January 13, 2023
Registration is almost here, y’all.
Somehow, someway, it always creeps up on us right after the holidays and then all of sudden – it’s here. I know I’m a preschool director, but I’m also a person, too (haha) and I’ve always found it a little crazy that we register our tiny children for a school year that will not start for another 9 months. Things change SO MUCH in 9 months. I know I’m a preschool director, but before I was one, I was a mom, who – like you – scrambled in the January before my daughter was old enough to start preschool. Many of you have heard this story already – me, basically 10 months pregnant with Luke, frantically half-touring, half-waddling around preschools in January 2016 because I had no idea that preschools registered IN JANUARY, and even more frantically completing the registration application for Soapstone the day before Luke was born, because I was afraid that spots would be gone after we got home from the hospital. Speaking of which, Luke turns 7(!) tomorrow, so I first enrolled at Soapstone 7 years ago today. It was one of the best parenting decisions I have made to-date.
Registration brings our heart rates up and our anxieties to surface. But, as a prospective parent reminded me today, placing our children in the right place for school is one of the most important things we do as parents. Showing up early to wait in line for registration is just something that you do if you know a place is truly the place that will bring your child happiness. Advocating for your child to be part of a place that aligns with your parenting philosophies or faith is something you just do. It really humbles me to think that people are willing to do that for their children and families with Soapstone. I am just so proud of this school and the work we do, and I am even more encouraged that out of all the places parents can send their children to preschool – they choose here. You chose here. You chose us. That’s pretty powerful stuff.
Put those anxieties away and let us handle the rest next week when registration opens on January 18 – and be sure to get your application in that day! And for my families who are not registering this year because next year means big kid school – hang in there. I cried tears the year I did not register a Slessman child for this preschool, but I can promise you that a whole new world of adventures and experiences are about to begin. These kids are going to be great.
“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:34
Until next time,
Ms. Jess