Students at Rimes Early Learning Center in Leesburg were treated to a festive morning of activities celebrating the holiday season, thanks to the efforts of school staff and volunteers. Dancing beneath floating bubbles, “snowball” fights made from balled-up white paper, balloon hats, and other playful activities filled the campus with laughter and smiles from both children and adults.

The cheerful program highlighted the creativity of the school’s leadership and their commitment to giving students an old-fashioned good time. Teachers and staff joined in the fun, tossing snowballs and laughing under showers of bubbles as Christmas music played throughout the morning.

Rimes Early Learning Center is a unique campus within the Lake County Schools system, serving students from VPK through second grade. Unlike traditional elementary schools that extend through fifth grade, Rimes focuses exclusively on early learning, creating a specialized environment tailored to the needs of its youngest students.

According to the National Institutes of Health, early learning has been linked to positive long-term outcomes, including improved mental health, higher academic achievement, and even increased life expectancy. Florida introduced the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) Program during the 2005–2006 school year, and since then, more than 3.1 million children have participated statewide. VPK classes are offered through public, private, and faith-based providers that meet state eligibility requirements.

Students who begin their education at Rimes through VPK can continue through second grade, fostering a close-knit, family-like atmosphere. Rimes has the highest number of VPK classrooms on a single campus among Lake County schools. Every employee knows every student, reinforcing the school’s focus on building a community where children genuinely enjoy learning.

“Most people only hear about test scores and school grades, but that all stems from a love of learning,” says Paige Simmons, Rimes Literacy Coach. “Since we are a child’s first school experience, I want them to find joy in our school setting.”

The holiday celebration also drew staff from the district level, who joined in the activities and enjoyed spending time with the students.

“Rimes is so much more than just a school; it is the heart of early childhood education in the community, and this event was such a success,” says Danielle Jarrett, VPK Resource Teacher in the Federal Programs Department of Lake County Schools. “The staff at Rimes is so dedicated to the children, and they have created a family-like atmosphere with inclusive programs for all children, including those with unique abilities and special needs. It is a nurturing, safe place where the youngest learners thrive.”

The school is led by Principal Dominique Ward, who is actively involved in every aspect of the learning process. She spent the morning celebrating alongside students, sharing in the laughter and holiday cheer.

“Rimes provides a tremendous sense of community,” Principal Ward says. “We focus on the whole student, including academics, communication, and social-emotional learning.”

Photos by Shayne Grunewald