Dear Park’s Edge Preschool Families: 

I am excited about the start of the new school year in welcoming many new friends, but sad to say good-bye to our departing families and college bound staff-Ms. Bella and Ms. Alex. A round of applause to Mr. Cody, Ms. Jenele, and Ms. Melinda for planning another awesome summer for our school-age children. Another happy ending in celebration of summer with a pizza party, pajamas and movie day all rolled into one on Thursday, August 24. Please hurry back summer! 

Saying good-bye is never easy and this year we say ‘sad farewell’ to Ms. Jenele, one of our long-time dedicated staff. Jenele has landed a position as Director for Wauwatosa Day Care and Learning Centers at their Mt. Mary Campus. The very best to Jenele and her family as she embarks on a new career opportunity and benefiting her family. 

All good things must come to an end…and with the end of summer coming that means Thursday afternoons just won’t be the same at PEP. Both staff and children enjoy summer ice cream treats served every Thursday afternoon by ‘Granny’s Treats’. It is hard to say good-bye to Thursdays… and summer…and Granny’s treats☹ Our last serving this summer will be on a Thursday, August 31st! We are going to miss Granny’s Treats…and summer! 

Learning at PEP is year ‘round and fun for all ages…including the staff! We appreciate parents’ support of PEP’s professional career development for staff. The Professional Day was scheduled on Friday, August 25th, for staff training, curriculum planning, and classroom preparation for the new school year. The PEP staff are excited about looking forward to another busy and safe school year at Park’s Edge Preschool. Please pray for our staff and all teachers this school year. Thank you. 

PEP’s Professional Day included 2 workshop sessions. Gina Hobbs and Mildred Starks, from the Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA) came to discuss individual career development, the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship, and REWARD Stipend Programs that are available to eligible staff in Wisconsin. Denise Brehm, PEP’s PayChex HR Specialist, and Julia Herman, Financial Advisor through Edward Jones, presented information on PEP’s 401-k and Employee Assistance Program. These are just two of the many benefits offered at PEP. PEP’s 401-k offers a discretionary match at the end of the year, which is a great way to support and encourage staff at PEP. Investing in PEP staff is key to investing in our children’s future. 

We are looking forward to PEP’s Annual Open House scheduled for Thursday, September 7th from 5 to 7pm. PEP families are invited to come and meet and greet the new leaders of Park’s Edge Preschool and Emanuel Church. We are pleased to have this opportunity to introduce Haley Bigger and Pastor Joshua Simon to the PEP families at our Open House. Families will also be treated to meeting the PEP staff, tour the classrooms, meet other families and their child’s playmates too. Families will receive a Staff Directory with all the staff bios in it to get to know our teaching staff better. 

Classroom Staffing-Love bugs: Terri, Ruslana, & Octavia; Beautiful Butterflies: Julie & Holli; Darling Dragonflies: Nicole & Jacque; Busy Bees: Emily, Jacinda & Linda; Sunshine Room: Mariah & Kasey; Fantastic Frogs: Sandra & Jenni; Shining Stars: Melinda & Maria/Sammy; Alexis-float staff; Jennifer-upstairs closer M & Th; Slithering Snakes-Maria am bus & 4-k noon, Cody pm bus & Megan (rider) 

Children start returning to school on Friday, September 1st, please drive safely through our parking lot and community. Mr. Cody and Ms. Maria are Park’s Edge Preschool’s CDL licensed bus drivers. Please pray for them as they transport our precious cargo to and from school this year. Prayers for all students, parents, and teaching staff this 2023-2024 school year. 

Park’s Edge Preschool will be closed on Monday, September 4th, Labor Day Holiday…enjoy a restful holiday weekend after busy summer fun! 

Sincerely, 

Ellen M. Kvalheim