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Old Stone pre-school celebrates 20 years with ice cream social, open house
By Marianne Mueller
REPORTER
Sounds of fun and laughter were heard on the grounds of the Old Stone School pre-school on Sunday, Aug. 7. Current and past students were joined by the public in celebrating and reflecting on 20 years of a place where educational futures began.
The Rockton Police Department was on site to greet everyone and to take part in the day’s celebration.
Young ones played games such as bag tosses, ring tosses; Nerf darts, or took aim in hitting soft sporty themed toys into water buckets. Playground equipment saw great action. All took a break to enjoy ice cream.
Teachers Donna Benjamin and Corene Combs received warm smiles and lots of big hugs. In a show of loving affection for their teachers students presented them with an artistic studio chair. Beautiful flowers and the words “Thank you for directing us in the way to grow” covered this detailed gift. Behind the director’s chair were a large row of poster boards full of photographed memories created a nostalgic journey.
The Old Stone Pre-school was established in 1996. Since opening doors to quality education in a cozy, comfortable one room school house to young minds of three year olds and Pre-K students. Teachers are always shaping futures of little ones in a positive light.
“Our goal has always been to provide an educational program that enhances growth and development of each child,” said Benjamin. “We strive to provide a safe and supportive environment that promotes each child’s self-confidence, creativity and curiosity for learning.”
The celebration served as a day of reflection touching many former graduates. The very first class at Old Stone Pre-School has just graduated from college.
Former classmates came out to celebrate the years of success and to give praise for the experience had.
“I remember going to school where we had a perfect mix of learning time and play time, “said 2001 graduate Briana Tresmer.
“I have kept in touch with the teachers for a long time. Everybody has a favorite teacher and because of my favorite I was inspired to go into the field of elementary education. Forty friends came back here to take photos before our high school graduation,” Tresmer adds.
“This is where we met and it was the start of a long lasting, beautiful friendship.”
“It has been our honor and privilege to know that we had a part in their educational journey, “said Benjamin and Combs.
Another former student has found great success in his lifetime and he also credits the Old Stone Pre-School.
“I attended the Old Stone Pre-School from 1996-1997. While I don’t remember much I do remember a few things. I remember the slide on the inside of the schoolhouse, doing the Pledge of Allegiance and finding a massive Earthworm on the playground among the dark brown mulch,” said Hayden Adams Sherwood.
“I was the ‘line leader’ for my class. Above all, I remember our teachers. I believe that my pre-school education at Old Stone helped me prepare tremendously for the many years of schooling I had ahead of me.
“I remember being very well-equipped in learning the alphabet in Kindergarten; after all we had learned it already! This is just one example of many although I didn’t know it then my pre-school experiences helped me lay the foundation for many educational successes I had in the coming years.”
Today Sherwood is age 23 and living in Chicago. He works full time as a Transaction Coordinator for Redfin, a nationwide Real Estate brokerage company that embraces technology to provide a 21st Century experience to people who want to buy or sell a home.
Sherwood graduated last year from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Psychology. Prior to that he attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA for three years. While attending Coe in the fall of 2013 Sherwood participated in a semester-long internship for Congressman Adam Kinzinger. “That was an experience I will never forget,” says Sherwood.
“I still hope to attend law school and to pursue my study of politics. I am immensely grateful for the educational foundations set by the Old Stone Pre-School that helped to get me where I am today.”
Sitting right next to the Church by the Side of the Road The Old Stone Pre-School is open Monday through Friday with a.m. and p.m. session times available. New sessions for the 2016-2017 year are starting the day after Labor Day.
Currently 72 families have students at the school. Two certified, experienced teachers work through a state licensed program. A strong foundation in Literacy and phonics awareness is promised.
Accommodations are made to fit all learning styles. Parental involvement remains at the forefront as a blend of learning in the classrooms spills over into homes of students.
The Old Stone Pre-School is up to new age technology. A facebook page and website outline details of this all-inclusive program.
Twenty years and going strong the Old Stone Pre-School is a true gem of the ages; a starting point leading to future growth of all students blessed to be a part of this unique school.
