The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (March 13, 2011) – February 24 was the 100th day of classes at Liberty Elementary School, a momentous occasion for the kindergarteners.

In honor of the 100th day of 2011, students created a 100-car train that wound through the top floor of the eight-classroom addition.

The day gave kindergarteners a chance to work on math skills and also marked a significant milestone in their first year of school – the 100th day.

Throughout the kindergarten classes, activities like creating “100” crowns (crowns that had 100 objects on them), working within themes like “100 day sports day” and making necklaces with 100 pieces were part of the preparations for February 24.

“It really is a special accomplishment to reach 100 days and we try to make it as fun and educational as we can,” said kindergarten teacher Rachel Countryman. "The progress they have made certainly is cause for celebration.”

On their own, kindergarteners created a train car at home with their families. The cars ranged from the simple to the ornate and showed off the different things that were special to each student. The cars made up the 100-Day Train, and students sat in their cars while Principal Jeri Finnegan acted as the honorary conductor. Together with Principal Finnegan and their teachers, the entire kindergarten counted to 100 by ones, fives and tens and sang a counting song to the tune of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.”

In the past, the 100 day celebration would have featured 100 balloons in the elementary school cafeteria, but the new cafeteria ceiling is much higher. “Since we’re in our new building, we decided to create a new celebration,” explains kindergarten teacher Susan Daurio. “The kids had a great time – they even got a visit from the math Wizard (teacher Mr. Grant) who made an appearance in every classroom as Zero the Hero.”

Unlike other celebrations, the 100th day is important because it truly belongs to the students; a benchmark for themselves and their teachers of 100 days of learning. “I hope that somewhere inside of them they begin to realize they can set a goal (counting to 100), practice this skill each day and accomplish, or at least get closer, to the goal,” says Daurio. “In a society where everything happens in seconds, we have lost the skill of practicing and working hard to reach goals.”

(In top photo Shaniece Mckay (proprietor of the McKay Apple Company) sits proudly in her train car.)