Oak Knoll’s youngest students — affectionately dubbed our “Little Acorns” pre-K — officially moved up to Kindergarten on June 2, 2023, during a joyful celebration in Bonaventura Chapel in the Lower School. Parents/guardians, grandparents, siblings, faculty, and staff were in attendance to cheer them on, listen to several rousing songs, and applaud them as they received their moving-up certificates. They will join an inbound cohort of new Kindergarten students next year to form the backbone of Oak Knoll’s Class of 2036.

“This year we have loved nurturing and caring for your students, and they have grown so much,” said Lower School Division Head Christine Spies in her opening remarks. “We have taught them the values of compassion, empathy, and kindness, and we have encouraged them to look at the world with wonder and gratitude. And so today we’re here to celebrate them.”

After the welcome from Ms. Spies, a prayer recited by the pre-K students, and the pledge of allegiance, the Little Acorns sang a Spanish and English welcome song, a Spanish folk song, and an English language song entitled “When I grow Up” — a special original song written by the preschool students about what they want to be when they are older.

Pre-K Teacher Melissa Germinario then read the students “I Wish You More,” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Ms. Spies presented them with Moving-Up Certificates. Next, Creative Movement Teacher Kelly Hartmann and Music Teacher Brigid Smircich led the students in a final performance entitled, “Off to Kindergarten,” set to the tune of “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain.” The celebration ended with a special video slideshow set to music containing photos of the students throughout their year. Family members then exited to the pre-K classroom for an informal reception.

The Class of 2036 is Oak Knoll’s third pre-K class to move up to kindergarten since Oak Knoll established the co-educational program in 2020. Founded on the same guiding principles of Holy Child education, these Little Acorns develop a love of learning that inspires them to approach each new challenge with a joyful spirit and sparks critical thinking through purposeful play. Interested in learning more about our Little Acorns? Find out here.