Since 2006, Lake Highlands Elementary has hosted a group known as the Wee Wildcats.

I know this mainly because both my daughter and son participated at the ripe ol' ages of four and five. (They are now seasoned LHE 3rd and 4th graders.)

Wee Wildcats espouses the "Wildcat Way" by welcoming potential neighborhood students and their parents to enjoy a taste of their future elementary school.

And let me tell you, we were hooked from the get-go.

5th and 6th grade buddies help out during the meet and greet time – and who doesn't love the "big kids," right?

LHE teachers lead the programs personally, and parents get the opportunity to meet neighbors they might otherwise not run into for another couple years.

On average, between 60 and 80 four and five year-olds will fill the halls this Friday on their way to experiments with snails in the science lab or to spend time in the school's music rooms.

Parent and volunteer, Amy Chester, is leading the effort this year.

"If you're wondering what it's like to be a real Lake Highlands Elementary Wildcat, this is your opportunity," she says.

[Been there, done that, got the t-shirt and LOVED it!]

"These sessions introduce future students to LHE and get them acquainted with the 'big school.'"

[Guess who's going to be crying on the first day of Kindergarten if you show them that big school ahead of time? HINT: It's not your Wee Wildcat.]

"We hope everyone will encourage their friends and neighbors to become Wee Wildcats!"

[No-holds-barred ringing endorsement: You'll love it, says me.]

One warning: side effects of participating in the Wee Wildcats program can lead to certain behaviors from your three and four year-olds including, but not limited to:

• waving at the school every time you drive by and saying things like, "hello LHE, I'll be seeing you soon!" and "that's my new school!"

• wearing a certain Wee Wildcat t-shirt on such a recurring basis that friends will wonder if you're actually washing it

• chasing down Wildcat mascots at high school football games due to the personal relationship they've developed during multiple photo opportunities

Program originators, teacher and bilingual specialist Susi Del Rio-Rinck and principal Kim Sullivan, scored a home run with this program years ago.

The proof is on campus today, walking the halls of fourth grade and anxiously awaiting her turn to play the role of big kid buddy.

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Three sessions are scheduled for Fridays throughout the spring, including this Friday, January 20th and February 17th and May 4th.

The fun gets started at 9:30 a.m. in the LHE cafeteria.

Sessions will include activities in art, math, music, physical education, reading and science.

To reserve a spot for you and your child, or confirm your attendance, email the school office at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call Amy Chester at 214.728.1554.

View the event flyer here.

The photos in this article are used with express permission of me, because they make me smile and want to hug my big kids' necks.