Dear Park’s Edge Preschool Families:
Summer at Park’s Edge Preschool is always a great adventure and a great way to reconnect families who are in different school districts during the school year. July 1st found PEP’s Summer Program on a roll…two, three, or four wheels rolling that is. PEP’s Annual Bike Blessing was an awesome success with the added perfect weather. Every child had brought a wheeled toy from home to be blessed. It is fun to see the wide range of children’s bike riding abilities as their skill levels progress from the beginning to the end of summer. Why does summer have to pass by so quickly?
A heartfelt “thank you” goes out to Pastor Bill for blessing our bikes and starting our summer safely and spiritually. This year’s annual bike blessing allowed us to give a ‘sad farewell’ send-off to Pastor Bill. We showered him with keepsake goodies and cards to wish him well on his exciting new adventure in sunny Arizona. Pastor Bill will be missed at Park’s Edge Preschool. He played a valuable role to the staff, families, and children at PEP. The children made him a special t-shirt with their handprints on it that said ’Hands down, # 1 Pastor!’ Pastor Bill’s last sermon at Emanuel Church is scheduled for Sunday, August 1st. An extravagant welcome from Park’s Edge Preschool, to the incoming interim Pastors: Tim Perkins; and Deb, and Tom Payden, (husband and wife). The trio will share the responsibility of pastoral duties at Emanuel Church during the search for Emanuel Church’s new pastor.
Speaking of a sad farewell…PEP will be saying farewell to 3 of our staff leaving us this summer. Ms. Meghan, the afternoon float teacher and closer in our preschool/school-age rooms, last day at PEP was Friday, July 30th. The last day at PEP for Ms. Caitlin, the preschool teacher in the Frogs classroom, is Wednesday, August 4th. Ms. Marisa’s last day as PEP’s float teacher, is Friday, August 6th. Well wishes, and a make-your-own sundae bar, was scheduled on Thursday, July 29th at 4 pm in Kurth Hall. The PEP staff and preschool/school-age children had the opportunity to celebrate and say sad good-byes to these excellent teachers that have graced PEP’s program. Sad farewell and good luck on your future paths ahead and thank you for the contributions you have made at Park’s Edge Preschool.
PEP’s summer highlight is scheduled for Thursday, August 26th from 5:30 to 8 pm. We are planning an old-fashioned ‘Family Carnival’ for all ages. After COVID-19 it is an important opportunity to bring all PEP families together for a family celebration…outdoors! There will be games for all ages big and small: A Fishing Game, Bean Bag Toss, Tic-Tac-Toe, Duck Pond, and more…including everyone’s favorite, ‘Pie-in the teacher’s eye!’ A special feature of a photo booth with fun props will add memorable family photos. Hot dogs, potato chips, pickles, popcorn, juice, milk, and water will be served at 6 pm. A special surprise visit by Granny’s Treats will deliver something cold for dessert. This is PEP’s way to welcome new families and say thank you to our existing families for their dedication throughout the year. The center will close at 5:30 pm so everyone can attend and be home before dusk. An invitation will be in your family mailbox soon…please, look for it. An RSVP will be at the front desk. Thank you.
The staff and I are looking forward to the excitement of the upcoming school year and a sense of normalcy in ‘going back to school’. Looking ahead at the fall enrollment tells us it is going to be another busy school year. PEP’s annual Open House is Thursday, September 9th from 6 to 7 pm. See you then!
Sincerely,
Ellen M. Kvalheim, Director