School Update:
Early Childhood Program
FROM THE DIRECTOR
As I write this, we’re just a few weeks away from welcoming our newest learners to school—some of them for the very first time. The beginning of a new school year is always filled with excitement, anticipation, and yes, a few butterflies for students, teachers, and parents alike.
One of my favorite things to witness each fall is how gently and thoughtfully our youngest learners are ushered into the world of school. Excited students are welcomed with enthusiasm, while hesitant students are met with quiet voices and loving encouragement as teachers carefully engage them in play. Every child arrives with a unique personality, different interests, and their own God-given way of learning and growing. It is a beautiful reminder of the creativity of our Creator.
Our three-year-old classrooms are alive with exploration. Children discover new textures at the sensory table, build friendships through imaginative play, and begin learning cooperation as they construct block creations or race toy cars across the room. Every activity is an opportunity to grow socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
By four years old, our preschoolers are ready for new challenges. They practice listening, following directions, asking thoughtful questions, and expressing their ideas with growing confidence. One of my greatest joys is watching them during Bible time. Their eyes are wide with wonder, their questions are sincere, and their attention is wholehearted.
Their days are also filled with creativity as little hands cut, glue, paint, color, and create. These simple activities do more than produce beautiful artwork—they strengthen the skills they’ll use for writing, problem solving, and learning in the years ahead.
Preschool truly is a remarkable place, filled with wonder, discovery, patience, laughter, and countless moments of growth. It reminds me that we should come to God’s Word with the same eager anticipation as a child, confident that He always has something new to teach us. As we begin another school year, I am grateful for the privilege of partnering with families and watching God work in the lives of these precious children.
”It reminds me to approach God's Word with the same eagerness and expectancy, remembering that there is always something new for Him to teach us.
Konni Lubbers
Early Childhood Director
Faith + Learning
Growing Wonder in our outdoor Classroom
Have you ever watched a child crawl through a tunnel with a grin stretching from ear to ear? You can’t help but smile as they race back and forth, filling the tunnel with echoes, playing hide-and-seek, and discovering all the possibilities hidden in something so simple. It is a reminder that some of the best learning begins with curiosity and joy.
This summer, our nature-based preschool classroom has undergone an exciting transformation. The familiar hill has been reimagined into a climbing hill complete with a tunnel running through the middle, inviting children to explore, imagine, and play in new ways. We’ve also added a new storage shed to keep toys, supplies, and learning materials organized and accessible.
Our outdoor classroom gives nature-based preschoolers a unique opportunity to learn by experiencing God’s creation firsthand. Instead of simply reading about the world around them, they can investigate it with all of their senses. Do you know what a cumulonimbus cloud is? Or what brumation means? Our preschoolers do. They learn new vocabulary, ask thoughtful questions, make careful observations, and discover how every plant, insect, bird, and changing season points to the incredible creativity of our Creator.
In early childhood, wonder is one of God’s greatest gifts. Our outdoor space is more than a playground—it’s an extension of our classroom where faith, learning, and exploration come together. We are excited to see how God uses this special space to nurture curious minds, joyful hearts, and a lifelong appreciation for His amazing creation.
Early Childhood Highlight
Preschool Praise & Worship
We are also excited to continue our Preschool Praise and Worship gatherings with families. This twice-yearly event brings together teachers, students, parents, and siblings for a shared time of worship and connection.
Families sing favorite songs, learn together, and pause in the joy of fellowship and praise. Parents also have the opportunity to connect over coffee before joining their child in worship. This meaningful time has become a cherished tradition, and we look forward to continuing it in the year ahead.
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