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Building Blocks Preschool

A School Year Worth Celebrating

By Jessie Thorsen · June 2026 · Volume MMXXVI, Number 6 · Page 26 · 3 min read

Building Blocks Preschool

We’ve made it to the end of a transformational school year at Building Blocks Preschool. Last summer, as construction on our play yard was underway, teachers Jessie and Nicole made intentional changes to create a more sustainable program that could be accessed by more families.

Change doesn’t come easily. It requires trust, communication, and people to stay engaged, even when things feel different, uncertain, or uncomfortable. We didn’t do it perfectly, but we continue to move forward. Our teachers were open, professional, and committed to growth. They asked questions, adapted, and continued to center the children through it all. Because of that collective effort, our program is stronger, more intentional, more aligned with our values, and better positioned for the future.

This year also brought an incredible amount of joy. The laughter, curiosity, and sense of belonging that fill Building Blocks each day are not accidental. They are the direct result of thoughtful teaching, a strong , and the intentional changes we have made.

Childcare you can trust like family Host an au pair and enjoy flexible, personalized, and affordable childcare angela.wuerz@lcc.culturalcare.com Contact Angela Wuerz, Local Childcare Consultant to learn more about the program!

We’re heading into summer camp with energy and intention. Summer gives us a different rhythm and a unique opportunity to deepen relationships. We will host summer playdates during the Mountain Farmers Market on select Fridays, from 4 to 6 p.m. You can shop for local produce and other goodies, and the children can play. On Fridays that we are open for a playdate, our gate will be open with a sign inviting you in.

Children must be supervised by an adult while in the play yard. Keep children in your care in your line of eyesight and redirect unsafe or unfriendly behavior. Our number- one rule is “keep it friendly, keep it safe!”

Loma Public Education Fund Board This year, we tried something a little different with the Keep Excellent Education Programs (KEEP) campaign. Our campaign slogan was Every Family, Every Gift. Instead of anchoring the annual fundraising campaign to a dollar target, our goal was to increase participation. Encouraging more families to give is a healthier foundation than relying on one segment of donors.

We asked families to share their priorities and help us decide where the money should go. It was reassuring to see family priorities are in line with those of the district. The community showed up in a big way. Families giving to LPEF—through either the gala auction or KEEP—grew from 127 to 187, bringing district participation to 56 percent. At Loma Elementary, 72 percent of families gave. Many first-time donors joined our incredible base of returning supporters.

Thank you to everyone who gave. (It’s never too late. We accept donations all year long at We raised approximately $368,000, compared to about $300,000 last year. The One bright spot was employer matching. This year, we received $40,000 from Apple alone, thanks to their double-match promotion. We’re grateful to the families who took the extra step to submit matches to their employer. It’s an impactful way to give.

While key funding priorities still need to be approved by the school board, LPEF plans to fund art classes at both schools; developmental P.E., music, and a 12th teacher at Loma Prieta; and an expanded computer- science elective and seventh-grade Spanish at These programs reflect what families said they value: a well-rounded education that supports academics, creativity, movement, This year’s campaign feels like a meaningful step toward a more sustainable model.

Participation will likely remain a central metric, paired with clearer storytelling about impact. The survey will continue to evolve as a tool for both listening and accountability. There’s still room to grow, particularly in reaching more C.T. English families and simplifying the giving experience.

This year demonstrated that when more of the community is involved, the campaign

Building Blocks Preschool
Building Blocks Preschool
Building Blocks Preschool
Building Blocks Preschool