Kindergarten class of 2006 graduates from Turrell Learning Center

Kindergarten graduates from Turrell (Paramus, NJ) June 16, 2006 – “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!” With these words from the classic Dr. Seuss book, “Oh the places you’ll go!” the Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center, a division of Paramus-based Children's Aid and Family Services, recently held its graduation for the kindergarten class of 2006, sending them off for the summer as they prepare to enter first grade in the fall.
Donning traditional blue caps and gowns, the excited group of 17 kindergartners walked down the aisle, one by one, beaming with smiles as they took their seats. Enthusiastic teacher Kristen Averna welcomed the proud parents and teachers to the ceremony, praising the class’s accomplishments. She then proceeded to hand out individual awards to the children, which included most polite, best artist, and best dancer. Once the awards were handed out, Ms. Averna read the opening passages from the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the places you’ll go!” The children each stood up and read a different passage to the audience.

After they finished reading, each class member stood up and told the audience where they would go if they had the chance to visit anywhere in the world. Their answers varied from The Great Wall of China, to Hollywood, to Disney World. Ms. Averna then emphasized that, “No matter where you want to go, you can’t go anywhere without wishes and dreams.”

The class followed by singing “A Dream is a wish your heart makes,” from Disney’s Cinderella. They proceeded to share their own wishes with the audience, which included being a princess, having a baby brother, and becoming a veterinarian.

The rest of the ceremony was filled with song as the class performed renditions of
“Wishes,” the Disney Fireworks Show song, and “Share a dream come true,” the theme
song of Disney World. Finally, the class marched off to a unique version of “Pomp and Circumstance,” featured in the Disney film, Fantasia.

Since its establishment more than 30 years ago, Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center has become Bergen County’s childcare center of choice for thousands of families. Turrell, a fully licensed, accredited, nonprofit child care center, serves children 8 weeks to kindergarten. It features large sunny classrooms, an age-appropriate comprehensive curriculum, and freshly prepared nutritional meals and snacks.

Additionally, a summer camp program is offered to children previously enrolled in Turrell Child Care & Early Learning Center or who are siblings of those currently enrolled. The fun, educational, and informative program features a unique theme every week, filled with creative, hands-on activities. Examples of past theme weeks include science week, western week, carnival week, fiesta week, and rock and roll week.

For more information, or to sign up for the program, contact Sandy Richards at 201-261-5970.