"Train children in the way they should go;
when they grow old, they won't depart from it."

~ Proverbs 22:6

 New School Year for Grace Garden

The book of Proverbs is part of the “wisdom literature” in the Bible, listing well known sayings and advice from a teacher to his students. Several proverbs are well known, including 22:6, wisdom about getting kids off to a good start.

At Saint John’s, every August brings its own excitement about getting preschool kids off to a good start. The hallways of Grace Garden come alive as teachers prepare their classrooms, ready to welcome the children who will soon fill them with laughter, play, and learning. At the end of the school year in May, our Grace Garden preschool graduates take part in a joyful celebration. As they complete pre-K, each child receives their “wings,” self-painted cloth wings they proudly wear at the ceremony. It is a symbol of how they have grown at Grace Garden and are ready for their next step.

To gather wisdom from our teachers, I talked to two of our most tenured teachers to hear about the new school year from their perspective. Pre-K teacher Marie Rascon, who has been part of Grace Garden for 14 years, reflects on the joy of this work: “I love meeting new children. I am excited to learn their little personalities. I teach the kids about self-help, self-sufficiency, and emotional resets. When you are a teacher, you learn about yourself too. Growth happens here.”

Grace Garden’s motto is Where Love Grows. Shannon Dickey, who has taught here for 15 years, says, “My biggest wish each year is to make a difference in these little lives by teaching them about new things in a fun and loving way.” Grace Garden is a fun, safe, and caring environment. Here the children spread their wings, not only in classrooms but also in the hallways, on the playground, in chapel, and even in the sanctuary — where we adults are still learning, too. We are never too old to grow in love.

The school is also a beloved presence in the Allandale neighborhood. Teacher Shannon enjoys seeing former students out and about. “I love walking the neighborhood and seeing Grace Garden kids, new and old. It’s also fun to run into them at HEB. The look on a child’s face when they see me! They think we live at the school.”

The surprises of each new year keep teachers engaged. “I like to discover who will be the spunky friend in class and who will be the shy one,” Shannon says. “I enjoy watching the kids interact with each other. They are such cool creatures.” Teacher Marie has noticed a pattern in her pre-K students, too: “The quietest children have the most to say. I take the time to get to know them and give them comfort. They are quiet at first, but when they are ready to talk, you are in awe.”

And so, another new school year begins. As these little ones test out their wings, keep Grace Garden’s staff, children, and families in our prayers.