About Us: St. John's Preschool in Kirkland Washington

Meet Our Board of Directors

A Day at St. John's Preschool MISSION

St John's Preschool is dedicated to providing children with a solid foundation during the critical years of early learning. We offer a challenging and stimulating learning experience by educating; encouraging social, emotional, and intellectual growth; and preparing children for their next academic and life experiences.

Your child will learn many things while they are with us, although we don't consider ourselves an academic preschool. Our preschool uses music, art, literature, and free play to encourage a child to grow creatively. Through everyday lessons, which revolve around themes, our students are exposed to letters, numbers, shapes, colors, patterns and sequencing. They will be learning how to take turns, how to sit on circle, and how to complete a task. These are all important skills that they will need when starting Kindergarten.

Our main goal is to have our students feel safe and cared for while they are away from their parents. We want school to be "fun" for them so that when they are older they will remember that school is a fun and positive place to be.

St. John's prides itself on its family atmosphere where we feel we take care of the whole family, parents and siblings as well as the student. St. John’s is part of St. John's Episcopal Church and incorporates Christian values and traditions into our curriculum and daily interactions. We welcome children of all faith backgrounds to our school.

FAST FACTS

Established in 1974
Located in downtown Kirkland
26 staff members with an average of 4.9 yrs experience with St. John’s Preschool
More than 200 students enrolled in 16 classes
Proactive parent involvement and volunteer opportunities
New facilities built in 2004

SPECIAL EVENTS

We have a Carnival in March and an Auction in April. The auction is parents only but the carnival is a fun activity for parents and children. It is also the major fundraising activity in the preschool to help provide those little "extras" for our students while keeping the tuition costs down.

In January and April, children will celebrate the Christian faith with the Praise and Alleluia programs. This is the time when the children perform the songs they have learned in music class.

STUDENT AND PARENT ENRICHMENT

In addition to special events, St. John’s offers student and parent enrichment activities throughout the year. Student enrichment activities focus on exposing students to new activities, entertainment and learning experiences that are not part of the classroom curriculum. Examples of some 2008-2009 school year student enrichment include Thistle Theatre’s presentation of “Aesop Fables ” and customized science workshops from the Pacific Science Center. Parent enrichment opportunities, designed to provide parents with parenting information and tools, are also provided throughout the school year. Examples of Parent Enrichment include a Kindergarten readiness discussion and presentation by well known parent educator and Seattle Times columnist Jan Faull. These activities are funded in part by money raised at St. John’s annual Carnival event.

Meet our Board of Directors

Joan Sullivan, Director

Education: Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Disorders with an emphasis in Special Education

Joan has been the director at St. John’s for more than fifteen years. Prior to coming to St. John’s, she set up and directed Holy Family Preschool and Kindergarten from 1986 – 1989.

Joan is passionate about working with children “because they’re fun, bright, inquisitive, accepting, and so willing to try new things.” She greatly values the sense of community at the preschool, “I like being at St. John’s because it’s just like one big family. Students, parents, and staff make up our family. It is a pleasure to work with other professionals who enjoy children as much as I do.”

Annette Schwientek, Assistant Director

Education: Kohlstrasse College, Wuppertal, Germany, Early Childhood Education

Annette has worked at St. John’s for fourteen years. Prior to that, she worked at a preschool in Wuppertal and a home for teenage girls before getting married and moving to the United States. While raising three daughters, Annette ran a daycare out of her home, was part of the Bothell co-op preschool, and taught Sunday school at St. Jude’s Parish in Redmond.

Annette is motivated by working with children because it “gives me the opportunity to keep learning as well. It is not just the preparation for the lesson or class time but it is challenging to bring all there is to learn to their level. The children’s never ending curiosity and excitement over every little thing make it a joy to be a teacher.

Annette appreciates the energy at St. John’s and it’s commitment to the children. “St. John’s Preschool is a loving place where each child is treated as an individual. We make learning fun and help kids to succeed in their first school experience. St. John’s Preschool, with its supporting and loving staff, helpful board, and wonderful parents, is and has been the perfect place for me to work over the past 12 years. I have been able to work in different roles, from assistant, to teacher, to administrator; and there has never been a dull moment. It’s a busy place; it’s my kind of place.”

Scotti Records, Auction Chair
This is Scotti's second year on St. John's Preschool Board. Her youngest son is attending his third year at the Preschool, and is currently in the PreK classroom. She also has another son who is in 2nd grade. “St. John’s Preschool has been a wonderful experience for the entire family – especially for my son, as a first time preschooler. From the first day we walked into St. John's Preschool, we were welcomed into a very loving and caring environment. I am truly thankful for the Preschool and the staff, and for all they do for our children. You really can tell how much they care!”

Sou Vail, Carnival Chair

First year as a board member, and third year as St. John's Preschool parent. "Our daughter has continued at St. John's in the Science program, and our son is currently in the Pre-3's class. We are so glad to have found St. John's Preschool. The teachers and staff are truly great here, and we're glad to be a part of this caring community."

Malissa Malissa Olson, President, Carnival Chair

This is Malissa’s second year on the St. John’s Preschool Board. Her son, Brock, spent 3 enjoyable years at St. John’s and is now in Kindergarten. “The staff here is truly amazing and gave Brock a love of school from the start. We will always be thankful for the wonderful relationships we have established here.”

Gretchen Moosbrugger, Hospitality Chair

This is Gretchen's first year on the Board. Her son Carter is currently in the 4's. "St. John's has been a wonderful introduction to school for Carter. He loves his teachers, his friends and his routine here. Our family is so pleased to have found this community."

Carrie Aull, Enrichment Chair

This is Carrie's 1st year on the board, and her 2nd year at St. John’s. (Last year she enjoyed being a room parent). This year her son, Alex, is in the 3+ class and her other son will attend school in a couple of years. "I’ve loved St. John’s since I first stepped foot into the classroom. I love the sense of community and the family-friendly atmosphere. It was really important for my family that we felt comfortable and welcomed at school. My son has truly thrived in this environment. We could not ask for a better school and staff for our children."

Katie Nyquist, Room Parent Chair

This is Katie's first year on the board and third year as a St. John's parent. Her son did the 3+ program and then moved onto Pre-K the following year. As a Half Day Kindergartner, he is now involved in the afternoon Science program. Her daughter is in the 3's program and is so happy to be getting to go to St. John's after watching her brother get dropped off for two years. "St. John's has been such a wonderful addition to my children's life and to the life of our family."

Lisa Lisa Diller, Community Service Committee and Church Liaison

This is Lisa’s third year on the St John’s Pre-School Board. She has a son in kindergarten who attended St John’s Pre-3’s and Science classes and a daughter in Pre-K. Lisa has been a member of St John’s church for seven years and is active in the Children and Flower Ministries. “I appreciate the warmth and caring of the staff at St John’s Preschool which provides an opportunity for each child to feel accepted, and creates a positive learning environment to develop their skills and interests."

Jennifer Rex, Auction Chair

This is Jennifer’s second year on the St. John’s Preschool Board and her third year as a St. John’s parent. She currently has a daughter in the Pre-K program. “The staff is amazing and treats each child as if they were a member of their own family. St. John’s goes the extra mile by offering new and exciting parent enrichment programs as well as an amazing one of a kind science program. My kids and I have made such wonderful friendships that will last for years to come."

Lynn Mizulo, Business/Marketing Chair, Community Service

This is Lynn’s third year on the board. Lynn is a member of St. John’s Church. “St. John’s has become such a cherished part of our extended family and community. Our children look forward to school and sharing with us all the new things they have learned each and everyday.”

Vanessa Banks, Hospitality Chair

This is Vanessa’s second year as a board member, and her third year as a St. John’s parent. Her daughter, who is now in First Grade, attended the 3’s and 4’s program, and her son in currently enjoying his turn in the 4’s classroom. “St. John’s is a warm, friendly, and very family oriented school. The teachers and staff are truly committed to the success of every child. It’s a pleasure to see students thriving and genuinely interested in learning, and I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful community.”