Anna Bernstein has been teaching the early childhood (pre-kindergarten) students at Weehawken’s Webster School for nine years, and has spent the last 15 years in the Weehawken school district.
Every June, when the 4-year-old toddlers that Bernstein has nurtured for the previous seven months get ready to move on to regular kindergarten, she has a sense of sadness and a feeling of satisfaction.
“I call it a happy/sad,” Bernstein said. “You’re happy to see how far they’ve progressed in the short time you’ve had them, but you’re sad to see them go.”
This past Wednesday, it was time for Bernstein to experience the mixed emotions of a pre-k graduation. Once again, the 4-year-old students at Webster School went out in fine fashion, participating in a show for the parents with the theme of “Summer Time Fun.”
The gymnasium was transformed into a beach cabana, complete with umbrellas, lounge chairs and for special effect, and Sponge Bob Square Pants decorations galore.
The students were decked out in summer gear, complete with shades, personalized bucket hats and personalized surfboards that they simulated surfing on while they sang the Beach Boys’ classic, “Surfin’ USA.”
They also sang and danced to Billy Ray Cyrus’ country classic “Achy Breaky Heart,” much to the delight of the 100 or so parents and friends in attendance.
“This year’s group was a really special group,” Bernstein said. “They were teaching us the dance moves and they really liked the songs, which helped. We wanted to make it as much like a beach party as possible. It makes it much easier when the kids like the music.”
Many of the students were excited and energetic while performing the songs. Four-year-old Grace Denseld captivated the audience with her bright smile and wide eyes.
“That’s Grace,” Bernstein laughed. “She just loves to perform. She’s the youngest kid we have, but you would never know it with her personality.”
In years past, you might find the youngsters shy, reserved and unwilling to perform in front of their parents. But according to fellow pre-K teacher Maria Desharnais, children are coming to school more and more prepared.
“We had years where we really had to work with the kids to get them ready for the graduation, but this group just happened to be ready,” said Desharnais, who has been teaching pre-kindergarten students for the last 13 years. “Most of these kids are ready for school because they’ve been to day care or been with babysitters. We have less and less screamers in September and by now, they’re fine. We had maybe 10 rehearsals before the graduation. The kids were definitely ready.”
Desharnais said that she’s able to teach more in pre-K classes than ever before. It’s not just fingerpainting and nap time anymore.
“The students are a lot more advanced now,” Desharnais said. “They’re not as sheltered by the time they come to school. Some are reading and writing. Some are practicing phonics. It’s also become easier and easier from an academic standpoint.”
But when it came time for performing, each toddler was on his or her own.
“Every kid is different,” Desharnais said. “Some really get into it and want to sing and dance. Others still stand there. But a lot of the kids feed off each other. They’re always so cute to watch.”
Desharnais said that she received so many compliments from parents about the show.
“They’re all amazed how the show comes together,” Desharnais said. “I think we always worry, but the show turned out great.”
Everyone contributes
Webster School Principal Tony D’Angelo said that many of the parents deserve the credit for the show’s success, volunteering their services to make the decorations and the props.
“The teachers, the teachers’ aides, the parents, they all come together to make it work,” D’Angelo said. “I can’t give them enough credit. Their effort is outstanding. They make me look good. Every year, they seem to outdo themselves.”
D’Angelo said that he doesn’t consider the day a graduation, although he spent the day handing out certificates of promotion to the 100 or so students.
“I don’t call it a graduation,” D’Angelo said. “I call it a ‘moving on.’ This year’s over and they’re moving on to bigger and better things. I just love watching the kids perform, all the kids. But the little ones are really cute. I’m proud whenever they do something like this, because we want the kids to feel confident about what they do.”
D’Angelo said that he was impressed that Mayor Richard Turner, Superintendent of Schools Kevin McLellan and Board of Education President Richard Barsa were in attendance for the ceremonies.
“It’s a total commitment from everyone and that bodes well for the school,” D’Angelo said.
Not only was the graduation significant for the kids, but it marked the end of an era. This year marks the end of half-day pre-kindergarten classes in Weehawken. In the fall, all 4-year-old early childhood students will attend full day sessions.
“We’re closing a door and opening a new one,” Bernstein said. “We have a lot of challenges ahead for next year.”