Preschool Welcome Letter
Dear St. Paul’s Preschool Families,
I would like to welcome you and your child to St. Paul’s Preschool. This 2022-2023 school year marks our 49th year as an early childhood educational center. I have been a part of this program for the past twenty-nine years, first as a classroom teacher (16 years) and most recently as the director (fourteen years).
It is important for you to know that we view you as your child’s first and most important teacher! We want to work in partnership with you as we share information about your child and make decisions together about your child’s care. This helps us be able to provide consistent care between home and school, resulting in your child feeling comfortable, safe and respected within our facility. Good working relationships with families enable the teaching staff to be more responsive to each child’s needs.
Our program philosophy clearly states that “parents are an integral part of our program. Their input and information about their child is continually sought and valued. Parents are involved in every part of the St. Paul’s program.”
This year we are faced with new health and safety regulations as we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our COVID-19 plan can be found in a separate section on this website. We will be updating our policies and procedures as new guidance is suggested by OCDEL, the CDC, our state government, the American Academy of Pediatrics and NAEYC.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 regulations, only students and staff are allowed in the building. We will miss seeing parents/guardians/grandparents walking their children to and from classes and as helpers in the classroom throughout the year.
There are still many ways to become a part of the program. Here are a few:
- Become involved in any fund raiser projects
- Record “books on tape” for our classroom listening centers (This can be done at home)
- Share your family’s culture with the class (Special games, songs and dances can be taught, and special ceremonies or traditions can be explained via video to show the class)
- Interact with other families and the teaching staff via Google Classroom
Volunteering in the preschool is so important for your child. Your involvement early in your child’s life sets him/her on course to succeed academically because you are showing that you value education. Staying connected to the school can give parents ideas of how to expand what their child learns in school.
Being involved with St. Paul’s Preschool also helps parents connect to other people. You will be able to make new acquaintances, get to know friends better and help your own self-confidence increase.
Together we can provide the very best learning and growing environment for your child!
I’m looking forward to knowing you and your child this year!
Laurel Webster, St. Paul’s Preschool Director
