Applegate ambassadors visit with preschoolers

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Pre-school students at the Freehold Township Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), Stillwells Corner Road, had an opportunity to spend time with fifth grade student ambassadors from the C. Richard Applegate School on Feb. 16. The fifth-graders read stories, sang songs and organized activities for the preschoolers during the school day in an effort to demonstrate kindness and leadership in the school community.

According to a press release from the school district, 30 students serve as ambassadors for Applegate to promote projects, activities and the spirit of the school. The ambassadors meet monthly with Principal Barbara Longo for workshops and planning of activities. The students have been eagerly planning their visit to the ECLC over the past month by organizing projects and discussing ideas with Longo and guidance counselor Peggy Grady.

"These students have become role models within the school," Longo said. "They work together to develop leadership and communication skills

and demonstrate pillars of character

education."

According to the press release, the Applegate pupils' enthusiasm was evident as the ambassadors worked with the preschool students to create craft projects and take part in some of the young students' daily classroom activities.

ECLC teacher Sharon Calder was impressed with the student interaction.

"They are doing a great job and the craft project they had planned was wonderful," she said.

After completing their flower pot craft, Calder asked the three ambassadors in her class, Dan Cardone, Antonio Luzba and Robert Pajor, to be involved in center time with the children before moving on to their next planned activity. Before long, the preschoolers were asking the fifth-graders to build with blocks and play at the sand table.

"The students had a phenomenal time, networked well and have been invited back in the spring," Longo said.

As a final aspect of this community project, the fifth-graders will write thank you notes to send to ECLC teachers and write articles about their experiences for the school Web site.

In order to become an ambassador for Applegate, students fill out an application and state why they feel they would be a good role model. Students also need to maintain good grades and positive behavior, and be able to perform ambassador club duties during and after school.

"It is a great experience for the kids," Longo said.