They may not be ready for full-time elementary school, but preschoolers living in the Merriman Park attendance zone were excited at the chance to participate in the Pee Wee Panther program in MPE’s Outdoor Learning Center Sunday, October 23rd. MPE moms Dee Ann Baggett and Amy Mina organized the event, with kids and their families arriving in costume ready to decorate their Halloween pumpkins.

Campus Reading Specialist Brenda Marr, an LHHS graduate and recipient of the 2011 Superior Teaching Achievements in RISD Award, read a book to the kids and MPE Counselor Leah Santa Maria taught them a special song. (The women are shown in Lindsay Baronoskie’s photo above.) Later, Sheridan Stringer provided an age-appropriate physics lesson about buoyancy with gourds in a baby pool (shown in the photo below).

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The Panthers-to-be were also treated to a bounce house provided by Roger Moon of the Lake Highlands YMCA, and they had a chance to show off their costumes and meet their future classmates.

MPE Principal Laurie Taylor also invited attendees for a school tour on Wednesday, November 16th from 9:30-11:30am, with childcare provided for preschoolers not in school that day. Brumley Gardens will provide a program to entertain the kids, and Coach Brooks and Ms. May will end the event with a special musical performance. Attendees will hear from the principal, tour school facilities and meet other preschool families.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.