Bingo! Early Childhood Center community forges bonds during ‘remarkable evening’

By Pete Fontaine
Posted 11/27/15

Alicia Eddy, a special educator at Johnston’s Early Childhood Center, came up with an idea that resulted in what Principal Julie-anne Zarrella called “a remarkable evening for our …

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Bingo! Early Childhood Center community forges bonds during ‘remarkable evening’

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Alicia Eddy, a special educator at Johnston’s Early Childhood Center, came up with an idea that resulted in what Principal Julie-anne Zarrella called “a remarkable evening for our families.”

Eddy suggested that the ECC’s Parent-Teacher Organization team up with the faculty to hold a bingo night. The event, held last Wednesday evening, was an overwhelming success, and filled just about every available seat inside Johnston High School’s spacious cafeteria.

“This was truly a community event,” Zarrella said. “Our School Committee Chairwoman Janice Miele brought her grandson Landon, and her support of our program is valued and greatly appreciated.”

Likewise, ECC teachers Kim Hatton, Nicole Carroll, Molly Gilroy, and Paula Acciardo and PTO members Christine Ciarlo, Korrine Pilkington, Lisa Ricci, Angela Vescera, Maryanna Lapati, and Sheri Farrell each had a hand in the night’s sparkling success.

“As principal, I feel as though I have an extended family here at the Early Childhood Center,” Zarrella said. “It is pure joy to see these children on a daily basis. Our students have adjusted so beautifully to our full day of schooling, and it is so gratifying to share these types of experiences with them.”

Zarrella, who before becoming the ECC principal served as an assistant principal at Johnston High School, continued: “What was exceptionally noteworthy was the commitment shown on the part of the PTO and faculty in attendance at this event.”

For example, Paula Acciardo, a teacher and PTO member, was accompanied by her mother Ida Acciardo, who tried her luck at bingo. Also in attendance from the ECC faculty were Cathy Albert, Joanne Pannone, Molly Gilroy, Nicole Carroll, and Kim Hatton Marshall, and all those teachers double as PTO members.

“We have to give special thanks to [first-year] teacher Nicole Carroll, who was the night’s emcee and bingo caller,” Zarrella said.

She also thanked her former boss, Johnston High Principal Zach Farrell, who helped in a number of ways throughout the evening.

“Our kindergarten building is unique to every other school in the district,” Zarrella said. “Our students are only here for one year then out. Our PTO, consequently, needs to be reestablished every year. Hence, we are always rebuilding – we start from zero and end with zero. This bingo kicked things off on a nice note for us. It was such a joy to see our children, parents, grandparents and faculty having fun together.”

The event was also bolstered by the support of local businesses, who donated everything from pizza chips to pumpkins. The list included Palmieri’s, This Guy’s Pizza, Rosa Mia, The Original Italian Bakery, Jacavone Nursery, The Cookie Tray, and Decadent Creations.

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