Schools
Peter Rabbit Visits Wright Start Preschoolers in Exeter
Peter Rabbit made a special appearance Thursday at Seacoast School of Technology's 25th annual Beatrix Potter Tea Party.
EXETER, NH — Wright Start Preschool students got to spend a special day with Peter Rabbit on Thursday, during the Seacoast School of Technology's 25th annual Beatrix Potter Tea Party. The day coincided with the preschool students completing their learning activities about the author — over the past month, SST students in careers in education have been reading Peter Rabbit stories to the younger students and guiding them through themed activities related to the mischievous bunny.
"They love learning about Beatrix Potter and the tea party is a big hit every year," said Exeter High School senior Allison MacDougall, one of the students in careers in education.
The Wright Start Preschool is part of SST. When the preschool students arrived on Thursday, they and their invited guests followed a rose petal pathway to Julia's Restaurant, where careers in education students had decorated tables with tea pots, tea cups, napkins and plates. On their way in, the preschoolers got to pet the two rabbits from Animal and Plant Science Department.
The culinary arts students had also spent a week preparing homemade savory and sweet snacks, including baby English muffin sandwiches, honey barbecue chicken sliders, two types of quiches, macaroni and cheese in edible cups, and, of course, carrot cake.
At one of the tables, 4-year-old Piper Frotton of Newfields was sitting with her parents enjoying a cup of fruit-infused water.
"This has been the best program," said Piper's mother Lauren McGrath. "It's been fun to see what's going on in the preschool. Piper has been able to interact with all different teachers."
At another table, Forest Toomire, 4, of Epping, sat with his parents Chris and Chelsea Toomire, who are both former students of careers in education.
"It's very different to be here as a guest," said Chelea. "We know what goes into putting on the event, so we can appreciate it and enjoy it."
After the meals were finished, preschool teachers gathered up the students and let them know that Peter Rabbit was somewhere in the building, but they weren't sure where he was. The students had to look for him. When the preschoolers got back from searching for him in the hallways, they were in awe to see he had arrived and was already waiting for them.
The students then got busy petting and hugging Peter, and threw him a variety of questions. Peter answered by whispering to one of the teachers.
"Why did you go to Mr. McGregor's garden?" some students asked.
"Because he was hungry!" answered preschool teacher Stacey Jordan.
Peter the Rabbit eventually admitted that he had to go back home, because he hadn't told his mom where he would be.
"You're supposed to tell your mom!" said 3-year-old Calvin Worth of Freemont.
Peter the Rabbit then left the building, but not before taking group photos and getting some more hugs from the students.
"We love bringing the stories children are reading in the classroom to life and showcasing the great work going on at both schools every day," said Principal Margaret Callahan. "Every year students and teachers from Careers in Education, Culinary Arts, Digital Media Arts and Animal and Plant Science find new, creative ways to make this event so special for Wright Start Preschool students."
"It's very different to be here as a guest," said Chelea. "We know what goes into putting on the event, so we can appreciate it and enjoy it."
After the meals were finished, preschool teachers gathered up the students and let them know that Peter Rabbit was somewhere in the building, but they weren't sure where he was. The students had to look for him. When the preschoolers got back from searching for him in the hallways, they were in awe to see he had arrived and was already waiting for them.
The students then got busy petting and hugging Peter, and threw him a variety of questions. Peter answered by whispering to one of the teachers.
"Why did you go to Mr. McGregor's garden?" some students asked.
"Because he was hungry!" answered preschool teacher Stacey Jordan.
Peter the Rabbit eventually admitted that he had to go back home, because he hadn't told his mom where he would be.
"You're supposed to tell your mom!" said 3-year-old Calvin Worth of Freemont.
Peter the Rabbit then left the building, but not before taking group photos and getting some more hugs from the students.
"We love bringing the stories children are reading in the classroom to life and showcasing the great work going on at both schools every day," said Principal Margaret Callahan. "Every year students and teachers from Careers in Education, Culinary Arts, Digital Media Arts and Animal and Plant Science find new, creative ways to make this event so special for Wright Start Preschool students."
Find out what's happening in Exeterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.