Lily-Ann Kelly was wide-eyed as she entered the pajama-themed Winter Wonderland Dec. 9 at Birdneck Elementary School.
Dressed in “Bluey” nightwear, the Trantwood Elementary pre-kindergarten student headed toward a variety of fun activities spread out between the cafeteria, gymnasium and library.
Her mother A’Lexus Kelly and little sister followed behind.
“She couldn’t wait to come,” said Kelly.
Several hundred pre-K students from 56 classes within 36 elementary schools and their families attended one of four Winter Wonderlands held in December. Birdneck, Parkway, Diamond Springs and Kempsville elementary schools hosted the events.
VBCPS Title I/Pre-K Coordinator Becca Carter said the annual evening celebration brings the school community together for an evening of learning, playing and making lasting memories.
“We value family engagement,” she said. “That’s where the games come into play.”
The activities aligned with curriculum core skills, focusing on reading, math and fine/gross motor play, explained director of Title I Programs Laura Silverman. Inquiry and communication are encouraged in pre-K, Silverman said.
The Corporate Landing Middle School choir sang holiday tunes in the cafeteria while students played games.
Cooke Elementary pre-kindergarteners Noah Troutman and Natalia Ortiz rushed to get as many cotton balls into a bowl as possible within a minute. They practiced their fine motor skills using plastic tweezers in the “Snowball Minute to Win It” game.
The gym was abuzz with a variety of fun challenges.
Birdneck Elementary pre-K student Olivia Morales and her brother did some jumping jacks and lunges.
Nearby, Trantwood Elementary pre-K teachers Jennifer DeLashmutt and Dare Wallace helped students toss fuzzy snowballs into the air with a parachute.
“We love to see the kids and all the holiday joy,” Wallace said. DeLashmutt said it was fun engaging with students and their families after school hours.
The photo station was busy as families took selfies in front of a winter backdrop or had their photos taken by First Colonial High freshman Chloe Duncan and Olivia Kelley, a sophomore at the Entrepreneurial & Business Academy at Kempsville High.
Salem High sophomore Gabrielle Clarke also volunteered.
“It’s heartwarming to see everyone enjoying themselves,” she said.
Birdneck Elementary pre-K teacher Donna Higgins chatted with families in the library as students counted and placed stickers onto paper snow globes and penguins, fished for snowflakes in a plastic pool, and more.
Higgins said parent communication is a key part of student success. “We want them to view us as partners in their child’s education.”
Naiya Marie Magno, a Birdneck Elementary pre-K student, was proud of her snow globe artwork. Her mother, Lalea Magno, said she plans to incorporate some of the fun activities at home, especially during the holiday break.
Vilmarys Pichardo followed behind her daughter Livvy Mohanram as the Ocean Lakes pre-kindergartener raced down the hall toward one final activity before heading home.
“This is really special,” Mohanram said. “There is a big sense of community here.”
