Reinvigorated to Grow

Although we faced one of the most challenging years in our eight-year history, Bright Beginnings Episcopal Preschool (BBEP) emerged reinvigorated as a place for children to grow and thrive. Despite being closed from March through August, our preschool not only reopened safely, but also operated without incident in the fall term and had many significant achievements.

These included transitioning to a new Director, Tawnya Sorensen, an experienced teacher who came to us from Buhl, Idaho, where she taught Kindergarten and Special Education. We extend our gratitude to her predecessor, Julie Tobiason, who worked diligently to get her onboard and was a tremendous help in getting us reopened.

To reopen we combed through all of the federal, state and local regulations and guidelines and were able to write a COVID safety plan that was not only workable but also kept our students, staff and parents safe. We stringently cleaned the facility, we masked up as appropriate, and our classes maintained ‘pods’ that did not intermingle.

Many thanks to all those who contributed to the creation of our safety plan, especially John Millar, Trey Overdyke, Robert Ayers, Ruth Glass and Carol Harvey, as well as our contacts within the Teton County Health Department and the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Our teaching staff energetically worked through the transition period and special thanks go to Brandi Radford, our senior teacher, and a crew of part-timers who enthusiastically supported our mission: Caroline Johnson, Emily Sloan, Chani Knobe, Chloe Nelson, and Stephanie Roche.

Even with these challenges, BBEP provided an age-appropriate curriculum mixed with a good amount of creative and fun play-based activity. Our Director also visited the Children's Learning Center to share best-practices and brought many ideas back to our school.

Already in 2021, we have hired another enthusiastic, experienced teacher, Sharon Eplion and look forward to working with her. Looking ahead, we see a bright future for our students and school and greatly appreciate the support given to us by the clergy, congregation and staff. Many thanks to our parents who stuck by us! We are committed to the Bright Beginnings tradition of providing quality, affordable preschool with Christian values to families in the community.

Already in 2021, we have hired another enthusiastic, experienced teacher, Sharon Eplion and look forward to working with her. Looking ahead, we see a bright future for our students and school and greatly appreciate the support given to us by the clergy, congregation and staff. Many thanks to our parents who stuck by us! We are committed to the Bright Beginnings tradition of providing quality, affordable preschool with Christian values to working class families in the community.