It's been 10 years since the Old Rochester Regional Early Childhood program opened its doors, and for the preschool teachers, it's time to celebrate.

After 10 years running the High School's in-house preschool program for kids ages three to five, teacher Barbara Tully has watched with a lot of pride as local students grew from curious kids to well-rounded young adults.

With a decade of memories behind her, and many more to come, Tully said her most memorable moment came last year.

“Our first class is now in the eighth grade at the Junior High,” Tully said. “Last year, I was sitting in the front row of the school’s production of ‘Annie’ and some of my former students were in the scene. They caught my eye and they had big smiles on their faces when they saw me. It’s wonderful.”

The ORR preschool, which first opened its doors in 2002, is open to all kids in the local school district and in the neighboring towns. Over the years, Tully said her focus has been on instilling the kids with a sense of self-sufficiency.

A typical day in the preschool classroom consists of Tully and her team of ORR teaching assistants instructing the kids on how to accomplish simple chores on their own.

Early on in the school year, the kids learn the techniques of hand washing, pouring their own glass of juice and counting how many animal crackers are allowed at snack time.

Beyond the basics, the kids also spend time reading along with their teachers, playing tug of war in the outdoor play area and taking time out for arts and crafts.

“It’s been a joy,” Tully said. “I have found it so rewarding working with the young kids and the high school students. Hopefully, I have had some influence on their curiosity and eagerness for learning.”

And, she’s not alone in that sentiment.

Tully has a team of junior and senior ORR students helping her run the classroom. Being students themselves, the teaching assistants spend one year in the early childhood class with teacher Geralyn Dias.

Students in good academic standing are then invited to join Tully in the preschool program, from which the high school students get academic credit as a lab.

For ORR junior Shannon Davis, spending her time at the preschool is great hands-on experience as an aspiring educator.

“I just thought it was really interesting,” Davis said. “I like how we get to learn how the kids play and learn.”

Her fellow teaching assistant, Naomi Reed, agreed.

"I really like interacting with the younger age group. I plan to go into psychology so this is a good experience for me," Reed said.

While the program can accomodate 15 kids, there are only eight preschool students enrolled this year. Given that the program is funded by student tuition, Tully said she is looking forward to getting enrollment up over the course of the school year.

The program was the brainchild of former ORR Superintendent Joan Walsh and former Early Childhood Coordinator Jane Taylor.

“I think what they wanted to accomplish with the program is for high school students to get their practicum on site rather than go outside of the school,” she said.

Over the years, the preschoolers have loved their time with the high school students, Tully said.

“The kids love to play with the high school students,” Tully said. “They’re all so at ease.”

For a related story on the preschool's low enrollment, click here.