WITH A BUSHY WHITE mustache, oversized gold circular glasses and silver hair, 5-year-old Luke Gonzalez was pretending to be 100 years old. But as he and his kindergarten classmates were only pretending to be centenarians, there was one thing they didn’t have to pretend: They actually were 100 days smarter.
“I learned how to count by 1s, 5s and 10s,” Gonzalez said. “I learned how to read.”
Ms. Jessica James’ kindergarten class at St. Juliana Falconieri Catholic School celebrated their 100th day of school on Feb. 5 with special centers on all things 100: stacking 100 cups, rolling dice to 100 and writing 100 words. Many of the students also took the opportunity to dress up in their best grandparent fashion, donning spectacles, gray hair, bowties for boys, dresses and cardigans for girls.
The day was about having fun and making memories, but also about celebrating the students’ progress and many successes, James said.
“The emotional changes you see from day one all the way to day 100 is huge, and being with them every day, eight hours a day, five days a week, it’s crazy to see them grow academically, in their faith, socially, emotionally,” James added.
Principal Manuel Gonzales said recognizing 100 days has a faith aspect too: being compassionate for the elderly.
“We’re teaching caring for those older than us, and recognizing those individuals,” he said.
Sara Barrios said she couldn’t believe how quickly the time had gone and has been impressed by what her daughter Emma, 6, has learned so far. From sounding out words on street signs to reading menus at restaurants, Barrios said she hopes her daughter is proud of how much she had accomplished.
“We’ve seen so much growth in her,” Barrios added.
Kindergartner Brooklyn Vasquez, 5, said she was nervous on the first day of school, but she’s not nervous anymore. She said she likes school and has learned her letters and sight words, but her favorite part of school is using technology to play keyboard games.
Dana Kim, 5, said she has also learned her letters and numbers, but she is most proud of the fact that she can count by 5s.
Many of the children said that centers, where students rotate around the room doing different learning activities, were their favorite part of kindergarten.
“My favorite part is centers, eating snacks, and everything,” said 6-year-old Samuel Corona.
While dressed up as centenarians, students imagined what their lives would be like in the year 2119. Corona said he thought it would be the “best time.”
“I can stay home, and I can’t work. I’ll watch TV,” he said.
Emma Barrio imagined another future.
“You ride a unicorn!” she laughed.
While no one knows what life will be like then, Sara Barrios said she knows her daughter has been given a strong foundation, thanks to St. Juliana.
“The growth, I hope it will continue,” she said. “I hope it doesn’t stop, and I know that it won’t, because she is constantly being challenged. If she’s accomplished this much in just the first 100 days, I’m sure the sky’s the limit.”