A couple weeks ago, I was struck by the kindness and generosity of a parent who volunteered to man a station for our preschool's May Day Program. Amidst her own busyness, she joyfully assisted even though she no longer has any children in our preschool. The same can be said about our wonderful kitchen helpers who assist with preparing lunches even though their own children are not in our lunch program. Or the moms who jump in and stay to help us open car doors in the mornings after their own child is out of the car and off to class. These moms help out of the overflow of a giving heart.
Yet the remarkable part of this story is these are not isolated events. In my 17 years at Trinity Christian School, I have been overwhelmingly blessed by the countless parents who have given so much to this school and to me personally. Whether it be copying papers in the morning or putting together a creative and thoughtful Teacher Appreciation Week, many parents go above and beyond in making our partnership in growing children a true blessing. As faculty and staff, we take great responsibility in teaching and loving our students, recognizing that the development and nurturing of a child begins in the home. We invite parents to join in the learning process, and are consistently answered with prayerful support, heartfelt notes, practical help and best of all, meaningful relationships.
When I first started working at Trinity as a Kindergarten teacher, my favorite part was seeing and reflecting on each student's growth. Children would enter my door clinging to their parents in August, and walk out boldly as students ready to learn by May. I still have the honor in celebrating what God is doing in some of their lives and am always touched to receive Christmas cards and emails from parents with updates. I am filled with excitement and pride every time I write a graduation card and send it. There is a great sense of awe and appreciation for the handiwork of God in witnessing the works He is doing in students' lives. And this is a gift made possible by continuing friendships that began as parent-teacher partnerships.
Faculty, staff, curriculum, and facilities do not complete a school. A school becomes a true learning environment for children to grow when there is parent involvement and engagement. Here at Trinity, we are so grateful to work together with parents who embrace this wholeheartedly.
2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)
Irene Kano
Preschool Director