Dear Preschool families,
The most important information in this letter is that we love your children. We really do. They are smart, funny, silly, and ready to take on the world! And, we know how much you and your children appreciate our teachers, the warm environment we create so that children succeed, and the active learning that surrounds your child. We are especially thankful for our preschool director, Mindy. She is exceptional and brings joy, fun, and education to the children and staff, everyday.
It is, therefore, with a heavy heart that we write this letter to inform you that Temple Sha’arey Shalom will be closing on June 30, 2020. That means that, unfortunately, we are not able to operate a summer program or preschool after June 30, 2020. This deeply saddens us because we want to continue to do what we do best-- and we know you want that, too. However, our financial situation prohibits this.
We have to tell you, now, so that can plan for next year. But, please be assured that every minute that your child spends with us from now through June will be the same high quality education, care, fun, and skill development that you and your child expect and deserve.
Our four-year olds will be ready for kindergarten and will “hit the playground running” in academics, social skills, and classroom readiness. Our two’s and three’s will continue to learn age-appropriate new skills with our nurturing and talented teachers and those special guests who come in to read to your children, the visiting seeing eye dogs, and the special drop-ins from the firemen and mail delivery folks. Nothing changes for you or your child between now and June. Our teachers embrace every moment and will continue to do so.
We are hopeful that we will create a new entity with another Temple that is just a short driving distance away – the JCC of Summit (Ohr Shalom). They do have a preschool, but we don’t know, yet, which staff, if any, might become part of the new entity. These negotiations are just underway and any affiliation needs the vote of our congregants. We will keep you updated as we have more information.
This situation resulted from unexpected and expensive building repairs this year and in the recent past. While we operate lean, our fixed monthly expenses exceed our current monthly income, reserves are low, and we don’t have sufficient revenue from membership dues, donations, tuition, and fundraising to continue operations.
So, we are asking for your help. Stay with us through June. Help us finish out the year in an amazing way. And, please actively support all of our upcoming Temple and preschool fundraising efforts. Your support will be used - this year - to benefit your child through our preschool and general operations.
The most important upcoming fundraiser is the Tricky Tray on March 26, 2020, beginning at 5:30pm. The Tricky Tray will be fun, you can win great prizes, and you will be helping. Please reserve a table and invite your non-preschool friends to come and make this a success. Please also support our other fundraisers such as the clothing drive and Mother’s Day plant sale.
If an opportunity were to emerge to enable the preschool to continue, be assured that we will be sure to immediately notify you.
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you and your family.
With warmest wishes,
Roberta Krumholz and Ellen Lieberman
Co-Presidents
