The Catskill Chronicle

As five-year-old Mikyla Sheehan peered through one of the large front windows of the Emma C. Chase Elementary School, she said to her mom, “When does school start, I’m ready!” Although it wasn’t quite yet the first day of school, it was officially Mikyla’s first day as a kindergarten student. (Mikayla is pictured at left with her mom and Chase principal Susan Gottlieb.)

Every year the Chase PTO sponsors its Kindergarten Kick-Off to help familiarize youngsters with their new school.

The well-attended event included fun and games, refreshments and a gift of school supplies for each child courtesy of the PTO. Students and parents also had the opportunity to meet teachers and visit classrooms.

“This is going to be a great year,” said PTO President Laurlyn Radlein. “With the increase in the number of students, we’re looking forward to an increase in parent involvement. This is really exciting!”

With this year’s redistricting of the elementary schools, in addition to servicing the Wurtsboro area, Chase is also welcoming students from Glen Wild and Rock Hill.

According to parent Kenneth Pounder, (pictured at right with five-year-old twins Kennedy (left) and Elijah and Monticello High School sophomore Caitlin Radlein who volunteered to help out with the day’s event) he was very happy about the change for a few reasons. The school is closer to his home and he approves of the cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity that the school’s curriculum promotes. According to their dad, the twins, who already know how to read and write a little, are looking forward to school and learning more things!

As for Mikyla, by the day’s end, she had already made new friends, was ready to learn and was extremely excited about her first ride ever on the big yellow bus.