Purpose:  The purpose of PDS shall be to minister, educate and nurture preschool and Kindergarten children of the church and community through a week-day program with a Christian emphasis.  The school's concern shall be for the total development of each child: spiritually, creatively, emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially.  In addition, we strive to help each child grow in independence and social development, considering his or her own unique abilities and talents.

PDS Board by-laws were revised and a Ministry Team was formed.

Members on this team consist of (1) A member of the Session-Karen Clark, (2) The chairperson of the Church’s Building and Grounds committee-David Henderson, (3) The chairperson of the Church’s Administration and Personnel Ministry Team-Jay Swoboda, (4) The Director of Christian Education-Dena Sowden, (5) The Pastor of the Church - David Green.

Student and Staff Population: Currently, Presbyterian Day School has approximately 108 students and 20 staff members. We are currently full in all of our classes. Teachers must complete 24 hours of continuing education yearly, required by state licensing. All staff will be complete by February 2021. Director is required to complete 32 hours of continuing education yearly with an emphasis on leadership, management, and business skills. Substitute teachers are also required to complete 24 hours of training yearly.

2020-2021 Accomplishments: 

• Parents were invited once again to help spread mulch and add new sand to the sandboxes.  We had an amazing turn out.  We will continue to make this an annual event.
• Our parents and staff seem to enjoy this time together. We were able to open our doors for our “First Day of School” on September 8^th with approval from the session. Staff, children and parents were all extremely happy. We will continue to enforce safety practices provided through CDC and Licensing throughout the remainder of the school year.
• Our Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes still participated in our traditional Thanksgiving programs. Parents were invited (via Zoom) to watch their precious children. This was a success. Lauren Roper (Music teacher) taught all our classes their traditional Christmas songs; teachers recorded the children singing and parents received through video.
• Our Kindergarten class had their first play “What Do Crocodiles Eat for Dinner?” in September. This was our very first Zoom production! It was a success!
• Our Kindergarten class continues to be part of the FPC Christmas Pageant, sharing the story of “The Friendly Beast”. All of our Kindergarten families attended this special service.
• Facebook is being monitored by staff member Janice Kuhl. Our families really enjoy the great posts that Janice provides.
• This year our staff voted on sponsoring “Samaritan’s Purse-Operation Christmas Child” and “Blue Elf” (Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department) for our Christmas philanthropy. We had amazing participation for both. We are thankful for the generosity of our staff and families.
• We continue to sponsor a child through Compassion International - Philanthropy Project
• “Fiesta” plans have started. Due to COVID, we are unable to gather as a group this year but, our staff and parents are working together to create a safe way to raise money for PDS. Our parents love our school, and they want “Fiesta” to happen.

PDS curriculum and special programs continue.

• PDS is still offering Spanish and Music/Movement to all children.  
• Science Lab continues Wednesdays for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten  
• “Happily, Ever After” has been a success in our Pre-Kindergarten reading readiness program.
• Super Kids is still a tradition in our Kindergarten program.
• Kindergarten continues to celebrate the100th day of school with special activities.
• Developmental Reading Assessment continues in Kindergarten. 
• Mother Goose Curriculum is the program used in our three-year-old classes.
• Vision and Hearing Screening provided by Conroe Service League and Lions Club. They have been trained to screen our children safely this year. Special precautions are being taken.
• Special Programs are still a vital part of our school. Unfortunately, this year we have had to make several adjustments. We had to cancel some events and improvise on others. As stated earlier, Thanksgiving and Christmas programs were delivered through Zoom and video. We were able to have our Fire Truck visit for Fire Prevention Month, Santa was able to visit our children thanks to our parents who created a magical winter wonderland outside. The children absolutely loved it! I think our parents loved it too! Pajama Day is always a fun time. Science Fair and Pony rides are other special events that we will be able to safely accomplish. Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, and our special Mother’s Day event. (Kindergarten only) Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Graduation.

   “Stay and Play”, our afterschool program, is still under supervision of Kathy Haines.

 

2021 Goals and Objectives

• Keep staff, our children, and our families safe.  
• Keep staff updated on any changes in CDC/Licensing regulations.
• Continue to pray for our staff and our families.
• Invite families to participate in FPC special events.
• Offer classes and provide programs that meet the needs of families in our community.
• Place PDS announcements in FPC “The Link” when needed.
• Lastly, I want to make sure that our PDS staff continues to realize their importance in this community and that it is a privilege to serve the families who have chosen to place their child/children in our care.

Principles of a Christian Day School  

• Teachers shall be willing to teach the principles of a Christian Day School.
• Classes (3’s-Kindergarten) will be visited by the Director for Chapel time on Mondays  and Wednesdays to learn about stories in the Bible and sing praise and worship songs. They will hear about the love our Father in Heaven has for all of us.  
• Staff at PDS will be role models to our children  and teach them how to be Disciples of Christ through their acts of kindness, patience and forgiveness. It is the goal of Presbyterian Day School to glorify God in all that we do and learn.