On a recent visit to Starbucks, I ran into several parents of long-ago preschool graduates having coffee.  They told me that since their kids left our school the parents from their class have continued to get together once a month just to be sure they stay connected.  

This encounter reminded me once again that cooperative education is so much more than children spending time in a classroom.  Cooperatives build wonderful, caring communities of children and adults, and the effects can last a lifetime.  What a great reason to keep doing what we do!

I hope 2017 is off to a great start for you and your school!

Dianne Rose, M.Ed.

Editor, Cooperatively Speaking

[email protected]

Indianapolis here we come!  

The 2017 PCPI Annual Meeting will take place April 21-23 in Indianapolis, IN.   Downtown Indy is very easy to navigate and has something for everyone.

The weekend will include chances to meet and greet fellow PCPI members and supporters, meetings, work sessions, workshops, awards and elections.  Planning is underway and details and registration materials will be available soon.

   

Membership renewal invoices were mailed in September and were due in November.  If your invoice is still sitting in your inbox, please take a minute to dig it up and send payment in now so you can continue to enjoy all of the benefits of membership.  

Membership forms and online payments are available on the PCPI website.   PCPI's Membership Year is January 1 through December 31.

PCPI Awards - Nominations Due by March 15

Each year PCPI takes time to honor those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to the cooperative preschool movement. The PCPI Awards Committee is depending on you to nominate the people in your cooperative circle who deserve special recognition.  

A summary of award categories can be found in the November 8, 2016 issue of Cooperatively Speaking, and detailed award criteria and forms can be found on the PCPI website.   Questions should be sent to Kathy Ems at  [email protected].

Becky Allen Fund Grant Award

The Becky Allen Fund offers an annual grant to one or more cooperative preschools to help fund a parent education project.  The Grant request deadline was December 16, 2016. The grant award decision will be made by January 13, 2017.  You can read more about the grant in the October 3, 2016 issue of Cooperatively Speaking or on the PCPI Website.

Be on the lookout for the award announcement in an upcoming newsletter.

The Katharine Whiteside Taylor Bursary

The Katharine Whiteside Taylor Bursary  bursary provides financial support to assist in the continuing education of parents and    teachers currently participating in a Canadian cooperative or parent participation preschool.

Applications are due by March 15, 2017. Winner(s) will be announced on or before April 15. Additional information can be found in the August 6, 2016 issue of

Cooperatively Speaking or on the PCPI website.

Coming Soon:  Marika Townshend Travel Grant
The Marika Townshend Travel Grant program helps our members attend the PCPI annual meeting.  Once plans for the annual meeting are finalized in mid-January, grant applications will become available on the PCPI Website.  Applications will be due mid-February and awards made in early March.  Details will be included in an upcoming newsletter.  Questions should be directed to Linda Henegar.