After 5 years of roots, we were handed off to earn our wings and headed to kindergarten. Bedecked in our cotton dresses and tie shoes - half full of fear and the other half anticipation. A world of songs and stories, cookies and milk awaited- along with new friends and a broadening vision of the universe. Hadn’t home and the backyard and the grocery store been enough?

All grades kindergarten to 12 fit snuggly into the original Pierson High School building. If I remember correctly the kindergarten classroom was the first door to the right after entering in the “girl’s door” of the school. A combination of wood and chalkboard.

Mrs. Edwards was the quintessential embodiment of a kindergarten teacher - the face and soul of a universal grandmother - loving, trusting, encouraging. Donning a simple frock, sensible shoes and short wavy hair. Her sturdy frame and kindness helped us to feel safe in this brave new world. There were some who weren’t ready - who cried and pleaded to go home but they were gently coaxed into the fold.

There was an AM kindergarten and a PM kindergarten which switched halfway through the year. Everyday gave way to cookies and milk and an assigned mom would be responsible for bringing in a bag of Oreos or chocolate chips! Served with a half pint of cold whole milk with a paper straw- it seemed like a small communal gift from heaven.

We drew and painted and cut and glued with little globs of paste put at our tables on small pieces of scrap paper. Using chunky crayons, we started to replicate our world - trees, clouds, houses, the sun - toothless pumpkins, hand turkeys and smiling snowmen. We were gently led to literacy by merely being encouraged to love a good story and become familiar with letters and writing our names. Colors, shapes, kindness camaraderie- no one seemed to be a hurry. Our report card reflected the importance of listening, trying, being a good person and working well with others.

When spring began to hint of Easter, we were instructed to each bring in shoe box complete with air holes. Our class was bussed -a huge adventure in itself -to a local egg farm. After touring the property, we each boarded the bus holding our shoeboxes which now housed a baby chick- a warm yellow bit of perfection. I named mine Peep and it lived with my family through adulthood- until late one fateful night our dachshund mistook it for dinner. My parents blamed it on a raccoon so I would be sure not to hold any grudges! I would love to know what happened to all of the generations of Peeps that went home with all of us 5-year-olds. That in itself would be a story.

A pinnacle event was our kindergarten graduation, each of us wearing a white pressed cloth cap and gown as well as a small pink boutonniere. It was time for us to show the world how far we’d come these past months. The pièces de résistance was our rhythm band performance complete with triangles, rhythm sticks, maracas and a conductor. Everyone wanted to be the conductor - that was the most exciting position of all! The girls also participated in baton twirling- I still have my baton! And each of us were invited to recite a short poem or song. It was a glory day – one for the record books.

The year hummed along through the seasons as we grew taller and more confident. We all had become a cohesive group that for the most part would be together for the next twelve years and beyond.

I spent some years in my long teaching career as a kindergarten teacher. What a joy that was channeling my inner Mrs. Edwards and welcoming each new class to the same school that I had attended. There is something magical about these young hearts that see the world with an uncanny freshness and joy. Each day was an adventure and what a gift it was to be part of the lives of each little soul as they began their long school career.

Mrs. Edwards gently initiated generations of Sag Harbor youth to school with her kindness and care. So many teachers have shared the best years of their lives in teaching and guiding our youth – a most noble and important profession. All of my teachers hold a place in my heart and I am grateful for each one and the memories that remain.

Mrs. Edwards Kindergarten-Pierson High School