June 3, 2022 Vol. 52, No.5 |
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Note from the President | Thank You, School Visit Hosts! |
PCPI Mission Statement | Congrats to PCPI 2022 Awards Recipients!
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The cooperative community has so much to celebrate:
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Congratulations on wrapping up another successful school year! Co-op schools survived (and thrived) despite another year of COVID restrictions.
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We are thrilled that a group from across the U.S. and Canada was able to gather in person to accomplish important tasks and enjoy each other's company at PCPI's Annual General Meeting in Portland, Oregon!
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We can't wait to introduce you to our 2022 PCPI award recipients, an unbelievably impressive group of individuals giving their all to cooperative learning.
This summer--whether you are in the midst of those fun-filled yet challenging preschool parenting years, someone who teaches these unique and always curious little ones, or perhaps enjoying a more restful season--take a moment to reflect on the joy that's been added to your own life because of your engagement in co-op. We hope that these memories are among your most treasured!
Cooperatively yours,
Melissa Ranck
Editor, Cooperatively Speaking
pcpinews@preschools.coop
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A Note from the President |
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Each time I attend an annual meeting, I am inspired, and this year was no different. It was such a pleasure to meet so many wonderful, enthusiastic, innovative, and dedicated people who share my passion for community building both with young children and with their grown-ups.
I want to say a huge thank you to Mariah Battiston, who served as PCPI’s president for an unprecedented six years, including the uncharted territory of a pandemic. She is a true believer in the power of co-ops (and in the power of ice breakers, especially those that make everyone in a room cry), and we have been very lucky to have her at the helm. Mariah will remain on the PCPI board, so we will all continue to benefit from her experience, ideas, and guidance.
It is truly an honor to have been entrusted to lead PCPI, and I am very lucky that we have a fantastic and knowledgeable board of directors in place. We have big plans for the coming year:
- forming a committee to tackle legislative issues faced by cooperative preschools
- creating a long-term funding plan for our grant programs
- modernizing our grants and awards applications processes
- expanding member benefits through discussion forums and enhanced communications
- polishing our awards program
- redesigning and updating publications for digital distribution and use by members
As with each of our co-ops, PCPI exists to serve our members. We would love to hear your ideas about what else PCPI can do to strengthen and support schools and councils in the short- and/or long-term. Please send me a note and let me know your thoughts.
The future of cooperatives in the world of early childhood education is bright. Cooperatives empower their members to create an educational experience that is perfectly tailored to the community they serve. I can’t imagine a better way for parents to learn the value of being involved in their child’s education and in their own community. As a teacher, I can’t imagine working anywhere else.
Dianne Rose
President, Parent Cooperative Preschools International (PCPI)
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MEET THE 2022-2023 PCPI BOARD |
A big congratulations and thanks to the newly elected PCPI board of directors for the 2022-2023 school year! Please feel free to reach out at any time with questions or if PCPI can support you in your cooperative efforts:
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President - Dianne Rose
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Vice President (Finance) - Kathy Ems
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Vice President (Resources) - Melissa Ranck
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Vice President (Membership) - Roberta Stuart and Laura Sacco
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Vice President (Administration) - Mariah Battison
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Recording Secretary - Megan Hoppes
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Updated PCPI Mission Statement |
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One great accomplishment that came from the collaboration during the Annual Meeting was an update to PCPI's mission statement. We are excited to share it with you!
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Parent Cooperatives Preschool International promotes and supports……
- Family involvement
- Learning through play
- Family education
- Building community connections.
The birth of PCPI was the natural outgrowth of the spread of cooperative preschools. From their beginnings in 1916, cooperative preschools have sought ways to share information and resources.
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Thank you, School Visit Hosts! |
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A huge highlight of attending our Annual General Meeting is the opportunity to visit a number of local co-ops. It's a chance to see their beautiful spaces, get a feel for the way each school operates, be inspired by the great work that is happening across North America and gain some new ideas to take home. A big THANKS to the Oregon schools that hosted our meeting attendees this year: |
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Look for a spotlight on Woodhaven in our next issue of Cooperatively Speaking! |
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Thank you again to Jovial for sponsoring this year's Annual Meeting!
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Where would you like to see the 2023 Annual Meeting take place?
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Congratulations, 2022 Award Recipients! |
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The PCPI Awards Committee was blown away by all of the talent and dedication embodied by the individuals nominated this year! The honorees were recognized during a luncheon on Saturday, April 30, in Portland.
We want to again congratulate all of the recipients and highlight their incredible contributions to the cooperative movement!
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Certificates of Appreciation |
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Brookline, Massachusetts
Started by a handful of families in 1972, the Corner Co-op Nursery families and the staff they hired have worked together to create a nurturing place for both children and adults. Everyone is treated respectfully. Play is an integral part of the program. Lifelong connections are formed. Alumni consider the co-op part of their family and provide assistance and support, current families see it as a home-away-from-home, and children recognize its magic. The school motto: Have fun, be safe, use your imagination and be kind. Congratulations Co-op Nursery School as you celebrate your 50th anniversary!
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St. George Orthodox Christian Church
Fishers, Indiana
St. George Orthodox Christian Church has leased the St. Thelka home to Geist Orchard Cooperative Preschool for the past five years. Flexibility, understanding, and a spirit of cooperation has been at the forefront of communications and agreements as the preschool has navigated uncertainty during the pandemic. The church has offered flexibility in terms of payments, provided updates regarding the functionality of the home whenever needed, and allowed the use of the surrounding land and the larger church space for school functions. Through their supportive actions that go beyond that of a landlord, Geist Orchard knows that St George views the preschool as part of their community and wants the preschool to thrive.
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Jenell Baker
Noblesville, Indiana
While serving as president of Nature's Pointe Cooperative Preschool the last two years, Jenell Baker has shown exceptional leadership skills. She led the school through the challenges of the pandemic while remaining composed, balanced, and dependable.
In the co-op model, the leadership sets the tone for all members. Jenell has kept families motivated and initiated team building activities for board members. Her positivity has kept the board focused so that despite the pandemic, they could concentrate on providing a safe environment and an outstanding preschool program. Additionally, Jenell serves as treasurer on the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives board of directors and has developed relationships with other organizations to help promote parent cooperatives.
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Carole Cordle
Vancouver, British Columbia
Carole Cordle started at St. Giles Parent Participation Preschool as a parent in 2001 and began teaching here in 2006. Acutely aware of the importance of her role in shaping preschoolers, Carole embraces the responsibility with grace and fearlessness. In spite of limited resources, the stresses of teaching exclusively outdoors during the pandemic, and the challenges of motivating and protecting young children, she consistently starts the day with a smile, a kind word and endless patience.
Carole has been co-president of the Council of PPPBC Teachers' Association since 2018. Additionally, she has served as PCPI's Awards Committee chair since 2018 and currently served as PCPI's secretary.
Carole is a shining star in the cooperative preschool firmament!
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Jarah Hagerty
Fishers, Indiana
Jarah Hagerty was the reason for the success of Geist Orchard Cooperative Preschool over the past few years. She led the school in navigating low enrollment numbers due to the pandemic along with the usual turnover of a small preschool program. Safety has been at the forefront of her classroom decision-making during the pandemic, and her creativity has allowed the school to continue operating while maintaining the play-based philosophy and cooperative spirit. Her classroom has continued to maintain a family-like atmosphere with a wide variety of learning experiences for the students.
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Nicole Murray
Portland, Oregon
Nicole Murray is an outstanding teacher and partner in leadership at Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool, adapting to challenges and collaborating with integrity and creativity. Parents describe being in Nicole’s classroom as a privilege. She engages families with a calm demeanor and playful interactions; she models gentle guidance with genuine care.
Nicole originated the role of toddler teacher at Brooklyn to expand the school membership. She contributed tirelessly to the reinvention of cooperative connections during the first 15 months of coronavirus while operating as an individualized program that fostered community experience without a traditional school year - and maintained enrollment throughout the pandemic.
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Samantha Ooley
Samantha Ooley has demonstrated a strong commitment to the cooperative movement in Indiana since the onset of her involvement as a parent in 2017. She stepped in as the first ever Director of the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives (ICPC) in 2018 and has worked tirelessly in this role to strengthen the local cooperative community and standardize the support offered to ICPC’s member schools through yearly school visits and regular consultation. She is a dedicated advocate for the play-based model of education and the importance of teacher-parent collaboration. Samantha even worked with a group of parents of children aging out of preschool to establish a K-8th grade cooperative school. As she transitions out of her role as Director, her commitment to co-op remains, as evidenced by her plans to remain on the ICPC Board as Fundraising Chair. Samantha has been and will continue to be an asset to the cooperative community of Indiana.
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Continuing Service District Award |
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Merry Enriquez
Portland, Oregon
Merry Enriquez has been the lifeblood of Brooklyn Cooperative Preschool for many years, but her cooperative spirit has never been more needed than in the past couple of years. It is with her vision, flexibility, and creativity that the school has continued to thrive in such a challenging few years. She truly embodies the cooperative spirit with her outreach and inclusion of all families in this special program.
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Susie Stone Outstanding Educator Awards |
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Karen Barrett
Portland, Oregon
As the teacher of the youngest children at SWPCC, Karen Barrett has been a crucial member of the community for over 30 years. She’s served many roles but is best known as beloved Young Toddler teacher. Her approach with children has been described by many adults as “absolute magic.” She creates playful classroom environments that are rich and inviting. Her warmth and kindness go far in nurturing a deep sense of belonging for all of the children and families in the SWPCC community. She centers play and creativity, and consistently and continuously models deep listening with the youngest students.
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Linda Costlow
Indianapolis, IN
Linda Costlow, affectionately known by her students, alumni and friends as “Mrs. C,” is an outstanding teacher who has continually gone above and beyond throughout her lifetime. Dedication, love and care are paramount in her everyday actions. Beginning her co-op journey as a parent and now serving in her 19th year as the 3/4s “Turtle Class” teacher, she has made a lasting impact at Parkview Cooperative Preschool and in the local co-op community. Mrs. C developed the current 3/4s curriculum, fine-tuning it so that many memorable projects and activities are shared amongst families throughout those special years of childhood.
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Liz Lawson
Indianapolis, IN
Liz Lawson has been involved in co-op for over 30 years, including almost 20 years teaching at her current school, Maple Seeds Preschool Cooperative. She has held numerous positions over the last 27 years on the board of the Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives, including the roles of New Teacher Trainer and Teacher Study Group Chair, and serves as a Classroom Participation Trainer for families new to the co-op philosophy. Her children attended co-op preschool, and Liz now has the special honor of having her granddaughter in class. Families and children adore her, and the children often affectionately refer to MSPC as “Mrs. Lawson’s house.”
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Susie Stone Outstanding Educator Award and
Robin Garthright Bunster Award for Excellence in Teaching
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Penny Berrien
Hillsboro, Oregon
Penny Berrien recently retired from teaching at Hillsboro Parent Preschool after 31 years as a teacher and 40 years of dedication to cooperative preschools. She has been an advocate of learning through play throughout this time, as a parent and teacher, as a PCPO board member and as a teacher and parent educator.
Within her classroom Penny made certain that each child received the attention he or she needed. Her classroom was one of play and sharing, of warmth and patience. Always, she listened to and supported her parents, including creating a play-based, part-day kindergarten that parents requested.
Enjoy your retirement, Penny. You will be missed.
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Susie Stone Outstanding Educator Award and
Honorary Life Membership
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Cathy Vause
Oswego, Oregon
Cathy Vause has dedicated over 40 years of service to West Linn Community Preschool and the greater cooperative preschool community. Teaching at WLCP since 1980, Cathy has impacted the lives and early education of countless students and their families in West Linn and its neighboring communities. Cathy has created connections and fostered relationships in local libraries, among schools and school district partners, and most significantly, in the Pacific Northwest organization for cooperative preschools, PCPO. Cathy is a PCPO board member and resource for other nearby cooperative preschools, offering mediation, advising, and tirelessly leading the cooperative preschool movement in Oregon and beyond.
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Congrats to these outstanding recipients!
Consider who in your community might be deserving of a 2023 award and think about applying for a travel grant to send a teacher in your community to next year's Annual Meeting (and YOU should join us too!)
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A PCPI Members Google Group has been created to give us another avenue to share ideas and information. This has replaced the Yahoo Group which is no longer active.
Joining is easy!
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Click the button below to send an email to PCPINews@preschools.coop.
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Use the subject line: Add to Google Group.
- Include your first and last name, your school and/or council name, and the email address you'd like to have added. (If there are multiple people in your school who should be added to the group, you are welcome to include all of their information in one email.)
Group members will receive a daily digest of messages exchanged. Message threads will be grouped by topic for easy searching later. Spread the word!
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