July 2023 Newsletter
For the last several years, Jessica Kruse has served as Director at Little Lambs. Unlike most directors the preschool has ever had or will have, she never got to experience a “normal” school year. Instead, starting her first year with us, she had to navigate the unprecedented and very choppy waters of a global pandemic. With precious little hard data and widely differing opinions on best practices, not to mention the ever-present risk of schools closing indefinitely, most people would have felt discouraged. Jessica, however, adapted to the situation admirably. She prayed for God’s guidance, coordinated with our local school district, consulted medical professionals, and kept tabs on the developing guidelines from the CDC and DCFS. She encouraged our students’ families to do what was best for them, acknowledging the preschool might not be following the same course of action, but that we would do our best to support them and their efforts. She quickly developed a plan to implement e-learning during our first and most impactful closure. When we had to delay the start of the next school year, she found ways to engage our incoming students then, too. During a time when many people felt isolated, anxious, and adrift, Jessica reached out to our preschool families to help them feel connected and reassured. When remembering her tenure at Little Lambs, I hope this massive accomplishment springs first and foremost to everyone’s minds. There are not many people who would have had the experience and indominable attitude necessary to successfully bring our preschool through such a challenge.
COVID-19 aside, Jessica also brought endless enthusiasm and fresh ideas with her, inspiring members of the staff to try new ways of teaching and embrace new teaching tools. Her excitement spread to everyone she spoke with, including members of our congregation. We truly feel everyone’s love for our program, and greatly appreciate the support you have given!
With schools across the nation facing a shortage of teachers, Jessica’s decision to return to HCUSD2 helped our district (and therefore our preschool here at Trinity) stay open for in-person learning on a full-time basis. We learned during the afore-mentioned spate of e-learning that preschool is definitely best suited to in-person learning, and consistency is key to the kids’ success. Thanks to Jessica and our other dedicated educators, we have been able to provide that environment for our students.
Thank you, Jessica! May God bless you and your family as you continue to serve our community at HCUSD2, as well as our congregation, in your many other capacities!
This month begins my tenure as Director at Trinity’s Little Lambs Preschool. God grant that I am able to serve our students and families as well as Jessica has, and that I face any challenges with the same level of perseverance and positivity.
– Mrs. Brown