Manassas Park Community Matters Blog Post - It is Only the Beginning – By Sue Jurjevic

We have just ended another great year in Preschool; our 4’s & 5’s preschool class graduated on June 5th. It has been a great year with many memories and amazing accomplishments.

It is amazing to watch how much a child can change within nine short months. They learn to use their words, make choices, be creative, have fun and so much more. It always seems this time of year can be a little sad for some; those leaving preschool and headed for Kindergarten, or transitioning from elementary school to middle school, or from middle school to high school, and the list goes on.

There will always be transitions, sometimes more frequent than others. We encourage and guide the children, as a part of learning, to work through transitions. It is important for children to have knowledge of what comes next, if possible. That is what makes being part of our Community Center family so great. We are here to help with the next transition; we offer a variety of activities for multiple age groups.

Having a Community Center that is family-based, where children can come in at the youngest of age and participate in Kids Korner, allows parents to take classes, work out, and attend activities with older siblings. While here, they hear about our Preschool program, Extended Care, Summer Camps and many other classes.

By offering programs for all stages in life (preschool to seniors), it opens up the opportunity to participate in programs or classes where you are familiar, you know what to expect and also who to expect. I think of the theme song from the show “Cheers”-Sometimes you want to go, Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.

As I mentioned at graduation, seeing the siblings, family and friends come through our program is the true definition of “community.” It is not just attending a class, program or sporting event; it is investing in an important part of our city, joining a family and believing in programs that continue to grow. Returning year after year and, yes, generation after generation. This Center is definitely here for all people of all ages. So, as we have wished our preschoolers a great summer and prepared them for a wonderful start to Kindergarten, we do not say “goodbye,” we say “see you soon!”

Sue Jurjevic is a Recreation Specialist for the Manassas Park Parks and Recreation Department. She can be reached at 703.335.8872 or via email at s.jurjevic@manassasparkva.gov

Community Matters is a blog created by the City of Manassas Park Department of Parks and Recreation. The blog features program updates, announcements of new services, special event notices, or information of general interest.