For Immediate Release

Friday, April 19, 2019

Media Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: jessica@jgpr.net

Seacoast School of Technology Hosts 25th Annual Beatrix Potter Tea Party for Wright Start Preschool Students

EXETER — Dressed in their Sunday best, students at the Wright Start Preschool spent yesterday morning at the Seacoast School of Technology for a tea party like no other — featuring homemade snacks and a visit from Peter Rabbit.

The event, hosted by SST’s Careers in Education students, marked the 25th annual Beatrix Potter tea party, which coincides with preschool students completing their unit on the children’s book author. Over the last month, Careers in Education students have been reading Peter Rabbit stories to preschool 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 Careers in Education senior Allison MacDougall, of Exeter High School. 

After arriving at the Wright Start Preschool on Thursday, April 18, which is part of SST, preschool students and two of their invited guests followed a rose petal pathway to Julia’s Restaurant, where Careers in Education students had decorated tables with beautiful tea pots, tea cups, napkins and plates.

Before heading inside, students stopped to see and pet two rabbits from Animal and Plant Science, which were also patiently awaiting a visit from their friend Peter.

Culinary Arts students spent the week preparing and then cooking and baking a variety of homemade savory and sweets snacks for guests — including baby English muffin sandwiches with egg and cheese, honey barbecue chicken sliders, two types of quiches (pulled pork and spinach, tomato and feta), macaroni and cheese in edible Parmesan cups, cinnamon roll bites, chocolate covered pretzels and strawberries, and of course, carrot cake.

At one table, Forest Toomire, age 4, sat with his parents Chris and Chelsea Toomire, of Epping, who are both former Careers in Education students. While waiting for their turn to grab food in the buffet line, Forest busied himself with a Peter Rabbit coloring sheet while his parents reflected on seeing the experience from a different angle.

“It’s very different to be here as a guest,” Chelsea said. “We know what goes into putting on the event, so we can appreciate it and enjoy it.”

Over at another table, Piper Frotton, age 4, of Newfields, was sitting with her parents enjoying a cup of fruit-infused water. Anticipating a visit from Peter Rabbit himself, she expressed concern that he might lose his jacket, like he did in one of the stories. Piper even figured he’d likely leave it out in the hallway of the school.

“This has been the best program,” said Piper’s mom, Lauren McGrath, who has been pleased to see how students in all programs throughout SST work together with preschool students on a variety of projects and events. “It’s been fun to see what’s going on in the preschool. Piper has been able to interact with all different teachers.”

Soon after finishing their meals, preschool teachers Stacey Jordan and Janel Holmes gathered students at the front of the room to let them know Peter Rabbit was in the building. However, they weren’t sure where — so the group went to search for him in the hallways. When they came back to the restaurant, they were in awe to see he’d arrived and was waiting for them.

Students gathered in front of Peter, petting and hugging him, along with throwing out a variety of questions, which Peter answered by whispering them to Jordan or Holmes.

“Why did you go into Mr. McGregor’s garden?” asked several students.

“Because he was hungry!” answered Jordan.

After more questions, Peter admitted he hadn’t told his mom where he’d be and had to head back home.

“You’re supposed to tell your mom!” interjected Calvin Worth, age 3, of Freemont.

Before a universal goodbye from students, the group took photos with Peter, giving him hugs and thanking him for visiting.

“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,” Principal Margaret Callahan said. “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.”

About Seacoast School of Technology:

The Seacoast School of Technology is the regional Career and Technical Center serving high school students from Epping, Exeter, Newmarket, Raymond, Sanborn Regional and Winnacunnet high schools.

SST offers selective coursework preparing students for their lives after high school – college, workforce or the military. Many of their 12 programs allow students to earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Most importantly, students get the opportunity to explore areas of interest in a hands-on environment with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.

To find out more, visit seacoasttech.com.

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