For many, kindergarten is their first experience of all-day school, riding a bus, eating in a cafeteria, and interacting in an environment with more children – and adults- than ever before! While learning through a global pandemic was not on the expected list of “firsts” for Northern Chautauqua Catholic School’s class of kindergarteners, Principal Andy Ludwig and kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Privitera were not about to let kindergarten graduation go unnoticed or uncelebrated.

Privitera, who began teaching at NCCS in 2012, told the OBSERVER that normally, kindergarten graduation is held in the gymnasium, but the closure of school in mid-March was a surprise for all. “We went from being with each other every day for five days a week, to abruptly not seeing each other at all,” said Privitera. “Seeing my students through Zoom meetings, photos and videos is not the same as seeing them in person.”

Together with Ludwig, first grade teacher Kristine Potter, and other NCCS faculty, Privitera organized a car parade to travel to each of her eleven students’ homes to recognize their graduation. NCCS grandmother Melanie Sliwa had special kindergarten graduation lawn signs made, and Deb Rozumalski, another NCCS grandmother, contributed commemorative t-shirts.

Ludwig told the OBSERVER, “The NCCS staff then took the graduation ceremony on the road traveling to Cassadaga, Conewango Valley, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Portland and Westfield.” Honking horns announced the parade’s arrival, and Privitera presented each student with a diploma and a bag of treats. Ludwig planted the recognition sign on the lawn, and each student received a standing ovation from their teachers before the caravan moved on to the next home.

Emma Kinslow of Portland was thrilled to be recognized in NCCS’ kindergarten graduation car parade this week. Submitted Photo

Privitera recalled, “For most of the children, this was a surprise to them, and you could tell by the look on their faces as a parade of vehicles pulled up to their homes with graduation music playing and horns beeping. Many of the children were speechless…”

Ken and Michelle Kinslow of Portland have two children at NCCS: kindergartener Emma and third grader Sophia. While Sophia had a traditional kindergarten graduation, her father told the OBSERVER that Emma’s non-traditional car parade was no less special.

“To have that same kind of excitement and enthusiasm for their students even during this difficult time is incredible,” he said. “Emma lit up with joy when they came by! She was smiling and jumping up and down, just so excited to see her teachers and principal again.”

According to Erik and Arielle Karlstrom of Westfield, the kindergarten parade was the cherry on top of an incredible first year at NCCS for son, Erik Jr. “The education he’s getting is unbelievable,” said Arielle, who noticed that her son needed a challenge after one month in his home district. “My son is learning Spanish in kindergarten! The NCCS experience has been absolutely magnificent.”

Erik was thrilled to see his teacher and principal during the car parade. “I’ve never met a principal like Mr. Ludwig, who takes time out of his day to walk through the school with a student who is upset, to talk with them. He even gives a special birthday gift to each student–Erik got to choose a Batman costume, which he loves!”

Scarlett Stankey of Conewango Valley is a proud kindergarten graduate of NCCS. “During this pandemic, NCCS went out of their way to show love and compassion to their students by making graduation feel special and personal,” her mother, Kate Stankey, told the OBSERVER. Submitted Photo

While he will miss Mrs. Privitera, Erik is looking forward to first grade with Mrs. Potter, whom he already knows. “I don’t think there’s one person that hasn’t addressed him by name in the school,” said Karlstrom. “Knowing that these are going to be the kids that he’ll go all the way through eighth grade with is really special. It’s a very personal experience. That’s all I can say: It’s one big family.”

Even though school has been closed since mid-March, Bria Thies still received her kindergarten diploma from teacher Elizabeth Privitera during NCCS’ car parade. Submitted Photo

Kindergarten graduate Erik Karlstrom of Westfield was recognized by Northern Chautauqua Catholic School with a special car parade. He is pictured here with his kindergarten teacher, Elizabeth Privitera, and Principal Andy Ludwig. Submitted Photo