Claymont Preschool at St. Mark completed its 58th successful year. In January, 87 children were enrolled. Just as Spring Break began, the pandemic spread to the St. Louis area. Construction had begun to replace the equipment on the older children’s playground. We are so grateful for the financial generosity of Roger and Donna Stork, and the design work of the dedicated group of teachers and committee members. We watched construction with eager anticipation and looked forward to lots of outside playtime when we returned from Spring Break, but plans changed and we followed St. Louis County’s stay at home orders.
In April and May, we connected with our children virtually through blogs, emails and zoom meetings. In May, a parking lot pick-up to return children’s artwork was held. The retirement of three of our superstar teachers, Lisa Marsh, Becky Pierce and Kay Sherrill, was celebrated with a parade on Claymont Dr.
Based on the spread of the pandemic and the schedules of the large public school districts in our areas, it was determined the way was not clear to return until October 26. We researched and met virtually to determine and implement the best practices for a safe return to preschool. While we were waiting to return, the aging HVAC system in the preschool area was replaced with one in which classrooms have individual thermostats and ventilating systems, making the classrooms more comfortable and filtration healthier.
We welcomed children back to in-school learning with a total of 28 children, one class at each of our three age levels. An additional 38 children registered, but either chose to continue staying at home during the pandemic, or attend a preschool with an earlier start date. Classes were smaller with groups staying in their cohorts and rooms being rotated on a daily basis. Music and science were taught by classroom teachers. Lunch bunch and after activities were not held, limiting possible virus exposure.
Our 2020/2021 teaching staff consists of six teachers, Nikki Douglas, Kelley O’Malley, Sabrina Seidel, Tammy Smith, Susan Talley and Lisa Turnquist. In addition to our retiring teachers, several teachers chose to stay at home with their own virtual learners and look forward to returning to teaching at Claymont Preschool when the time is right.
Claymont Preschool continues to benefit from our reputation as a preschool that does an excellent job of preparing children for kindergarten as well as offering what parents value most---dedicated teachers who daily provide a warm, caring, learning environment for young children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Click here for a video.
Respectfully Submitted, Lynne Dauve
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