Sara Sandstrom, Nederland. With a few days of school remaining in the 2020-2021 school year Nederland Elementary School (NES) kindergarteners, in person learners, had a party to celebrate their accomplishments. 

Kindergarten teacher Meaghan McLuckie led her students in reading a couple poems. Then they each shared what they wanted to do to help make the world a better place. The answers ranged from picking up garbage to being helpful and kind. 

Parents were able to be part of the program via Google Meet. Miss Meaghan put together a slideshow of photos from the school year. There were lots of giggles and cheers from the kindergarteners as they loved seeing each other on the big screen. 

After the kindergarteners waved goodbye to their families they enjoyed a snack.  

This group of kindergarteners had a most unusual year to start their time in elementary school. They have persevered. They have connected with each other, become friends and learned what is expected of a kindergartener. They have persevered in a year like no other.

Congratulations, kindergarteners! In person kindergarten learners this year at NES were: Aiden Alper, Conner August, Makaya Basdeo, Hatcher Bradley, Brogan Coykendall, Lorenzo Decapio, Emmett Dewart, Anna Giecold, Knox Harmon, Madalyn Horst, Case Jarril, George Jarril, Sylvan Kirk, Corbyn MacGregor, Timofey Samsonov, Vivian Siebert, Beatrix Wickre. 

(Originally published in the May 27, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)