Pre Kindergarten is now over because Jason has graduated Pre K and off to Kindergarten! It seems like yesterday that I took a nervous little four-year old into camp at his new school which then turned into pre Kindergarten. But, it was actually one year ago! Now I have a confident five year old who is ready for a new chapter of Kindergarten.
Pre school days
I sent Jason to our local YMCA preschool at age three.  I sent my daughter years before and loved it. She learned many things and made friends. But when Jason went, it wasn’t what I remember. Jason didn’t come home happy and excited. He talked about kids going to jail etc.  At the time, we didn’t have much extra money because my husband was just finishing becoming a nurse so we didn’t change schools.
My friend’s sister took her son to a different school. Stepping Stones is the name. All I kept hearing was positive things about it. So last May, we decided to give it a chance. We visited the school first and felt a warm friendly vibe immediately! We signed up for camp and Pre Kindergarten. Turns out to be one of the best decisions we made for Jason!
Jason felt nervous and wanted his old school on the first day. The teacher spent time with him trying to ease his mind. It worked and he began to really enjoy going everyday. Every time I dropped him off or picked him up, he was happy! He didn’t act out at home and told us everything he learned.
Pre Kindergarten was more of the same. He learned many things, he made great friends, excited to go to school and had fun. His teachers were genuinely happy to be teaching and being with the children. I never felt uneasy leaving him, and  I can’t say enough how much I liked the school.  I actually became friends with the other parents and teachers.
Jason and his class graduated from Pre Kindergarten. I actually dreaded graduation because I don’t like change and am quite emotional when it comes to my children. I didn’t want to embarrass myself by crying. Jason is my youngest so I knew it would hit me hard.
I survived! It wasn’t easy at first because they played a video in the beginning of highlights from the year. Seeing all those happy faces participating in activities did bring a tear to my eye. Then, the children entered wearing white graduation caps to the typical graduation song and lined up on the stage. They sang songs about leaving pre k and going to kindergarten. Oh my heart! They were adorable!
The children went off the stage and were called up one by one to hug their teachers, receive their certificate and say what they want to be when they grow up.  Jason said he wanted to become a doctor! Jeff is a nurse so it’s so cute that he wants to be like his daddy!  They did one more loop around the room before the ceremony close.
Jason is now very excited to attend kindergarten. Today was the first day of camp and he thought he was going to his new school. Â My hope is that he loves his new school come August as much as he loves this one.
Sadly, Stepping Stones closed.  I feel so bad for the employees and children who miss out on a great school. I’m grateful that Jason had this excellent opportunity.
