic).  I am so grateful for St. John's School!"