Dear Park’s Edge Preschool Families:

Spring brings change to Park’s Edge Preschool…time change; weather change; and this year at this time some staff changes happening now…

We welcome Ms. Terri back to Park’s Edge Preschool’s toddler room. Terri has an infant/ toddler credential and is excited to return to PEP’s family friendly atmosphere. Another familiar face returning is Ms. Ginny. She has accepted a position as a float teacher to support continuity in care and flexibility in staff scheduling. Ginny has been in the early childhood field for over sixteen years. Sadly, Ms. Jacoba is taking a medical leave of absence while she undergoes medical treatment for stage three breast cancer. Jacoba has been employed at PEP for over 10 years in our toddler classroom. The staff and I are overwhelmed with emotion as we support Jacoba as she embraces change. Please keep Ms. Jacoba and her family in your prayers.

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries’ (CHHSM) mission is to sustain and advance the work of healing and service as a ministry of the United Church of Christ. Park’s Edge Preschool has been a CHHSM Ministry since 1999. CHHSM’s Annual Meeting was held in Milwaukee March 2nd through March 4th, 2017. Emanuel Church/Park’s Edge Preschool hosted the opening worship service on Thursday, March 2nd. Park’s Edge Preschool children participated in the worship service by singing ‘Jesus Loves the Little Children’ and ‘This Little Light of Mine’ emphasizing our mission in sharing Christ’s teachings with the families/children we serve as an outreach of Emanuel Church.

We have an exciting summer in the works for all the children in our program at Park’s Edge Preschool. A survey for summer enrollment is going out Thursday, April 1st and will be due completed by Friday, April 28th. Summer fieldtrip outings are in the works for children age four through school-age and will be available April 6th at the Spring Fling. In-house fieldtrips for children age two-and-a-half to four will also be available. Park’s Edge Preschool is a great place to be during summer…my only complaint is that it goes by way too fast!

Thursday, April 6th the Park’s Edge Preschool families and staff will celebrate Easter at PEP’s Family Spring Fling from 6:30 to 8pm. Each classroom will feature an Easter-themed activity as families visit throughout the center. The Easter Bunny will be here for photographs and fun. Every child will have an opportunity to ‘stuff’ a chick (like ‘Build-a-Bear’) and name them; cost $5.00. The event will also have refreshments too…bunny food (veggies and dip) and cheese and crackers to nibble on. Please R.S.V.P. at the PEP front office desk that your family (grandparents welcome too) will be in attendance! Hoppy Easter!!

Park’s Edge Preschool is happy to announce we are back in the brand new and improved kitchen! The ribbon cutting ceremony was moved to the night of the ‘Spring Fling’ so everyone can see the improvements to the kitchen. You don’t want to miss it!

“Early Years are Learning Years” is the overall annual theme for the Week of the Young Child April 23-29, 2017. However, there are 8 subthemes impacting early childhood: Play: Where Learning Begins; Embracing Diversity; Teaching and Teachers Matter;  Encouraging Health and Fitness; Investing in Young Children Benefits All; Prevent the Achievement Gap: We Know How; Strengthening Families; Promoting Resilience in Young Children. All those who are involved with young children are to be celebrated. The annual WOYC Parade is Thursday, April 27 at 4pm.

Are you looking for a way to get involved at Park’s Edge Preschool? Every other month the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meets on Thursdays at 5pm. We discuss previous and upcoming events as well as happenings in the center. We are always looking for feedback as well as sharing new ideas. Another way to connect with Park’s Edge is through volunteer opportunities, there is a sign-up sheet at the front desk. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You asked, and we listened! Please watch for details coming soon about ‘Love and Logic’. Sessions start on Tuesdays, May 2nd through June 6th at 5:30 -7pm (excluding May 23rd) for the low cost of $25 a couple or $15 individual; child care will be available. R.S.V.P. today and become a better parent the easy way through Love & Logic!

I thank you for your continued support of a 5-star quality rated early childhood program with NAC Accreditation and the Faith-based component!

Sincerely,

Ellen M. Kvalheim