There is nothing like seeing proud Haven students and teachers cheering with tears in their eyes at the sight of colorful rows of preschoolers celebrating the end of a school year.
On May 11, parents, staff, and Childhood students filled the choral room to watch these young children graduate and say goodbye to their fellow peers.
The Exploring Childhood and Advanced Childhood classes are Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) electives taught by Mrs. Jennifer Zanoni for grades 10-12, where students receive the hands-on experience to work with young kids via the Little Panthers Preschool Program.
Families can apply for preschool-age children to be taken care of and taught by Zanoni’s Childhood students. Haven students learn from Mrs. Zanoni what it takes to help these young children grow and learn. According to the Silver Guide, Haven students develop preschool lessons for art, math, science, nature, physical games, music, story time and literacy.
This year, senior Laura Conner, who had already completed the Exploring Childhood and Advanced Childhood classes, decided to take an independent study with Zanoni, furthering her passion for childcare.
“It’s emotional because we’ve taken it for so long that we’ve seen some of the kids that we had last year grow in so many different ways,” Conner said.
Four preschoolers graduated this May and are leaving for kindergarten in the coming year.
Junior Liang He, who had the chance to look after one of these four students, feels emotional watching them move into the next chapter of their life.
“I had Wes, so I’m never going to see him again. So, I’m gonna cry for the next five business days,” she said. “However, it was really cool because I know how excited Wes was to just grow up.”
Junior Julia Selcuk added how the event had an emotional impact on her.
“It was really sweet to watch,” she said. “I just loved the whole ceremony, and I did tear up a little bit. I definitely feel like I learned a lot from this class.”
With the school year coming to a close and preschool graduation behind them, the memories made for all involved will never be forgotten.
“Watching them graduate is just the cherry on top of a great school year with them. There are so many funny stories and I am so proud of them,” senior Ava Santisi said.
Like Conner, Santisi had also chosen to take an independent study with Mrs. Zanoni to continue building her caretaking experience.
“It’s the best class ever,” she said.
