Twenty-two 4-year-olds could barely contain their excitement as they explored the “picnic grounds” of the Stockbridge School they will be attending this September.

On Monday evening, May 11, the children each brought a Teddy Bear and parent to the first Teddy Bear Picnic held at Stockbridge School.

    The children viewed the rooms where they will have class this fall including art, music and physical education. They enjoyed time running through the gym as part of their tour.  

The picnic was arranged by Stockbridge pre-kindergarten teacher, Cathie Rohloff, as an informal way to acquaint the children and their parents with the four year old program they will attend this fall.

    “Stockbridge School is unique in so many ways,” said Rohloff.  “We are able to adapt quickly and meet the needs of students in appropriate ways. For example, when four year old attendee Joseph Z. informed us he had been known as “J.R.” since birth, his “Joseph” name tag was quickly replaced with “J.R.”

      “I believe Stockbridge is one of only a handful of districts in Wisconsin to offer a full day program for four year olds five days per week. The Teddy Bear picnic is a comfortable way to begin the contact with the child and family that can last for years to come.”

    According to District Administrator, Dave Moscinski, the 22 children registered for the upcoming pre-kindergarten program will represent the largest class in the 240 student school district.

    A picnic dinner of hot dogs with trimmings, chips, “bear trail mix” and juice was served by Food Service personnel Mary Hauser and Jane Propson. Afterward, the children gathered round to hear a reading of “The Teddy Bear’s Picnic” by School Su”bear”intendent, Moscinski.

The 68 attendees were then divided into four groups based on the color of their “Paw Tag”. Student volunteers from the high school led the children and parents through each of four, fifteen minute informational presentations.

    The children enjoyed a Play Dough play session with specialists Carrie Nickel, Char Skalmusky and Andrea Parish. Cathie Rohloff and aide, Dawn Dupont, helped the children become acquainted with their classroom. School counselor, Mike Valentyn, offered a tour of the school facilities. Parent Teacher Organization officers, Sheri Klein and Lisa Averkamp informed parents of the numerous contributions made by the PTO.

    At 6:30 everyone returned to the picnic grounds in the cafeteria for “cub”cakes baked by the teachers and ice cream sandwiches donated by the PTO. The children then took their parents and Teddy Bear home to sleep “because they’re tired little teddy bears.”

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