January 7, 2013

Dear LJUMCNS Community,

I am writing to inform you that Julie Capper, our Director, has decided to resign at the end of this school year, June 14, 2013. Julie has worked very hard for LJUMCNS for the past two and a half years and I am grateful for her time and energy. Julie's passion for Early Childhood Education has been evident from day one and our school has benefitted from her presence.

Julie hopes to find her next endeavor working with children and educators in child cognitive development. This has been a difficult decision for Julie. However, she feels in her heart that it is the best decision for her and she is committed to making the transition as smooth as possible for the school.

The Human Resources committee will begin to form a search committee for a new director immediately. The committee will work diligently to hire and effectively prepare a new director before the start of the 2013-14 school year. We are grateful to Julie for giving us the rest of the school year to search for a replacement.

Enclosed, please find a letter from Julie. She wanted to share with the parents and nursery school community her thoughts, sentiments and how she ultimately came to this decision.

Our nursery school, as always, will remain a wonderful and loving place for our children during this time of transition. Our young children will continue to explore, create and, most of all, be happy! Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Casey Masterson

LJUMCNS Board President

The New Year is a good time to reflect on the past and think of the future. I have been reflecting on my years here as Director of the Nursery School.  During these past two years I have found the support from the teachers and parents inspiring and fulfilling.

The teachers have continued to develop and refine their understanding of how children learn and how to put that into practice through attending conferences, and collaborating and reflecting together.  The Board and the Parent Association have harnessed an enthusiastic supply of energy to put on social events, organize the Gala, present parent education events to the community, maintain our community garden, sponsor community service activities, and take care of the daily details of the school with office help and repairs. The Board continues to provide channels that offer the extra financial support that affords continuous enhancements to our school and program, as well as provide scholarships so that many families can enjoy the benefits of our school.

Throughout my career, my passion has been developing my understanding of how children think and learn, as well as developing techniques to support their learning experience. Research in cognitive learning is constantly developing and I relish being involved with the new and innovative findings in this field.  I have certainly enjoyed sharing this knowledge with both the teachers and students here at LJUMCNS.

I have decided to further develop and share my knowledge in child cognitive development, working with both children and educators. It is with this decision that I have decided to resign; I will, however, remain as Director until June 14, the end of the school year. I don't know where I will land in my next step; God doesn't give me a map unfortunately.  But I know that I will take all the skills, wisdom, and love that I have experienced here at LJUMCNS with me wherever I go.

The Nursery School will always have a special place in my heart.

Sincerely,

Julie