New Parent Orientation and Family Pages Night have again served to link incoming parents into the community. This group warmed up quickly with lots of laughter and opportunity to share.
At the end of the two-week introduction, we gathered in the Middle Courtyard to reflect on the beginnings:
Melinda: (Ephy, WW in Fall 2018 and Theo, EW 2018). We’ve been here seven consecutive years and the impact of this place and community has had on me as a parent is profound. Andy and I have learned so much from watching interactions with children and these women. Preschool is a particular craft and these teachers are astounding. Andy and I intentionally looked to NSW for a community after moving here and it has been everything.
Randy: (Dillon, WW in fall) Cool people here. We’re sure our son will have a good time. He’ll also have a rough goodbye with lots of screaming, but we know we’ll get through it and he will love to explore.
Leah: (Lucy, WW in Fall 2018 and Jake and Charlie, EW in Fall 2018). We were reflecting in our group and not very talkative at first. It was as if we were showing up and wanting to do the very best job for our children. During that focus, we discovered that we all want the same thing and that helped us to get to know each other.
Madison & Harold: (Diego, WW in Fall) It was the best double date x four! You know how some of the girls get to talking and the guys get talking but tonight, we all talked and there were so many of us. Join us for the after party!
April: (Mehana, WW in Fall) It was one of those days. I was an hour late in coming to this event. The printer broke, I was running all over to CVS to get prints, the nanny couldn’t make it. When I arrived, everyone on staff, everyone I came in contact with was so welcoming. I was telling Kris about my day and she said, “Let’s just start with a beer.” She handed me one and with that, I was brought into the moment. This is my second child and with my first, I was so able to be in the moment and do everything intentionally. I’m a working mother and it was wonderful to slow down and be present and to take the time to print memories out.
Kris: That’s a beautiful way to end. Thanks, everyone. To slow down at this moment with your children and each other and enjoy together is our hope for all of you. And we will do our best to hold you all in the moment at NSW.
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- Initial connections were supported by the teachers.
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- And new families sat in mixed groups.
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- Focused and chatty, they got down to business
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- strolling down memory lane was sweet for some.
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- Others roared with laughter over shared experiences.
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- We asked the new parents to consider their start.
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- What kind of reflection would they give on their first experiences together?
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- Alumni and returning families
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- supported questions with experienced answers.
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- Things got so lively
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- that phone numbers were exchanged
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- and there was talk about an after party!
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- We are so thrilled to see the connections
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- and welcome this new crew into NSW traditions (here with Peggy).