Community helps save preschool

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com



The Jack and Jill Preschool in Paradise will stay open for now, thanks to the fast and generous action of the community.

Crystal Cook, board president, said the school’s future looked grim at the budget meeting held in October. “Enrollment has never been this low before and we wondered how we would pay for everything. It looked very bleak,� she said.

The school is not government funded and relies on tuition money to cover its operating expenses. This year enrollment is down to 19 preschoolers and 16 students in the after school program.

“We decided that we have wonderful teachers and a wonderful program, and so we have to fight tooth and nail to save this,� Cook said.

“The children enjoy this school. I have to fight with my son when it isn’t his day to go. He wants to go, and I hate to say no,� she added.

Shyloe Emmett, board secretary, said members brainstormed for fundraising ideas, but the grim news traveled faster and soon donations began to pour in and local businesses were offering their help.

“The whole community pulled it together in about three weeks,� she said. “The End of The Line Pub and (Graves Valufoods) in Bridgetown are very supportive.�

On Saturday the school held a Chinese Auction and Bake Sale so big, it needed two locations; one at the school and another across the street at the Paradise Community Hall.

The bake sale table sold out and every auction item went, thanks to the smooth talking of volunteer auctioneer Rick Bezanson. About $4,000 was raised and more donations are expected to arrive later this month.

Based on the support they have seen so far, Emmett said she feels confident that the school will be able to remain open until May.

“It was more money than I expected. It was an exceptional amount. And the turnout was fantastic,� she added.

In addition to its annual walkathon and yard sale, the board will continue to raise money for the school with other fundraising projects.

They are collecting Campbells soup labels and will start collecting pop bottles and other returnable recyclables for deposits.

Anyone who wants to donate either soup labels or recyclables can drop them off at the school.

Jack and Jill Preschool has served the community for about 30 years and offers an all inclusive pre-primary program for children between ages three and five.