LA PLATA COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Community Pre-School & Community DaySchool (ages 2-5)
A community Pre-School was established in 1980 to provide Christian educational experiences, basic life skills, and kindergarten readiness for children ages 2-5 and was housed in the basement of the Community Presbyterian Church. Cheryl Lock and Andy Jackson served as Educational Directors with 8 children enrolled, meeting mornings for 3 days a week. The community Pre-School was in operation for one year.
In November, 1989, a Board of Directors, of the Community DaySchool was established and on December 13, 1989, the Session of Community Presbyterian Church approved to begin an outreach DaySchool ministry, offering early childhood education opportunities at the state licensed childcare center housed in the church. Members of the Board of Directors included members of the Church, as well as community members. The 6 staff members (paid and volunteer), along with Norma Wood, Administrator of the Community DaySchool welcomed 16 children to participate in the fun-filled Christian learning environment the first year. The children (ages 2-5) were engaged in activities enhancing their physical, social, emotional, cognitive and Christian faith development, Monday through Friday, September to May, in conjunction with the local school calendar.
Through the years of operation, the student population varied as did the number of staff, number of board members serving, and the months of providing childcare. In the 7th year of operation, 35 children were enrolled. Many years, students were on a list, waiting for enrollment.
The DaySchool provided support to many families in our community for 14 years, and was a most successful mission of the Community Presbyterian Church. However, in 2004, the Board of Directors dealt with various extenuating circumstances, including securing qualified staff, and ended the operation of the DaySchool July 28, 2004. An estimate of 500 children were involved in the DaySchool through the years of operation.
The incomplete list of individuals who have served as paid and/or volunteer staff and board members through the 14 years:
Staff (Paid & Volunteer)
Stephanie Allen Jackie Eitel Christy Pippin
David Bingham Judy Gaither Shelly Ross
Nickie Bingham Beth Helm Robbie Shedron
Judy Blacksmith Kelly Krawl Julie Smith
Patty Blankenship Leann Lewis Angie Snow
Robyn Boren Marilyn McClintock Mary Tuggle
Jamie Buckallew Dana Marshall Mrs. Lou Wollenberg
Marie Chadwick Evan Mikel Jamie Wood
Justina Cheatum Carla Morgan Norma Wood
Cheryl Curtis Renee O'Keefe Becky Yardley
Penny Danner
Board Members
Bob Baker Bob Ferry Carol Payne Janice Bane Cleo Gault Kerrie Payne Elsie Bangert Elizabeth Gregory Pam Ray Kayla Belt Angie Hays Trisha Riggins Robyn Boren Andy Jackson Marty Roberts Lloyd Bruce Bob Johnson Lori Tonkinson Ann Bullock Dennis Jones Randy Travis Rev. John Carswell Sherry Lindquist Diane Webber Wendy Carter Gayla McHenry Shirley Webber
Debbie Clay Dana Marshall Rev. Lou Wollenberg Becky Dawson Michelle Matteson Amy Wood Rev. Paul Dobbins Paul Matteson Gene Wood Carla Easley Don Miller Rev. Greg Wood Norine Eitel Bud Payne
Community DaySchool students and staff. (1996)