Dear CCP Families,
Last week, we received news that a former Christ Church Preschool student had passed away. His name was Gabriel and he was a former Frog, Ladybug, and Duck. Gabriel battled Leukemia for the past two years and was 11 when he stepped into Heaven.
I have learned that Gabriel was funny, bright, curious, loved Legos and insects, and had a servant’s heart. He helped to serve Communion at church, standing by the pastor each week and reminding people that God loved them.
Not long ago, Gabriel gathered some of his toys and designated them to be donated to CCP, the preschool he obviously remembered and loved. The bin arrived with a Thomas the Tank Engine set, a bug box, kite, crayons and chalk, and sunglasses (because he knew “the children would love using them in their dress-up area”).
On Tuesday at our staff meeting, the teachers were able to gather up Gabriel’s love and bring it back to their classrooms. I won’t lie that there were tears, but through them was the reminder that what takes place in our spaces here is important. So important that an 11-year-old, who is far from his time at preschool, still remembered. Remembered the rooms and what was in them but hopefully remembered the safety and love that resided there (and still does ❤️).
For now, would you please hold Gabriel’s parents in your hearts? Life is often tricky and hard to understand, and when life gets out of order, its heartbreaking. Trust me when I say, I know. Gabriel’s life here on Earth is finished, but the moment his heart stopped beating he walked into our Father’s arms cancer free and full of new life!
As you walk forward, take the time to slow down with your sweet treasures. Eat breakfast together at Weaver Street before school, take a ride on a swing, linger a little longer at the dinner table, put extra bubbles in the bath, and don’t skip any pages in the bedtime book. Soak it all in. Hold them close, life is a gift.
Next week Ladybugs, Ducks, & Whales will have their last lunch bunches. (May 11-15) There are no lunches the final week of preschool (May 18-22) Please mark your calendars.
PAC - Our last meeting of 24-25 and our first meeting of 25-26 will take place on May 11 in Ascension Hall. Both groups, please arrive at 7:00pm, park in the church office parking lot, and use the side door into Ascension Hall.
END OF YEAR CELEBRATIONS - Your teachers will explain how your class will celebrate the end of the year. We plan to keep things simple and easy with the focus on our little ones. Be sure to read your teacher’s blog posts and emails.
KEY FOBS - If you will return to CCP next year, please keep your key fob. You will use the same fob to enter the building next year. If you will not return to CCP, please put your key fob in the collection basket in the hallway on your last day.
Please remember that Christ Church has an After School Program here for all Scroggs Frogs 🐸? If your offspring will be attending Scroggs Elementary School next year (or you know someone who will be), contact the church for more information. 919-969-8820 or check out the webpage: Christ Church After School — Christ United Methodist Church. Mr. Steve Case is our fearless leader and does so many wonderful and creative activities.
30th ANNIVERSARY BASH! Join Christ Church on Saturday, May 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our 30th Anniversary Bash on the Southern Village Green! We'll have a bounce house, games for kids, live music from Bill Moore, Danny Gotham, Now & Then, CUMC Chancel Bells, and Brassisimo!, food available for purchase from Xolos, Al's Burger Shack, and Maple View Ice Cream, and more! The preschool will be represented too, so drop by and say hello! Please bring your own chairs to enjoy the food.
THANK YOU - As new families apply to CCP, I ask them how they heard about us. Many times they tell me one of you recommended the program to them. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation. We do not take it for granted. Thank you for your kind words. YOU are our best advertisement for CCP! Thank you!
“Noticing children is an excellent way to encourage them. Describe what you see to a child and leave her free to make her own evaluations of her efforts and accomplishments.” (Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline, p. 130) What does this actually look like? Rather than non-specific praises like “good job,” describe what you see. “You used red and blue paint!” “You cleared your dishes from the table.” “You picked up your blocks.” This allows the child to make their own evaluations, rather than be dependent on someone else’s judgments.
As things begin to wind down, I’m holding space for you in my heart. I am grateful for the time we had together this year and I pray that each of you remains safe and well. You can always reach me by email if you have questions or concerns during these last two weeks.
Peace,
Shelly
BONUS TIDBITS: Maybe when the kids are older…” No. This is literally all you get. One life. Do it broke. Do it tired. Do it with a toddler on your hip. Tomorrow isn’t promised. Don’t wait until the perfect time. The perfect time doesn’t exist.