When it comes to hosting a fun and heartwarming event, it’s easy as “ABC” for staff and students at Dutchess BOCES’ Salt Point Center (SPC).
Kindergarten and first grade students in Jen Florio’s, Marisa Poltack’s, Christy Campanaro’s and Erika Fraizer’s classes welcomed families to SPC’s gym June 24 for an Alphabet Parade and Ceremony to commemorate the end of a great school year.
Students strutted into the gym wearing homemade alphabet vests bearing a letter and words that start with that letter to, appropriately, the Jackson Five’s “ABC” before performing two songs, accompanied by music teacher Angela Crisci on guitar. Dance teacher Kathy Muenz encouraged students and audience members to clap along.
Principal Melissa Murphy thanked families for their unwavering support and the teacher teams for their creativity and hard work. She explained that this event was more than just a fun performance.
“It’s a celebration of all the learning, growing and confidence these young students have built over the past 10 months,” Murphy said. “They’ve grown in every way, academically, socially and emotionally and growth is a journey to show how far each student has come.”
Before ending the event with a dance, Murphy left students with this advice.
“Keep being curious, keep being kind and remember that you’re ready for all that comes next,” Murphy said. “We are so proud of you.”
First grader Noah DeSario had fun at the celebration and enjoyed designing his vest with letter C on it and items that start with C, like a cake and a candle.
“It was fun coloring it,” DeSario said. “I made the ‘C.’”
