Back to School at Pali Pres!
Dear Pali Pres,
Our church campus was filled with energy and excitement this past week as our preschool began the 2024-2025 school year. There were a few tears (from both children and parents) the first few days, but otherwise everything went off without a hitch. With 57 children enrolled, a number of new teachers, an extended day program now going until 5pm (previously it was 3:30pm), and Lynda Park filling in as our Interim Director there is a lot happening!
I’m so grateful for our preschool and consider it a ministry to our community and local parents. As someone who had both children attend our preschool, I can say from experience that it is a true gift to the Palisades!
I hope you will join me in keeping our preschool, the students and parents, the teachers and Lynda, and the Preschool Committee in your prayers this coming year. It is no small task to care for little children and all our prayers and support make a difference!
Below is a prayer I recently discovered related to the start of a new school year. I know LAUSD has already been in session for a few weeks now, along with many other local schools and school districts. So let us keep all students, teachers, and administrators—those at Pali Pres Preschool and elsewhere—in our prayers. May the Lord provide them with joy and safety in their learning, play, and instruction.
The pitter-patter of nervous feet shuffling to classrooms:
Some in shiny new clothes, some in old ones too small;
Some with a box of 100 crayons, some with empty backpacks.
All are anxious, excited, scared and hopeful.
They yearn for friends, approval, good grades and time to play.
May all students be blessed with enough and know that they are enough.
Marking dates on the calendar, scratching supplies off the shopping list:
They hold little hands by the bus stop or wait in the carpool line;
They wave goodbye and watch their hearts scuttle through heavy doors.
Deep breaths to wade through the worries:
Will my child be safe? Will they be loved? Will they follow instructions?
May all parents find peace in you. Setting their fears aside, may they rest in the safety of your love.
Hanging fresh posters on the walls and cleaning out cubbies:
They review lesson plans and check the policy boxes,
memorizing new names and faces,
wondering who will delight and who will cause trouble.
They already feel tired, knowing the weight of the load and the weight of expectations.
May all educators be blessed with the right resources, finding nourishment and joy in their callings.
For our students, parents, caregivers, teachers, counselors, administrators and coaches – for all who feel the eagerness and anticipation of this season – may they be blessed with the gifts of your love, grace, peace and patience. May we bless our educational communities as we offer our support and service and uplift the power of learning for all. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
[Prayer composed by Rev. Elizabeth H. Doolin; Associate Pastor at Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina.]
