The children of Merriman Park in Lake Highlands that are preparing to enter school for the first time are in for a treat, as Spring Preschool Pee Wee Panthers is set to begin soon. Pee Wee Panthers is a program for children entering kindergarten in 2012 or 2013. It allows the children to become familiar with the school and teachers in an anxiety-free environment.

Pee Wee Panthers begins on Tuesday, January 24 with Preschool Mom's Dinner, which is open to moms with preschool children of all ages that live in the Merriman Park attendance zone. There will be a panel consisting of experienced Merriman Park moms, the school principal, counselor and all three kindergarten teachers to answer any questions.

The spring dates for Pee Wee Panthers are:

• Friday, February 10 - 1:00-2:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 13 - 1:00-2:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 31 - 9:00-10:30 a.m.

The final class on May 31 is also the last day of school. The children will celebrate their graduation from Pee Wee Panthers and perform a song learned during the music session at the all-school Pride Rally.