Over spring break, we got a rude and unwanted surprise when the director of our preschool announced they were closing their doors. As the oldest preschool in San Jose, established in 1907, it was heartbreaking to see the anger, disappointment and loss this event represented to the teachers, students, parents and community. In the end, our biggest disappointment was losing one last year with a group of truly personable teachers that built an undeniable connection with our boys. Miss Dulce, Miss Ayde, Miss Maria, Miss Hong, Miss Suzy, Miss Gloria, Miss Letti, Miss Chethi, Miss Amy, Miss Pauli, and Miss Minerva and Mr. Neo. Such a special group of teachers and staff. Not only were the teachers memorable, but so was the outdoor space. The school had several acres of amazing playground space that was truly unique for a preschool. No one will ever really know what exactly happened, ironically, that outdoor space may have ultimately been the downfall given the allure of rising real estate prices. Ultimately we had to find a new “home away from home” for Nate’s final year of preschool.
So we jumped from the non-denominational Catholic preschool to the non-denominational Jewish preschool associated with one of the oldest synagogues in San Jose, established in 1861.
The first week was tough. Nate was definitely conflicted about his “old school” versus his “new school.” After the first day I asked him if he liked the outdoor space at his new school and he declared, “It is totally not awesome.”
But then he made a friend. And to our surprise, or maybe not, his new friend was at least a year older than him… and is name was Jacob.
Today the school’s director, Ms. Barb, greeted us by noting how fast Nate has made friends. Now his pals include Jacob, Colin, Harrison, and one of his best buddies from his “old” school, Bennett.
Nate tells us he’s going to speak three languages, just like Jake. Jake is focused on English, Spanish and the source of many of his favorite things including dragons and potstickers, Chinese. In contrast, Nate is proud to be learning English, Spanish and “He-bwew.”
They had a birthday celebration a few weeks ago and Nate declared the beverage (white grape juice) di-custing. But he liked the “hollow.”