We’re wrapping up another school year at Lord of Life Christian Preschool and I wanted to share some thoughts with you all as we send the kids off for the summer, whether they are coming back in the fall, or moving up into kindergarten somewhere else. It has been an amazing year, and I can’t begin to say how grateful I am to everyone who has made it possible.
First, I love my job. I love everything about seeing the kids every day. You can’t be unhappy being around 3 and 4 and 5-year-olds. They’re so optimistic. I get to do God’s work every day. Their positive attitude, their thrill for life, and the wonderment that kids bring to everything. They always tell the truth and they are always so genuine. The best part of my day is seeing the light bulbs come on when they learn something new.
And we have more kids than we’ve ever had before. With 158 kids enrolled this year, we were able to start some new activities and bring back some old ones that hadn’t happened in a few years. The multicultural night was a new event this year, and it celebrated the diversity of all our families. We have 11 nationalities represented among our kids. We brought back our sweetheart dance, had parents come back in the building, built community with the LOL staff, Mother’s day teas, thanksgiving feast, pumpkin carving, and the Christmas program.
We were able to serve our kids better this year because some generous grants made it possible to raise salaries for teachers and provide retention bonuses; do upgrades to the playground, including a nature space; buy some new educational games, new furniture for classrooms and the fellowship hall, and new automated soap and paper towel dispensers throughout the building.
Partnering with Lord of Life has been amazing. Most churches don’t have a preschool because it isn’t a money maker and that is what they look for. The church is so generous with giving us space and resources. Children’s chapel with Pastor Lowell and Angie is such a blessing. I couldn’t ask for a better working relationship. Lord of Life staff forges a relationship with Preschool families whether they are church members or not and it makes all the difference.
We have a great staff who really connects with the children and loves them and pours themselves into them. They give a lot of their time, and everyone knows this is more than just a job for them. They are constantly learning and growing so they can keep the curriculum fresh and current.
We can’t wait to see all the new faces next year. We truly love each of the kids and their families. We are like a family and have created a whole community, and it includes the kids and their family members, too. The building at Lord of Life is alive every day with music and learning and spreading love in the world.
Blessings,
Paula Drake, Preschool Director