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St. John's Little Lights Preschool opened in October 2001 with 70 preschoolers in designated classrooms in the new Parish Center. The idea of having a preschool at St. John's was the desire of many parents and parishioners who wanted an early childhood, faith-based educational program to complement St. John's Grade School (kindergarten - eighth grade).
Little Lights has come a long way since 2001, and has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2004, the Guardian Angels Nursery Room, the Sunday Nursery, was licensed to be used as an additional preschool room during the week. This year, there are 118 students in three classrooms. There are now two full time teachers, Miss Mary Ann Dircks and Miss Michelle Paukert; one part time teacher, Mrs. Jolene Pick; two full time assistant teachers, Mrs. Sue Rother and Miss Emily Malone; and Mary Walus, who serves as the administrator and as a substitute and co-teacher.
Little Lights offers morning and afternoon options for three and four-year-olds, as well as a class for four and five-year-olds everyday in the afternoon. The success of the program is deeply rooted in the devoted teaching staff who places a high standard on academics and creativity, with an emphasis on the teachings of the Catholic faith in ways that preschoolers can understand. Parents have been so impressed that word of mouth has spread, making Little Lights one of the most in demand preschools in the area. Following are just a few comments parents made in the Spring 2006 Survey:
- The teachers and assistants are fabulous; the facilities include a great variety of toys and activities.
- There is a great teaching staff, in a new facility, with small class sizes, and this allows for a lot of parent
involvement.
- They are loving and caring teachers, and a dedicated, creative staff in a faith-based program.
- The strengths of the program are the activities, the
structure of the day, and field trips. Everything is so well organized.
- Little Lights is part of the church community in which we are members. I am comforted to see the same families at church and preschool, and I know that these families share the same faith and values that we do at home.
- I think the program is run well, and I wanted a curriculum that included our Catholic faith.
- It's "cozy." I have a good feeling about the teachers, the environment, and the location close to home and church.
- My children have grown academically, spiritually, and socially since they began in Little Lights.
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Little Lights has not only grown in number of students, but also in parent involvement. There is a Preschool Advisory Board having input and assisting the teachers and administrative staff in activities throughout the year, including the holiday parties, the Annual Christmas Program, and the hugely successful Family Fun Night held each spring. This advisory committee also helps with the planning and future development of the preschool in years to come.
Many parents choose Little Lights based on word of mouth throughout the local area, and are so impressed by the programs, teachers, Catholic faith, enriched education, and sense of community that they decide to continue their children's education at St. John's Grade School. Little Lights brings families together, so they already have a sense of parent and student familiarity, networking, and support before their children's elementary education begins.
On Friday, 19 January 2007, Little Lights will hold its Annual Registration & Information Night for parents interested in enrolling their children. If you or someone you know is interested in Little Lights, look for more information in the next issue of The Forerunner, as well as in St. John's Sunday Bulletins.
Preschool Staff
- Mary Ann Dircks has been with the program since it opened. She received her education through the
University of Wisconsin-Stout.
- Emily Malone received her education from Alexandria Tech, and she also works as a nanny when not at Little Lights. This is her first year.
- Michelle Paukert is in her third year at Little Lights. After graduating from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, she received her Master's in Education from St. Mary's in Winona, MN, and has taught preschool at
Divine Mercy Catholic School in Faribault, MN.
- Sue Rother has also been with Little Lights Preschool from the very beginning!
- Jolene Pick, a part time teacher, joined the staff as a substitute and now teaches three days a week.
- Mary Walus, the director, has worked for St. John's
Parish since 1995, and she has been instrumental in the founding of Little Lights Preschool.
The teaching staff is phenomenal in their dedication to the children and families in their midst. They truly love being with the children, getting to know the families, sharing their faith, and watching the children grown and learn throughout their preschool years and beyond.
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