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Schools

Little Graduates and a Big Show

Preschoolers at Sam Jones' Children's Learning Center celebrated their graduation to kindergarten in style.

It’s the time of year for the turning of tassels, ankle length shiny robes in sometimes obnoxious colors and the passing of diplomas. It’s the season of new beginnings. Lauds of congratulations and Mylar balloons of all shapes and sizes float through the weekend air, and countless high school and college graduates bid a fond farewell to their various academic careers.  

Cartersville’s high schools are in full-swing graduation preparation mode and cases of Senioritis are running rampant.

But it isn’t just high schools that are in the graduation spirit. Many preschools are celebrating the tradition these days as well.

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Friday the preschool class at Sam Jones Children's Learning Center had its graduation ceremony.

Donned in tiny red gowns with graduation caps to match, 17 4- year-olds marched into the sanctuary at precisely 10 a.m. to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance. Lined up on stage bleachers in front of a room full of family and friends, the preschool graduates collected themselves amid the giggles of proud mothers and classmates. The presentation began with The Pledge of Allegiance, led by the little graduates themselves as a slideshow of pictures from throughout the school year scrolled on a screen behind them.

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They put on a production consisting of seven songs, including God Bless America in sign language and What Did Delaware, which is a song used to teach them the names of the 50 states.

The last song was You are My Sunshine directed specifically to the children’s mothers who were asked to stand in front of the stage.

The little graduates received their diplomas and did their best to turn their tassels.

At the end of the ceremony the children presented their waiting mothers with a flower as they exited the stage.    

"The kids practiced for about a month for the graduation music but we started practicing the sign language song back in January,” said preschool teacher Pamela Ruff. “The kids enjoyed themselves and were so excited because they had practiced so hard.”

The children had been given a CD to take home during the month of April so that they could practice learning the lyrics at home and in the car in addition to class time.

"They were ready to go and so excited that they could have blown the roof off the school,” said Ruff.  “They were so proud, they knew they were the big kids on campus. No one was nervous this year.”

As for the parents, there were lots of tears, bittersweet moments. The parents told Ruff and the other teachers that they were very happy, very pleased, very proud, every positive adjective you can think of.

“This year was emotional because my granddaughter was leaving my classroom,” said Ruff. "This year every parent was involved. They participated, supported me and the school. The kids got along, never fought or bickered; they got along like best friends and it’s been a great group truly loved each other.  It was hard for me and emotional, bittersweet this year.”

A 2- and 3-year-old’s recital before the graduation ceremony consisted of several songs and when promoted to the next level, they stood up and waved to the crowd. The parents received the children’s certificates ahead of time.

“They did a real good job,” said Ruff.  “Only one got excused during the presentation to use the bathroom this year. If those cuties stay on stage, it’s a job well done. They love their music, too.”

So what’s the benefit of holding a graduation ceremony for 4-year-olds moving on to kindergarten?

“It’s a show of confidence for them,” said Ruff. “They’ve spent an entire year learning at their own pace and we want to congratulate and build their confidence, let them show off. It’s a big deal to them and we want them to know what they’ve done needs to be recognized. It’s a proud time for the parents to come and support their children and we teachers get to hug them goodbye.”

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