This is the third in a five-part series highlighting stories of parents’ experiences in the Hoboken Public Schools Kindergarten program at the four elementary schools in the district.
Every parent hopes for their child to have the best experience in Kindergarten. They hope for them to be safe, to feel cared for, to feel important, and to grow socially, emotionally, and academically. We are fortunate enough to live in a progressive city with public schools that offer more than just the basics. My family has been blessed to be a part of the Calabro school community for the past six years.
Our relationship with Calabro School started in September 2011 when our first daughter Briana entered Kindergarten. At the time, we were expecting our second daughter Isabella, and we were worried about Briana starting a new “big kid” school and becoming a big sister. Briana was also on the younger side, having celebrated her fifth birthday that August. We were pleasantly surprised on Kindergarten Night when we met Briana’s teacher and her assistant. It is always a reassuring sign when the staff in a school are happy, kind, pleasant, and welcoming. We knew this would be a safe place for Briana. Being an early childhood educator myself, I felt confident that the environment my daughter was joining was going to be a place for her to learn and grow. It was a good fit for our family.
Now let’s fast forward to the present, with our second daughter now in Calabro’s Kindergarten class, and Briana in sixth grade. It is incredible how fast time has gone by, but as many parents know the precious memories of our children’s first experiences last forever. I can still remember walking up Sixth Street from Clinton to Park while holding Briana’s small hand, and talking about all the fun she would have in her new school. Now we have similar conversations with Isabella, but she has a different experience having known many of the teachers and staff since she was born. Before she started school I showed her a book that Mrs. Aiello and Briana’s classmates made for Briana when Isabella was born. I shared with her the pictures of the fun activities Briana participated in, and the art work she created. This year she joined her sister in the Calabro community feeling like she always belonged. The greatest thing about Kindergarten at Calabro is a feeling of belonging and importance whether it is their first or fiftieth time entering the school. The strong sense of community and level of respect given towards all is what makes it unique. Dr. Vespignani (the principal), the teachers, support staff, and PTO all work together to make Calabro a great place, and are always working to make it even better.
Our experience at Calabro has been even more than what we ever expected, and we are very proud of the education our children are receiving. Isabella has become more independent, self-reflective, and has formed new friendships. I look at the kind, caring, compassionate, and articulate preteen Briana has grown into, and I know that her school life has played an important role. I asked her what her favorite thing about Calabro is and she replied, “My friends, I’ve known them for so long I can’t remember not being friends with them. I actually miss school on vacations because I don’t get to see them. I also love my teachers.” That to me speaks so many words.
~Eva Jeffries-Ziff, A Proud Calabro Mom
