Local preschoolers give back

Sonja Rayki with daughter Julia and friend Spencer meet Coil, a black rat snake adopted by St. Paul's Cooperative Preschool.

People are never too young to make a difference in the lives of others. Learning the value of giving back is an important part of the curriculum at St. Paul’s Cooperative Preschool.

St. Paul's has a long tradition of community outreach and support. The preschool’s latest project let children take on responsibility while experiencing the excitement and satisfaction of helping animals. The children partnered with the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center, a refuge for animals that are not able to survive in their natural habitat.

After learning about the various animals at the center, the preschoolers voted to adopt Coil, a black rat snake. Coil has been imprinted, meaning that he has grown too accustomed to human interaction to live in the wild.

Coil was the guest of honor at the school’s pancake breakfast. The children met the snake and some of his wildlife center companions during an outreach program conducted by center staff.

The children donated supplies needed to care for and rehabilitate the many injured animals housed there. The children and their families also raised money toward Coil’s upkeep at the wildlife center. 

“St. Paul’s Cooperative Preschool is very committed to providing children with a broad range of experiences, incorporating principles that create a foundation for civic responsibility and empathy,” said Gina Gillombardo, a school parent. “I love that they recognize the importance of building strong citizens of the future.”

Kirsten Radivoyevitch

Kirsten Radivoyevitch is an early childhood educator and mother of four.

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Volume 5, Issue 5, Posted 11:52 AM, 05.02.2012