– STORY ONE –

Giggling children running around the courtyard squirting each other with water on a hot summer day. Teachers comforting teary little ones away from home for the first time. A four-year-old raising his hand and proud to have the right answer to a math question. Excited Kindergarteners “getting their sillies out” on the playground before buckling down to learning centers in their classroom. These tender images, and many, many others, have made indelible marks on my heart as I’ve worked at St. Andrew’s Preschool & Kindergarten. From the time we enrolled our daughter, Hannah, in the twos class, I was impressed by the loving devotion the staff shows to each family as they entrust their greatest treasures to our school. Our teachers are the smiling face of God to their students as they are welcomed into the classroom each day. They are the gentle caress of Jesus as they wipe away tears and bandage little boo-boos. They are the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as they encourage young minds to grow and learn. Each year our prayer is to be a light to our little corner of the world, to nurture hope and love in those whom God places in our paths.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

– BY CAROLYN RAPP, PRESCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR

– STORY TWO –

I came to St. Andrew’s six years ago for an opening in the twos classroom, and I’ve been here ever since. St. Andrew’s has been a place where my faith has been allowed to flourish. God has shown up for me in many different ways here, but one of the biggest blessings has been the opportunity for me to bring my children to work. I don’t know of any other workplace that allows for women to bring their children to work and stay in a loving childcare for free.

Some people might be scared of teaching in a room full of twelve two year olds, but I love it. I’m able to connect with my students and watch them grow from babies to toddlers. My classroom teaches me patience, grace, and offers me the chance to see the world through a child’s eyes daily. My clothes and hands are constantly covered in dirt and glitter, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

– BY HEATHER JOHNSON, LEAD TEACHER – TWOS CLASS

– STORY THREE –

When I came to St. Andrew’s Preschool & Kindergarten, I had already retired from teaching at Casas for twenty years. My granddaughter started school, and so for the first time in a very long time, I didn’t have a little one to care for. One day I decided that I needed to put myself back out there, so I printed out five resumes with the intent of visiting the five preschools where I felt like I would be a good fit. St. Andrew’s was the second and last school I visited. I knew it was where God wanted me to be.

I started as a substitute, but I wanted more. I was offered a chance to work with special needs students the following year. Then two years ago I was given the opportunity to work in the threes as an associate with a wonderful lead who has become a part of my family.

Being a part of a team that loves and values children as much as I do is an honor. The support I’ve received here during some of the hardest trials of my life has been one of my biggest blessings. Just stepping onto campus gives me the feeling of being loved and accepted.

–  BY Wendie Heflin, Associate Teacher – THREES CLASS

To learn more about St. Andrew’s Preschool & Kindergarten or to schedule a tour, please visit sapctucson.org/school or call
520-742-2969.