Dear Parks Edge Preschool Families,

“Love and Friendship” is February’s special theme at Park’s Edge Preschool! The United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, (CHHSM) reminds us to love and serve one another, reinforcing Jesus’ message demonstrating servant leadership. CHHSM and/or Health and Human Service was celebrated on Sunday, January 26, 2020. PEP staff participated in the ‘blessing of the hands’ during worship service at Emanuel Church. If you work in the human service industry you are blessed. CHHSM Ministries serves diverse populations ranging from early childhood programs to senior living communities. Park’s Edge Preschool is a nationally recognized UCC CHHSM Ministry. CHHSM’s Annual Meeting will be held in Memphis, Tennessee, March 3rd through March 5th! The 2020 national meeting’s theme is ‘Grace and Justice—Together’.

Ms. Jenele has been Park’s Edge Preschool’s liaison teacher to Emanuel Church’s Sunday School program for over 5 years. Jenele has been in a year-long study program through CHHSM. The focus of the Nollau Institute has been on servant leadership…or as Jenele refers to it from a recent class discussion, ‘serving leadership’. I am excited to announce that Jenele will be consecrated as a Diakonal Minister at this year’s CHHSM Meeting. Congratulations Jenele…we are so proud of you!

It’s a very special time of year for everyone to
celebrate love and friendship. The children at Park’s Edge Preschool will be busy making valentines for exchanging with their peers. Special valentine activities are planned in each classroom throughout the week of February 10-14. Please see specific details for your child’s classroom.

The Park’s Edge Preschool Valentine’s Day tradition is a center-wide parade at 10 am on Friday, February 14! Children/staff should dress in red, pink, purple and/or hearts. Family members are welcome to come and watch!

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? This month children will be treated to a very important presentation on good dental hygiene. The preschoolers will learn about proper dental care. We have a special visitor ‘Mr. Rick Allen and Happy Healthy Teeth’ coming to the center on Monday, February 17th to reinforce healthy dental hygiene habits. PEP is promoting future happy smiles because we have a lot to smile about
here!

Communication is key at Park’s Edge Preschool… That is why it is important to communicate any daily schedule changes for your child by phone to the PEP center office (if the child is absent, not riding the bus for the day, etc.) rather than email. Office staff sometimes are away from their desk/computer and do not want to miss any important communications. If you know in advance of any schedule change, please complete the required form located over family mailboxes and give to the office staff. Thank you!

The preschool children will also be creating extra-special valentines for our friends, the residents at Hales Corners Care Center, Forest Ridge Senior Community and at the Zablocki VA Hospital. Heart-healthy snacks will be prepared for a healthy Valentine’s Day celebration for all to enjoy! You’re welcome to join us…come and watch…you may receive a special valentine!

Valentine’s Day gives reason to share God’s simple message with the children we care for… to ‘love one another’.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Ellen M. Kvalheim