43
Pumpkin heads
Photo
Neighbors | Abby Slanker.The Lefoer family, left to right, Grandma Irene and Grandpa Dominic, of Boardman, Michael, a student in the 3-year-old class, Michele and Alexis, a kindergartener at the school, enjoyed Grandparents and Special People Day Oct. 20 at Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten Oct. 20.
By ABBY SLANKER
Students at Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten had a very special day planned Oct. 20 for their grandparents and special people in their lives. The school held its annual Grandparents and Special People Day during which the students performed a program for their guests.
With a theme of pumpkins this year, students made paper plate pumpkin pie invitations for their special people so they could save the date. They also made favors for their guests. The teachers took individual pictures of the students and each student then made a pumpkin frame for their picture and included a note to thank their grandparents or special people.
According to Sister Charlotte Italiano, director and principal of Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, the national theme for the school this year is “A+ for America Catholic Schools.”
“Grandparents are the plus. They are the keepers of family history and traditions. They are the plus for us as a school. They are the plus for families and they are the plus for America,” Italiano said.
The students sang eight songs to a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 people during the program, with eight of the children introducing the selections. The program also included selected students reciting poetry.
Grandparents and special guests came to the program from as far away as Texas and even India.
“We have had an overwhelming response to our program today. This is the 16th year this program has been held,” said Mary Anne Critell, a kindergarten teacher at the school.
After the performance, students and their guests were treated to refreshments, including pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins and apple cider.
The students were also able to take their grandparents and special guests back to their classrooms for a visit.