10-12-2024 3:34am

Reminiscing at Cross and Crown Preschool's 25th anniversary celebration

In celebration of 25 years of sharpening young minds, Cross and Crown Church was the site of festive fun on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Colorful balloons surrounded a red and white striped tent where many stopped to capture moments of the day.

During the celebration, a photo album captured times of the past with pictures of former classes of preschoolers who attended through the years with their teachers.

Returning for the special event was special guest Mrs. Linda Tolson, who became the first director and teacher at the school.

Tolson was a church member and was already a beloved Sunday School teacher. "We knew of her experience and reputation as a preschool teacher, and she was exactly what we as parents wanted for our kids," said Stone.

Tolson, who is a Roscoe resident, graduated from UW Whitewater, where she majored in elementary education.

Her experience ranged from teaching first grade in Beloit, WI, at Waterman School in 1972 and 15 years at Village Nursery.

"I felt this was my calling; it is such a joy to work with children," Tolson said.

She adds, "It was my privilege to be a teacher here, and the families are so unique. I appreciate the experience."

Years later, Mrs Tolson remains highly respected and well-loved.

Tolson now works with seniors calling bingo and also leads in singing at Willowick Assisted Living and at Highview in the Woodlands. In this capacity, she has been working alongside Ann Chamberlin for the past ten years.

Cross and Crown Preschool started in late 1997 and early 1998 when a group of parents from Cross and Crown Lutheran Church formed a committee to explore the possibility of creating a preschool at the church.

"Most of us had children from ages one to five and wanted their first school experience to include a spiritual background," Angela Stone, an original committee member and parent, said.

During the event, rainy weather moved the action inside. Little ones spent time in a bouncy house, along with other activities.

Hot dogs, chips, snacks, popcorn, cake, and beverages were served, creating the perfect indoor picnic environment.

Former students who attended preschool at Cross and Crown now go to Roscoe Middle School Kinnikinnick and Hononegah Community High School. Some assisted with running the games, including a ring toss, bean bags in a bucket, and a lollipop game. More fun options came in the form of coloring treat bags and temporary face tattoos.

Monika Jahn is a former student who graduated in 2014 from Cross and Crown Preschool. Jahn reflected on her favorite memories, "They had a two-story bunk bed with toys on top."

Mathew Monohon attended preschool at Cross and Crown from 2016-2017. "My favorite parts of going to school here were the loft with the stuffed animals and show and tell. I also loved YouTube's smart dance, 'Say Freeze.'"

Both Jahn and Monahon had Miss Ezop as their teacher.

Former students Cambria Pierce and Audrey Brandt were taught by Mrs. Ezop, Mrs. Dempsey, Mrs. Lesley, and Miss Becky.

Each shared memories of getting to choose a gift on your birthday and learning the months of the year.

Miss Jensen was Jack Keller's third-year teacher. "Coming to school here was much better than my other school. I was able to make friends here," Keller said.

Cross and Crown Preschool has had the privilege of having many experienced and beloved staff over the last 25 years.

The current staff comprises director and teacher Becky Hendrickson and teacher Danielle Blatchford.

Mrs. Blatchford earned her bachelor's in elementary education from National Louis University. She lives in Roscoe with her husband and two children. "I love teaching to make learning fun," Blatchford said.

Mrs. Hendrickson graduated from Rock Valley College with an associate's degree in early childhood development. She is a wife, a mom of four, and a 'mimi.'

Substitute teacher Maddy Riley joined this powerhouse teaching team.

Cross and Crown Preschool welcomes students to be part of a blended classroom with little ones aged three to five. Programs are four days a week, Monday through Thursday, either in the mornings or the afternoons, each a two-and-a-half-hour class.

Currently, there are 35 students, with several openings in the afternoon class.

"We provide a safe and loving atmosphere where we are also allowed to bring God into our classroom," teacher Blatchford said.

"We pray before snack times, and during the holidays, we are able to teach the true meanings of why we celebrate."

All of the curriculum is set up to prepare young minds with the primary goal of preparing students for kindergarten while encouraging creativity.

"We plan to take Cross and Crown Preschool into the next 25 years as one of the top preschools in the surrounding area and Stateline," Stone said.