On Saturday, June 17th, PHLpreK graduates and their families gathered at the Please Touch Museum to celebrate the first graduating class of PHLpreK, the City’s new, affordable quality pre-K program.
The ceremony was an opportunity for friends, family, and educators to celebrate some of our youngest students moving up from quality pre-K programs into Kindergarten. Nearly 800 children across the city are now ready for Kindergarten, thanks to PHLpreK.
The children were led into the Carousel House by the Mad Hatter for their special ceremony. Once the ceremony began one of the PHLpreK providers, Chris Gale from Casa Del Carmen, shared how PHLpreK has allowed his program to grow in quality and capacity.
This time last year we were STAR 2 serving about 40 children. Since #PHLpreK this year we are a STAR 4 facility serving 70+ kids #preKmoveup pic.twitter.com/BbOhkeyh1E
— Mayor's Office of Ed (@PHL_MOE) June 17, 2017
Mayor Kenney was also there to celebrate the graduates.
It’s so wonderful to be at the very first #PHLpreK graduation ceremony – a milestone we’ve been looking forward to for a long time now! pic.twitter.com/CIhslDXAxR
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 17, 2017
“When today’s graduates start Kindergarten, they will be better prepared academically, socially, and emotionally to embark on a lifetime of learning because of pre-K,” said Mayor Kenney. “Every child deserves these advantages. I applaud the parents, caregivers and educators who support our youngest learners, and the PHLpreK programs that are committed to providing quality early education.”
These grads represent 800 #PHLpreK kids starting K this fall–better prepared academically, socially & emotionally for a lifetime of learning pic.twitter.com/nHES4Ak2mm
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 17, 2017
The ceremony ended with all the children waving their caps in celebration of successfully completing pre-K. Afterwards they were treated to a ride on the carousel.
These #PHLpreK grads are going places! But first, it's time for a ride on the carousel! #preKmoveup @pleasetouch pic.twitter.com/9yMUgKSHBU
— Mayor's Office of Ed (@PHL_MOE) June 17, 2017
One last test for these #PHLpreK graduates: write your name! #preKmoveup pic.twitter.com/klinkb0BfE
— Mayor's Office of Ed (@PHL_MOE) June 17, 2017
Once the festivities were over, students and families were welcome to spend the rest of the day at the museum.
Congrats to our grads! Everyone here is so proud of you, and committed to your education & success. Kindergarten, here you come! #PHLpreK pic.twitter.com/Fw1wTtGX19
— Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) June 17, 2017