If you’re a parent, releasing your baby to preschool is a milestone that comes with angst and tears—mostly on the part of the parent. As a mom of 3- and 5-year-old boys, I know this better than anyone. But knowing your kiddos are entrusted to a fabulous program, like Woodbury Preschool Programs on Steepleview (WPPS), makes the transition for mom and preschooler as smooth as PB&J. This year, WPPS celebrates its 50th anniversary in Woodbury.
WPPS operates out of Woodbury Peaceful Grove United Methodist Church and offers preschool programs for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds. The school places an emphasis on positive self-esteem, eagerness to learn, cooperation and respect for others. Half-day and full-day options are provided.
“The school opened in 1965 as Woodbury Nursery School with 30 kids,” program director Julie Johnson says. “There was such a community need and the church was very responsive to that.” In the early years, the local school district did not offer kindergarten, and this school served that function for the community. Woodbury United Methodist Church is also a historical landmark in Woodbury; on their first day of classes, all the children enjoy ringing the steeple’s Belgium Bell that dates back to 1885.
“The program has changed with the times to accommodate the needs of the community,” Johnson says. “We keep our classroom size at 10, and have maximized the number of rooms this year, adding an extra classroom to accommodate 20 more kids.” The preschool program today serves 150 children, including my boys Maxwell and Evan. “The socio-emotional component of preschool is certainly the most important part of what we do to get kids ready for school, but we make every part of the day a learning moment and they are having fun,” Johnson says. Art, music, science, language arts, reading and math readiness, large muscle development, special visitors and field trips are all a part of the program.
Over the duration of the program, some Woodbury families have had multiple generations attend. When Brittany Ewald found her family would be relocating to Woodbury from Minnetrista this year, she was able to enroll her 4-year-old daughter Arianna in the same preschool she attended as a child. “We lived in the neighborhood, and I grew up walking to the preschool,” says Ewald. “Now Arianna thinks it is neat that she goes to the same school her mommy did. I love that the school focuses on academics and is not just a place to play.” The Ewalds are one of several families with multiple generations attending. “I sent my kids here, and many of the current staff sent their kids here as well,” Johnson says.
For me, there is also a sense of community at WPPS that, as a parent, is very important. Pick-up and drop-off are times for connection with other parents, and often lead to after-school play dates at the nearby Royal Oaks Elementary School playground, where friendships can develop beyond the preschool walls. My experience isn’t novel, according to Johnson, who says, “There’s a group of moms who met here 27 years ago and still get together now that their kids are in their thirties. Each year they have a holiday party and, instead of gifts, they make a donation to a charity. Last year, they donated back to us.”
Over the past 50 years, WPPS has established prestige, longevity and community, but my most important measure is that my children are happy and loved. “I love playing with my friends, playing toys and reading books,” says Max, age 5. “Mrs. Ostman taught me about listening.”
“I like playing. Ms. Katie teaches us new things,” says Evan, 3.
