At the beginning of every school year, parents are provided with a school calendar including special events. School vacations and holidays follow the Wachusett Regional School District calendar. Snow days also follow WRSD, but families are also encouraged to do what’s best for the safety of their family.
Special events provide an opportunity for family involvement, with several annual activities that we look forward to every year!
Field Trips
All classes enjoy two field trips every year. While parents do have to provide (or arrange) transportation to and from the field trip, parents are not required to stay for the event (though many do!) Every October, our classes meet at Clearview Farm in Sterling for a visit to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. After they pick apples and pumpkins, they enjoy circle time with themed songs, a story, and end the day enjoying fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts! Each child leaves with a small bag of apples and a small pumpkin to enjoy at home. Every April, classes meet at Davis Farmland in Sterling to experience a farmer-led tour of the animal showcase and hay ride. The trip ends with a circle time of themed songs, story and shared snack. At the end of the session, families are welcome to stay at the farm as long as they wish.
Programs
Parents, caregivers and extended families are welcome to attend three special performances every year. In October, we show off our costumes and sing some “spooky” songs at our Halloween Parade! Afterward, families are welcome to enjoy pumpkin muffins and apple cider! We hold a Holiday Program right before December break. Students perform a retelling of a fun holiday book, and sing a few favorite songs, before joining their families for cookies! Our Recognition Day Program takes place on the last day of school in May. We revisit many months of the school year by singing our favorite songs, as we think about the summer to come! Children and their guests are invited to celebrate the day with ice cream sundaes!
Family Fun
There are many opportunities for family involvement throughout the year, including a few special events specifically for our VGP families! Every October, we host a Family Fun Night, featuring snacks, entertainment, and a food drive dropoff for Wachusett Food Pantry. Also in October, our preschool sponsors the Sterling community-wide Spookywalk, a trick-or-treat event visiting Main Street Sterling businesses and local organizations. Students are sure to see their classmates during the Trick-or-Treating parade, and even get to pick up treats from their teachers! In March, the Parent Advisory Board hosts a Spaghetti Supper and Art Show, providing an opportunity to sit and mingle with other VGP families while admiring walls adorned with beautiful artwork created by the children! This dinner also includes a raffle full of great prizes, and marks the start of our online auction. And finally, our school year isn’t complete without our spring Field Day in May. Students and caregivers enjoy an active day outside with games and obstacle courses!
