Dear Park’s Edge Preschool Families:

Did you know February is National Dental Month? Park’s Edge Preschool plays a valuable role in supporting healthy smiles at Park’s Edge Preschool. We have a special visitor Mr. Rick Allen the magician will be presenting in Kurth Hall‘The Awesome Teeth Magic Show’. The educational magic show is scheduled for Friday, February 8th for ages 2 through 5 years old. The cost is $3 per child for the value of life-long, good hygiene and healthy teeth…that keeps everyone smiling! Valentine’s Day is upon us already! It is the time of year when we are busy making valentines for loved ones at Park’s Edge Preschool. The preschool children will also be creating special valentines for the residents at Forest Ridge Senior Community, Hales Corners Care Center and Zablocki VA Hospital too. Valentine activities are planned in each classroom. Please be sure to check out details.It’s a very special week for everyone in attendance throughout the weeklong celebration of love and friendship.

On Wednesday, February 13th Ms. Kristin, PEP’s Assistant Director, and I will be attending the Annual Wisconsin Child Care Administrative Association’s (WCCAA) Conference in Madison. It’s a great way for us to learn ‘best’ ‘developmentally appropriate practices’ and an opportunity to connect with other directors from across the state! Twenty-five hours of continuing education is mandatory for all levels of staff in Wisconsin. All PEP staff will be traveling by PEP’s mini-bus to attend the Annual Early Childhood Conference on the campus of UW-Whitewater on Saturday, April 13.

Twenty-five PEP staff were trained in CPR and on the AED machine this past month by Brian Schu- lenburg from P.U.L.S.E.S.The Wisconsin State Licensing Department requires all staff to be CPR certified. Pastor Dale Stohre (retired) was also included in our CPR training. Pastor Dale holds a position on the Park’s Edge Preschool’s Board of Directors. Another AED machine has been purchased by PEP and placed in the hallway on the lower level, near the fire extinguisher. Our facility now has an AED machine on both floors. Safety first at PEP/Emanuel Church!CHHSM Sunday will be celebrated at Emanuel Church on Sunday, Febru- ary 17, 2019 at the 9:30 am Worship Service. Pastor Bill will bless the hands of Park’s Edge Preschool’s staff and board members. Emanuel Church members in health and human service occupations will also be invited to participate in the blessing. Park’s Edge Preschool is a recognized ministry of the United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministry (CHHSM). Cake will be sponsored by PEP during fellowship hour.

Thank you for the non-perishable food donations for the Hunger Food Task box designated for Jesus’ Birthday celebration. We collectedthree hundred and thirty-one pounds of donated food. Our next food drive will start the Week of the Young Child go through Spring (Fling) break; April 8th through 26th. Hunger is all year through and does not discriminate against age. We are fortunate to share God’s message with the children in our care to ‘Love One Another’ at Park’s Edge Preschool. Pass it on! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Ellen M. Kvalheim, Director