January 30, 2023

Dear Preschool Families,

Happy New Year! I hope this letter finds everyone enjoying 2023 so far! The year has started off with excitement and plenty to do in the classrooms! Everyone came back and hit the ground running!

When everyone first returned from Christmas break, there was lots of learning occurring in regards to the celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany.  Several classes discussed what gifts they would bring to Baby Jesus. While I don’t think anyone mentioned bringing the traditional Wise Men gifts of gold, frankincense or myrrh, many offered very practical things. Since several of our students have firsthand experience with babies at home, they were easily able to rationalize that Baby Jesus would need bottles, blankets, diapers, and, of course, a cuddly stuffed animal!  

Registration for the next school year and teacher conferences quickly followed. I am happy to report that our enrollment is strong for next year including for our new toddler/mom’s morning out class which will be held on Tuesday mornings in the room used for Stepping Stones; we are excited to offer this new opportunity for some of the youngest members of our community! In regards to registration for next year, please know that tuition increases directly correlate to teacher salaries. The majority of our budget goes towards wages & benefits for our staff. Many of you have probably heard me say that I can never pay our amazing staff what they are worth, even if I could offer a million dollars per day! While they do what they do out of love of children and early education, we, of course, want to do our best to ensure fair wages. Also, related to tuition, please be aware of the steps necessary to be considered for the Stewardship rate next year. A link to the parish information page for this can be found on our website. Chris Damico is the Director of Engagement & Development for the church and can also provide information about stewardship. 

We are finishing the month by kicking off Catholic Schools Week. It was nice to see so many families at mass this past weekend to begin the celebration! Please refer to Mini Bits from this last Sunday or to your teacher’s newsletter to be aware of the different daily themes this week. Don’t forget to join in our first preschool community prayer on Wednesday, 2/1 & Friday, 2/3. We encourage all of our families to attend with their student as we join Ms. Kathryn and the children in morning Stepping Stones for prayer at 8:40.  As a whole preschool, we will also be participating in the Wake Up and Read Book Drive. I encourage you to consider talking to your preschooler about what books he/she thinks another child might like to read. Perhaps you can pick one out together to donate to our collection. Classes will also be assembling gift bags with a hot cocoa kit inside as a service project; these will be given to the Helene Foundation which serves local families in which the mother is undergoing cancer treatment. 

Finally, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for the ongoing love and care that you show to our teachers and staff. Not only were you highly generous this past holiday season, but you have continued to treat us with your hospitality donations, encouraging emails, and positive notes. We are, however, most thankful for all of your support in helping us to best serve your children!

With Joy,