Early Childhood Center celebrates end of the school year

Emmett Kneir posed for a quick photo while enjoying a sucker before heading out the double doors of the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center program Wednesday morning.

Once the 3-year-old returns next school year, Kneir will be one of the “big kids” at the school.

“I think he’s looking forward to summer more,” mom Whitney Kneir said.

Isaiai Hopson of Mrs. Traci Allen’s A.M. class receives his Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center end of the year certificate from teacher’s assistant, Jennifer Vancil. DAR/Denise Kinder

Students from the Early Childhood Center closed their school year with a musical program for friends and family entitled “We’re a Rainbow of Possibilities.”

Students were also presented with certificates at the conclusion of their class performances.

Kneir said she enjoyed the program and believed her son did as well.

Nancy Gill’s A.M. class at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center performed a rendition of “Baby Shark Graduation” for family and friends. DAR/Denise Kinder

“He participated unlike his brother who usually just stands there,” she said with a smile.

Before heading home to officially begin summer, Kneir spoke highly of the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center and its teachers.

“It can’t get much better in my opinion,” she said. “I’ve had kids here for years and the teachers love their kids.”

Paul Savat, Logan Hillis, Marnie Ray and Lincoln Moffitt of Mrs. Lori Bullington’s class spot their family members in attendance at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center’s end of the year program. DAR/Denise Kinder

Parents Brittany Emerson and Jermayne Price also agreed all their children have enjoyed their time at the Early Childhood Center.

“I love that they get to learn before entering school and make friends,” Emerson said.

With two children currently attending the Early Childhood Center, Emerson said she “knows for sure they love their teachers, playing, learning and snacks.”

Joshua Gill of Mrs. Pam Stucker’s class is presented his end of the year certificates from the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center by teacher’s assistant Calli Cutts as his classmates watch. DAR/Denise Kinder

Calisia Price, 3, and 4-year-old Jemari Price heard their older sibling talk about his time at the school and couldn’t wait for their turn.

“We just love it here,” Emerson said.

With the conclusion of another school year, Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center Director JoAnne Westbrook praised the hard work everyone put into the musical program.

Harper Paukner, Aarianna Johnson and Elliot Bray sing “Herman the Worm” and dance during the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center’s program. DAR/Denise Kinder

Great teachers and families who support the school every day make everything go a lot smoother, she said, which is the case at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood Center.

“Thank you for sharing your children with us,” Westbrook said.