Thank you, my Tiny Teachers

With more than 20 years in the field of education — in leadership roles, as a preschool teacher in the classroom, as head of school, and as a professor in graduate programs — I've learned a few things. Some of the lessons I've learned are great, life-changing things, while others were seemingly so small that I didn't really notice how important they were until much later when I had the opportunity to reflect. The fact of the matter is that I am a lifelong learner on a quest to gather new knowledge each day. I haven't done this alone, nor have I solely clung to the rigors of academia as my source of education. In my career, I have learned from so many teachers — some young and some old, those who have mentored me and those who probably still don't know how much they've taught me. Each one of their lessons continue to have a lasting impact on me.

NCRC parents have been some of my most powerful teachers. They are some of the most well-read and thoughtful people I have ever had the opportunity to serve. You have asked the tough questions, the kind that make me think about my practice and how to move theory into action. You have highlighted articles or research I might have missed that motivated me to dig deeper and then to expound further on a topic. Ultimately, you have made me really think and from that, I have grown in new ways, resulting in positive changes to our programs here at NCRC.

My best instructors, however, have been and continue to be the children we are privileged to serve in our close-knit community

Children have the unique ability to seek out a process rather than a goal, and to enjoy navigating their way through it. It's the doing of the thing that mystifies them and entices them to try one challenge, then another, until they feel they've accomplished what they want to achieve, regardless of 'our' goal.

A child, almost intuitively, understands how to forgive and forget. They can have an altercation with a friend and while the adults are still trying to get to the bottom of things, the children have moved on and are playing together because they recognize that each new day is a new beginning. Children embrace each beginning with renewed optimism — only slightly (for now) tempered by lessons learned.

Children generally don't have much of a censor system in place. They say what they think, they're spontaneous, they don't have a plan to follow. While sometimes this may prove to be as difficult to the teacher as, 'putting cats in a bag,' it's really a lesson in being in the moment that many of us adults may consider taking to heart sometimes.

We have learned a great deal together as a community. Together we have continued to build on NCRC's 90-year legacy and I think the founders would be proud. We have responded as only a community dedicated to children can — for the children. I think I am most proud of that fact.

So thank you to all of my teachers — big and small. I hope I've given back half as much as I've received.  Please keep in touch, I'm always just an email away. (valaidawise@gmail.com)

Please Note

The playground will be closed for a staff function from 1:00-3:00pm on Wednesday, June 6^th. 

Thursday, June 14^th

6:00-8:00pm

NCRC Motor Room

Be Safe and be smart this summer with CPR, Water Safety, and First Aid training.

Parents, Grandparents and caregivers are invited to attend this important family safety event taught by Earl Ostrander of CPR Road Tour.

$46 per person

For Sunshine and Rainbow Parents

unable to make it to OGS Preview on Wednesday, May 30, there will be an additional session on

Tuesday, June 12 from 6:00-7:00pm

If you plan to attend on June 12, please sign up below. 

Come to NCRC to play on any of the following dates! Our hope is to connect families, build positive experiences for your children during the summer months, and provide the opportunity for current and incoming families to meet ahead of the school year.

Drop-in and meet new friends! You can sign up through the Sign Up Genius link (if you want the reminder a couple of days in advance) or just show up when you are available! 

June 9, July 14, August 25 @ 10:00 AM on the NCRC Playground.