St. Paul’s Preschool was founded as St. Paul’s Kindergarten in 1957. From beginning as one class of kindergartners with two teachers to the present-day configuration of 14 half-day (9:00 AM - 12:00 noon) classes ranging from infants (4 months of age) to readiness (5-year-olds) and a staff of 30 teachers, the preschool program at St. Paul’s has continued to provide quality early childhood education.

Preschool enrollment for the 2008/09 school year is 185 children, with approximately 135 in attendance on most days. The Preschool is currently providing full or partial scholarships for four children who might otherwise be unable to attend. We have one autistic student who is being mainstreamed in regular classes. This child is accompanied by a “shadow” who facilitates his integration into the classroom routine. We know that not only the autistic children benefit from our program, but also the typical children who learn through their interaction with differently-abled classmates. It is a win-win situation for all concerned.

The Preschool Board, chaired by Charlotte Broughton (2007/08) and Kim Gentry (2008/09), has been extremely supportive and attentive to our needs. This dedicated group of parents, teachers, church staff, and parishioners works quietly behind the scenes for the good of the entire Preschool program, overseeing the budget, planning improvements, and dealing with other issues that may arise. In addition to their usual responsibilities, in 2008 the board approved surfacing the gravel walkway on the big playground with Safe-T-Surface, and feted everyone with a fabulous 50th anniversary celebration. More than 400 people attended the party on the playground that included hamburgers and all the fixin’s, as well as a huge birthday cake and other entertainment. Winston-Salem Mayor, Allen Joines, proclaimed April 30th as “St. Paul’s Preschool Day.” Earlier in the day the children paraded around the church while singing the school song and waving flags they had made especially for the occasion.

Our teachers are the best to be found anywhere. Three teachers have acquired their NC Early Childhood Credentials this year, bringing our total of credentialed staff to approximately 90%, and all have participated in meetings, workshops, and outside reading designed to invigorate early childhood teachers and their classes. SPP teachers constantly go “above and beyond” each day to provide the best educational environment for the children in their care. They are the backbone of our program.

Parent Council, co-chaired by Susannah Greco and Lisa Hemby in the spring and by Shelley Holden and Meredith Masten in the fall, has sponsored a variety of activities including Art-By-Me, classroom collage placemats, Breakfast with Daddy, the Santa Tea, the annual SPP Clothing Exchange, and Photo Sculptures. Our very popular Fall Festival, held on the playground on a balmy October Sunday afternoon, featured games and activities for the children and a chance for parents to visit with friends, old and new. Parent Council members contribute in many ways to the successful operation of the Preschool throughout the year, and we are indebted to them. The money raised by Parent Council fundraisers goes toward classroom equipment (toys, games, etc.) and other things that benefit the children and teachers.

As always, parents have supported our teachers by providing enjoyable holiday parties, reading to classes, substituting, and helping in a variety of ways. Without the excellent parental support of fundraisers and fun-raisers throughout the school year, we would be lacking in many areas. We are fortunate to have such wonderful families at St. Paul’s Preschool.

Three- and four-year-old children attend chapel each Wednesday morning, led by one of the clergy of St. Paul’s. All classes (2 years and above) enjoy weekly music classes. Our fours and fives also have shop (clay and woodworking). Parent, Roger Echols, teaches weekly science classes to the 4s and 5s, and they also are learning Spanish. Extra-curricular classes are offered in computers, art, and gymnastics. These after-school programs allow parents to enrich their children’s lives while letting them stay in a setting that is convenient and in which the child feels comfortable.

We, the staff of St. Paul’s Preschool, are given the opportunity to work with children when they are learning more than at any other time in their lives. We provide a loving, nurturing environment in which they can grow and develop mentally, socially, physically, and spiritually. This is an awesome responsibility, but one that we eagerly accept and appreciate. The children’s bright smiles, excited voices, and love of life and learning give all of us reasons for enjoying our time together each morning. Thank you, St. Paul’s, for making this possible. 

Judy Ingram, Preschool Director

Preschool Board 2008/09

Kimberly Gentry, Chair
Paige Daniel
Anne Dunn, Secretary
Roger Echols, Vice-chair
Andrew Hano
Cary Marcantonio
The Rev. John Shields, Interim Rector
Judy Ingram, Preschool Director
Shelley Holden & Meredith Masten,
          Parent Council Co-Chairs
Lucy Paynter, Vestry Liaison
Stacy Holley, Director of Christian Education
Teacher Representatives (one per meeting):
          Beth Forsell, Pam Hansen
          Susan Gupton, Karen Kearns 

Statement of Purpose