Owen is a Panther

This year Owen is attending Panther Pals pre-school at a local high school through a program that gives juniors and seniors the opportunity to put what they've learned about early childhood education into action.

Under the watchful supervision of Mrs. Rudy, the high schoolers make and implement lesson plans, plan learning and physical activities, and practice classroom skills. The school follows the Maryland Model for School Readiness to prepare for kindergarten. I was especially attracted to this program because the small class size (only 11 kids) lends itself to lots of one-on-one teacher/student interaction (and OK, it didn't hurt that the cost was waaaayyy less than Owen's preschool last year).

We had orientation last Friday, where Owen met his special Teen Teachers, Miss Brittany and Miss Jamie. Today was the first official day of school, and I was so proud of Owen for happily heading off to class and coming out an hour later all smiles and telling me about the ant book they read.


Ready to go, armed with apples for his teachers.


Waiting in the pick-up lane before school.


Off he goes!