Dear Park’s Edge Preschool Families:
The Christmas spirit has been upon us at PEP, and we have had an opportunity to learn to celebrate Christmas in new ways in keeping families connected and safe during a pandemic. Santa Claus came to PEP ‘masked’ this year! Thursday, December 9th, was PEP’s Annual Family Christmas Party…with a few new added features. ‘Masked’ Santa (aka Mr. Cody) was a popular event at PEP’s Annual Family Christmas Party! Families visited with Santa for five minutes, privately, in the Narthex so they could unmask for smiling 2022 family photos with Santa. Families could opt to make-or-take-home Christmas activities such as ornaments and decorations. Cookies (usually served to eat here) were individually wrapped and complete with a choice of red or green frosting to frost and eat at home. Santa’s schedule supported a comfortable flow for safe distancing throughout the center. Check out PEP’s family/staff photos with Santa in PEP’s entrance area.
We hope you enjoyed PEP’s Christmas celebration-to-go…In keeping with Park’s Edge Preschool’s Christmas tradition, ‘The Birth of our Savior’ was acted out by PEP’s school-age children and recorded for families to view in the safety of their home with loved ones this Christmas holiday season. Jesus’ Birthday Celebration has been a ‘family favorite’ but with COVID-19 we want to continue keeping families safe with the ages we serve. Thus, a link to ‘Jesus’ Birthday Celebration-To-Go’ was sent out to families the week of Christmas, in keeping our commitment to your family’s health and safety. The 2021 special Christmas production was recorded on Wednesday, December 15th in Emanuel Church’s beautiful sanctuary. The age groups under two-and-a-half years old were recorded separately, in respect to COVID-19, safe distancing. Staff and children over two-and-a-half years old were masked through the entire recording. Merry Christmas from PEP 2021!
Jesus’ Birthday Celebration allowed us to invite Emanuel Church’s Interim Pastors to join us during the recording. Reverend Tom Payden opened the program with a prayer. His wife, Reverend Debbie Payden, told the children a Christmas story, ‘The Best Gift to Give is Love.’ Thank you, Pastor Tom, Pastor Debbie, and Emanuel Church members for the use of your beautiful sanctuary The children viewed the final program on Wednesday, December 22, and were treated to a piece of ‘Jesus’ birthday cake. I need to thank Jenele Baldwin for recording the entire program in one morning.
Happy new year and a new attitude in 2022! Park’s Edge Preschool recently was approved for state funding that recognizes quality through the Child Care Counts COVID-19 Stabilization Payment Program. Park’s Edge Preschool’s eligibility is related to the 5-star high-quality status rating through YoungStar. Congratulations Park’s Edge Preschool for being essential and quality rated 5-star through YoungStar!
Look who made the news in CHHSM’s Diakonie published December 2021. – The Story –
Check it out here!
Park’s Edge Preschool has been a member of the United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries since June 1999. Watch for details about CHHSM Sunday, celebrated Sunday, January 30, 2022. CHHSM Sunday recognizes health and human service professions. Please pray for those professionals and the United Church of Christ’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) and the vulnerable populations they serve especially during a pandemic. Thank you for your continued support, prayers, and encouragement for Park’s Edge Preschool.
Happy New Year & Good Tidings,
Ellen M. Kvalheim, Director