Spring 2015

Life lessons from

the magical
house on the hill

Dr. Valaida L. Wise, Head of School

In just a few short weeks I will have finished my first year at NCRC.
Like a preschooler who has been called in from recess on a lovely
spring day, I marvel at how quickly this good time has passed!
I consider myself a lifelong learner, so I was excited to embrace the
new experience as head of school at NCRC. I knew that I would learn
some new things about the nature of children, and undoubtedly about
myself, but I had no idea that what I would learn would change me in
some fundamental ways. Several months ago I wrote an article about
the things we could learn from our youngest students the Bunnies.
Well, Id like to revisit that thought because Ive learned a few valuable
life lessons in my first year as the head of NCRC and Id like to share
them with you.
Lesson #1: Kindness is key (but when all else fails, try pizza)
Take last summer, for instance, as I eagerly awaited the start of NCRCs
summer camp programs, I looked out a window and saw the city truck
arrive. And then I watched in near horror as city workers parked the
truck right in front of NCRC. And then they started digging up the
road right in front of the school. REALLY? I thought. You need
to do this here, now? They had a job to do and we had carpool. They
had a timetable and we had carpool. This kind of situation warrants
what my mother called a southern remedy. By that she meant extreme kindness and gentility. After some stiff negotiations it was time
to bring in the equalizerpizzas for the workers. Then, and only
then, did we have a mutually beneficial arrangement. Carpool continued, water pipes were installed, the summer camp, as always, went
spectacularly well.
Lesson #2: The early arriver secures the best parking space
Getting to work early not only means getting a good start on the myriad tasks involved in overseeing NCRC. More importantly, it means
getting a good parking space. The 43 faculty and staff members and I
take NCRCs limited parking and neighborhood agreement into serious consideration when contemplating our workday. Its not uncommon to have someone jump up in the middle of a meeting and yell,
Ive got to move my car. Being able to time when a parking space will
become available is an art form but knowing where the best spaces are
requires skill. Its a challenge. Its a factor. Its a part of life at NCRC.
...continued on back page

r
e
l
o
The Prescho
Growing, changing
and saying goodbye
By Frannie Hochberg-Giuffrida Chair, Board of Trustees
As I put away my daughters winter clothes, I felt sad, nostalgic. I held
up my daughters favorite sweaterit is orange with a bright pink fish
embroidered on the chestand I realized that it will not fit her next
winter. I wont see her wear it again, but I will remember her bright
amidst winters bleak hues. I tried to cheer myself. Its good that the
sweater will no longer fit. With each day, each season, my daughter
grows and changes. This is the way it is supposed to be.
Like children, institutions grow and change. We should not become
too comfortable in our routines and our habits, and should re-examine
them to make sure that they still fit and respond to our needs. This
year, it has been a privilege to work with Dr. Wise as she joined NCRC,
led the school with strength and wisdom, and reimagined the role of
Head of School to best fit the schools and communitys needs. Dr. Wise
examined NCRC. She looked critically at what we do and how we do it.
She confirmed that NCRC remains relevant, that our practices fit our
mission, and that we are doing what we say we do. We are becoming
the model preschool we aspire to be.
In the coming year, under the direction of incoming Board Chair
Sloane Menkes, the Board will begin a similar effort. NCRC is in the
final year of the Leading the Way Strategic Plan. Many of its goals have
been realized; others have not. In June, the Board will begin a strategic
realignment process. The Board will re-examine the plan and NCRCs
current goals to determine if they still fit. With input from the communitypresent and past parents, faculty, neighbors, and other stakeholdersthe Board will evaluate where NCRC stands and in light of this
input establish NCRCs strategic priorities for the coming years. This
will be an exciting process and the Board welcomes your thoughts.
In the summer, my term as Chair of the Board will end. Although I will
no longer occupy an official role at the school, like many of you who
are moving on, I will remain engaged in the alumni community. NCRC
has been an amazing resource for my family and we have cherished our
time here. I will remember these years with fondness and gratitude.
Several long-time faculty members, Tiffany Williams, Maryann McGowan, Shona DCruz, Katie Rothwell, and Barbara McCoy share my
bittersweet feelings about moving on from NCRC. Their contributions
to NCRC have been profound and the Board and community greatly
appreciate their commitment to the school and the talents and joy that
they have shared with our families. Please join me in wishing them
every success and happiness in their next endeavors. I hope that their
memories of NCRC are as joyful and bright as are ours of them.

The show must go on!

This years Tuition Assistance Auction truly exemplified the spirit of NCRC. Despite the untimely snowstorm, the rescheduled Auction showed the unwavering compassion and support
of our remarkable community as families, faculty and friends came out to celebrate the mission
of our school. Thank you! Together we are creating a world of possibility.

It was just an ordinary day in the carpool line...

By Caroline Greene, Julia (Explorer) and Molly (AM Sunshine)
Our Explorer Julia was already on the sidewalk. Ms. Devins was reaching across the backseat to unhook the five-point harness
holding my Sunshiner, Molly, in place.
I DONT WANT to go to school, Molly wailed.
Ms. Devins waited calmly. I felt, for a flash, the rising anxiety of holding up the entire line as I watched the cars waiting to pull
up behind us. Hot tears streamed down Mollys face. I took a breath, surveyed the backseat, and reached for the stuffed elephant
wedged between the carseats. Molly, I said, Elephant doesnt know how to do carpool. Could you be a big helper and show him?
A smile lit across her face. YES! she squealed, as she bolted out of her carseat, the small gray stuffed animal pulled close to her
pink flowered raincoat.
Ms. Devins grinned, Well done, Mom, she said. Well done.
You know, the education you get here isnt just for the kids, I replied.
As I watched her escort my two little ones towards Dr. Wises welcoming smile, I couldnt help but think just how true that really
was. While so many people are quick to reflect on just how much their children have blossomed while they have been at NCRC, I
know that David and I have grown just as much.
Three years ago, we wouldnt have known how to recognize Mollys fear and redirect her energy into something positive. We learned
that from Ms. A.
We didnt know how to kneel down and make eye conduct when talking to them about their big feelings. We learned that from Ms.
Stone.
We didnt know how to play finger games to strengthen their little hands so they could cut and write and color as they grew. We
learned that from Ms. Marian.
We didnt know how to potty-train at all (or handle the whole familys anxiety in the process)! We learned that from Ms. Judith.

We didnt know that rhyming games would help create the foundation for literacy. We learned that Ms. Becky.
We didnt know that there were kid-safe knives made for little ones to use in the kitchen (or that our girls were strong and
brave enough to cut an entire apple by themselves!). We learned that from Mr. Eric.
We didnt even know what it truly meant to nurture the whole child we learned that from every single member of the NCRC
community.
We have countless lessons learned, from Ms. Parinello in the library, Ms. Traci and Ms. Carolina in the Advancement Office,
Ms. Farmer and the Lator Gator and Mi Casa teams, Ms. Joan and Ms. Eleanor in the front office, to Mr. Troy, well, everywhere. Thanks to all of you, our children and our entire family have an amazing foundation on which we can continue to
build for years to come.

Introducing the Dads Association!

By David Simon (Chase, AM Rainbow)
This spring NCRC dads launched a unique dad-driven initiative. As a working dad with
two boys, Chase (4) and Grant (2), I know several dads, who, like me, are looking for
ways to learn from other dads, as well as for parent/child community service opportunities. Earlier this year NCRC held five breakfast events designed for dads, granddads, and
fatherly figures as well as their kids -- to view short videos based on stories children had
read in class. Each video was followed by a brief art activity and then reflective discussions
involving such issues as roles, responsibilities, and respect. After the third morning event,
a group of dads convened at the school to reflect on ways that the morning discussions and
activities could continue beyond the school.
Inspired by NCRC's dad-focused programming, the visionary leadership of Dr Wise, and
the expert guidance of NCRC School Counselor, Judith Wides, and Allan Shedlin, Founder
& President of REEL FATHERS (www.reelfathers.org), who has facilitated discussions at the breakfast events, we launched a new pilot
project -- the working name of which is the NCRC Dads' Association (NCRCDA). The NCRCDA is intended to be more than just an
opportunity for dads to socialize. It represents an opportunity to deepen and expand ideas generated from the dad/kid breakfast discussions, as well as to participate in an intentional reflective process with a focus on fatherhood. Significantly, the initiative is also a means for
dads and their children to participate in a shared experience of community service that promotes a core part of the curriculum - building
strong self-regulation skills that lead to the development of mindfulness and compassion.
On Monday April 13th, we held an evening kick-off event for the NCRC Dads Association. We discussed the impetus for creating a
dad-driven NCRC initiative. Judith Wides and I talked about NCRC's commitment to engaging fathers in the lives of their young children
as well as creating opportunities for socializing and parent/child community services activities. Allan Shedlin spoke eloquently about
NCRCs unprecedented participation in the ongoing, yet relatively under-appreciated, paradigm daddying shift in our culture. And several dads reflected on the gap this initiative would fill by fostering a community of dads, contributing suggestions for another NCRCDA
get together before years end as well activities for an expanded program next school year. On Saturday May 16th, NCRC dads and their
kids convened at Norwood Park in Chevy Chase for our first picnic playdate. After lunch in the shade, we played soccer and proceeded to
the playground. It was a wonderful afternoon!
In recognition of this innovative effort, NCRC has been invited to share its ideas and program success at this summers 67th international
conference of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education. NCRCs presentation, Doubling the Odds for Early Childhood
Success: Engaging Dads, will be led by Dr. Wise, Allan, and two NCRC dads, Ruben Olmos and myself.
Please email me ([email protected]) if you have any questions or you would like to get involved!

Easybake ovens, hardhats and gender roles

By Aaron Stallworth (Harper, AM Sunshine)

Fifty two months have passed since my wife and I took on the roles of parent. So far, we
claim success with the endeavor. Not because we feel that we have done everything right,
but because we know our children are happy, secure, curious, and only mildly mischievous.
As a family with both parents working outside of the home, and with most of our relatives
and close friends residing in Texas, we have been lucky to build a village of wonderful peo
ple, here in DC, to support our efforts to raise well-rounded, caring, funny and intelligent
individuals. NCRC has played a major role in the success of our village. Im sure most, if
not all, who read this share that sentiment.
Last week, our eldest, Harper, asked me for the first time, if she could pump the gas when I
stopped to fill the tank before heading to the grocery store. This question from my 4 year old
sparked a number of thoughts about gender roles in our society and how they are adopted
by groups and by individuals. There I was, the man of the house, heading to the grocery
store as I normally do (my wife is not a fan of grocery shopping) and my daughter asks if she
can pump gas. I am sure this scenario would jolt the sensibilities of many of my older
friends and southern contemporaries. Of course, I allowed her to pump the gas after a quick
tutorial and we proceeded to our local Whole Foods to buy groceries for the week. It was
not until I posted a picture, on Facebook, of my little lady pumping gas, and subsequently
reading a few of the comments that made me realize the gender roles that different people
subscribe to and how those assigned roles can alter the trajectory of your childs life.
There is a lot of research that suggests that gender role determination begins as early as preschool. Factors such as socioeconomic status,
race, sexual orientation and family makeup contribute how and why certain gender roles are adopted. We live in a society (at least ours
inside the beltway) where policies and legislation about eliminating income inequality between men and women receive a lot of attention. Depending on the election outcome in 2016, we could have the first female president of the United States not a small matter in
breaking some gender stereotypes once and for all.

This fact, and others of course, brings me pause when I find myself making decisions based on gender. As parents that are conscious of
the role of gender in how we raise our children, we are learning that we should buy both, the Easy Bake Oven and the toy Tool Box with
Hard Hat for our boys and our girls. After all, who are we to determine who the next chef and restaurateur, or petroleum engineer will
be?

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CRC rough
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e seas

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Princess Overload

By Kristin Solheim (Isabella, AM Sunshine)

After a whirlwind, exhausting, three-day trip to

Disney World last year, I started worrying about
Isabellas fervent obsession with Disney Princesses. As
a mother of three older boys, having a daughter has
been a whole new adventure. Despite similar upbringings, Isabella has gravitated to everything pink, frilly
and feminine since she could begin making choices.
Isabella has come to school many times clothed in a
princess dress and on many weekends she never takes
off Aurora, Rapunzel, Belle or Sophia. She loves princess action figures and much to my dismay, adores
Barbies of all types especially naked Barbies. Enter
Disney World. The sensory overload is almost too
much to bear for an adult much less an almost 4-year
old. After every ride, you are plopped right in the middle of a retail store burgeoning with
Disney paraphernalia as far as the eye can see. Wed leave the ride/store kicking and screaming,
begging for another toy and after another improbably long wait in line we do it all again, and
Yes, we had Fast Passes! (A must for any Disney adventure...).
Dont get me wrong, Disney is a lot of fun and I enjoyed seeing her delight at every turn but
upon departure, I was exhausted and exasperated wondering if I was doing something wrong
fueling her princess obsession. Shouldnt she have stronger female role models, not just those
concerned with hair and clothes and when the next prince is coming around the corner to save
her? And then after a few months and the ability to look back on the trip with fondness, I began thinking that this is such a fleeting time in her life. Wouldnt we all be a little better off if we
could hold on to our imagination for just a little longer and take ourselves a little less seriously?
There is plenty of research about how gender rules and norms shape your future and what parents can do to help foster a positive self-image (see Aaron Stallworths piece on page 4).
With cartoons of every type available on any device 24 hours a day, the experts at commonsensemedia.org have great lists, tips and descriptions to help us navigate the many potential
role models for the preschool age group and some top summertime options to keep our little
ones occupied when in the car or relaxing at home. Grab some popcorn (or kale chips) and
embrace the boundless creativity NCRC is instilling in our young ones. Enjoy this very special
and short time in our childrens lives while they still want to snuggle on ours laps and watch a
good show or movie. (And if you are otherwise occupied, no guilt you can have the confidence they are watching or playing something meaningful or just plain having fun).

Piecing together
the whole picture
Every member of our community is an
integral part of NCRC as a whole - we
are the individual pieces that support
the bigger picture. And every piece is
needed.
The Annual Fund allows NCRC to
continue providing the many things
that make NCRC special to you and
your family, the things that complete
our school.
The time is now. If you have not yet
donated, its not too late! Donations can
be made through the NCRC website or
in person in the NCRC office.
Thank you to everyone who
supported the Annual Fund this year.
You are helped make wonderful things
happen.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Annual Fund chairs, or Traci Grigg and
Carolina Herrera in the Advancement Office.

Thank you to NCRCs behind the scenes superstar!

A tribute to Maryann McGowan

Maryann McGowan, our trusted and unflappable Business Manager, will be retiring at the end of the summer after almost 30
years at NCRC. Maryanns introduction to NCRC began in the fall of 1986 as a temporary employee. She returned six months
later working in various administrative and classroom support positions. In 1999, Head of School Susan Piggott offered her
the Business Manager position, the responsibilities of which she has always handled with assurance, grace, diplomacy, and a
sense of humor. Her depth of knowledge and even-handedness has served her and NCRC well as she manages the schools
finances and day to day operations. As many people in the community will tell you, when in doubt, the best course of action
is to ask Maryann for she has not only been a dedicated employee through the years, but also a NCRC parent. She has been an
integral part of the teams that set school policies, procedures and plans, as well as serving as an ex-officio member of the Board
of Trustees Finance Committee. Maryann will be missed every day in both small and large ways. While Maryann decides whats
next, she plans to enjoy time with her children and grandchildren and friends. We wish her well!
When I first came to NCRC in 1998, Maryann had been at the school
for a long time, so I asked her to help me get my bearings. She knew
absolutely EVERYTHING about NCRC - its history, the people who
created the magic, the playground equipment - when it was installed
and when it needed to be replaced, where we kept the bandages, how
to properly clean the toys, how to keep cats out of the sandboxes, how
we raised money, how we took care of our money, how to remove
lead paint safely, how to prepare healthy snacks, how to run carpool
efficiently, how to help kids get into their next school. You name it and
Maryann knew where it was and how to make it work. Regardless of
the fact that she didn't have CFO experience, I asked her immediately if
she would consider taking on a much bigger role as the Business Manager, and she agreed. From that moment, she became my right hand we made every big decision together and she was the one I called when
I need really good advice.
What I loved the most about Maryann was that she made (and taught
me to make) every decision with the mission in mind. We didn't
do anything unless it was the best thing for the children. When she
created the new budget each year, she began with the mission and what
we needed to do for the kids, and we worked from there. I was always
proud of the fact that Maryann's budgets reflected the core values of
the school. And we had fun. We shared every snow day decision. We
shared a dog. We shared difficult situations (she knows what they are)
and found our way through them, keeping everyone's dignity intact.
We even put our own children to work at the school, in a pinch.
Maryann has been the constant through a number of school Heads.
It is hard to imagine NCRC without her. Val, you'd better schedule a
number of brain-picking sessions with Maryann before she gets away.
Maryann McGowan has worked harder over the years than anyone.
She leaves an incredible legacy at NCRC. She deserves a break, and I
wish her a fabulous retirement.

Susan Piggott, NCRC Head of School 1998-2008

Maryann is one of the people at NCRC that makes me very happy every day
I am here. I have known her for 26 years and I taught her son Christopher,
who continues to be a wonderful young man. He was a very bright and
funny boy who was in my small group during his year as an Explorer.
Maryann has been a true friend for many years and I consider her one of
the hardest working individuals I know. She is always up, humorous, and
so helpful in every way possible, personally and professionally. We have
much in common, including our age and many life experiences. Sharing our grand-parenting experiences is so fun and gratifying. We share
many Grandma stories and photos. She has three bright and beautiful
granddaughters who fill her life with joy, to say nothing of her own three
children! Family is a huge priority to Maryann. We have shared our losses
of family and friends. It is very comforting to be able to honestly communicate about such issues. I have total trust in Maryann and I will miss her
beyond what words can express.
I wish her the best and want to know what the future brings to her and her
loved ones. I know they will be a major part of the picture of her choices
and decisions concerning ,"what , where and when". I love Maryann and
want nothing but fulfillment and happiness in her next adventures.

Cathy Parker, NCRC Faculty

Maryann was loyal to NCRC and always put the school first. She is unflappable, flexible, and hard-working. She could shift gears on a dime. She
could handle preparing for tree removal, leaky toilets, a change in health insurance plans, and network snafus all in the same day.
We often spoke at 5:30 in the morning when we were making decisions about weather closings. You could hear her smile and sense her good-nature right through the phone line. Maryann's maturity and work ethic made her a natural leader. I learned from her each and every day.
Her close colleagues knew that she also had a wicked sense of humor. We laughed together many, many times. She was well-read and tuned-in to
the world. She could converse about anything and I enjoyed talk of everything from being a grandparent, to current politics, to our favorite recipes.
Every trip to the third floor to see her each day was both a comfort and a joy. I counted on Maryann for support, encouragement, and thoughtful
opinion. She handled the school finances with diligence, prudence, and vision. You could trust Maryann with anything.
NCRC will miss her greatly. I sure do, both as a colleague and as a friend!
So, no more "the phones are down!, the Internet is out! the toilets aren't
flushing! well, what about the key fobs?!, and 10:30 3rd floor meetings"!
Thank you, Maryann for welcoming me to NCRC with open arms! Your
guidance, support, and consistent mentoring has been amazing, it has
been a true pleasure working with you. You will be GREATLY missed!!

Carolyn Dogum, NCRC Faculty

Liz Barclay, NCRC Head of School 2008-2014

Maryann,
It has been a pleasure working with you for these many years. I have admired your professionalism, knowledge and dedication to the school
and children. Thank you for your kind friendship.
Best of luck.

Jeff Manchester, NCRC Faculty

I've known Maryann for fifteen years, gone to France with her with the other NCRC faculty, and spent many a night playing scrabble with her with
the Scrabble Buddies. She is one of the most centered, unflappable people I have ever known. She is a "can do" person who meets any challenge head
on, calmly, positively, and with a smile. She has a wonderful mind and can really think through situations. She doesn't overreact or jump to conclusions about things or people. It is a great strength of hers. Warm and unselfish, she is caring, empathetic, and thoughtful, with not only her friends,
but everyone. She gives everyone the "benefit of the doubt." I love this about her. I go to Maryann for good advice and problem solving, and I play
with her because she is so humorous and lighthearted. Wise and measured, she is never impatient and never short. Maryann always has time to
share a smile and ask how you are doing. What a genuine lovely person. When I think of Maryann, I smile!
Barbara McCoy, NCRC Faculty
There is no part of this institution that Maryann has not touched, from the classroom to
the business office. She has been an integral
part of the school and in so many ways
personifies its spirit. For many of us, she is
the very foundation of NCRC. Maryann can
frequently be heard reminding us to be mission focused, reminding us that the mission
of the school is its mighty oak. Well, if the
mission is the schools oak, then it would
have to be said that Maryann has been its
heartwood. Maryann is the living embodiment of NCRCs mission and as we continue
to live it every day, we will think of her.

Dr. Val Wise, NCRC Head of School

It is so hard to put into words what a

wonderful colleague and friend Maryann
has been for me the past 10+ years. In
addition to her thirty years of institutional
knowledge she brings to us her unflappable
problem solving skills. She has the ability
to remain calm and focused until the goal
is achieved. The goals have covered a broad
spectrum of accomplishments. Some of
the bigger ones include the construction
project, technology upgrades and many
compliance related issues. She has helped
me grow professionally and personally. I
believe I am a better person because of her
mentoring and friendship over the past
decade. I will miss her deeply.

Jan Austin, NCRC Faculty

Maryann is the silent unsung hero of NCRC. Her dedication over three decades is evident in how
NCRC has flourished and grown under her management. She is never fully away from work. She
puts in countless more hours before and after work as well as the weekends. Maryann does whatever it takes to get the job done, whether it be by getting grubby by cleaning out a shed, driving
miles to shred documents as she is a dedicated Planetpal, attending non-stop meetings, working
on the schools finances, or managing the upkeep of our building and grounds.
Over the years, Maryann has made many tough decisions after carefully weighing the options and
has always done so with the best of intentions for NCRC. She has a tough job and does it with
grace and dignity.
Maryann and I were the original Earthgirls near 17 years ago. She would personally gather all
of NCRC's recycling and drop if off at a recycling center. Over the years, her commitment to the
environment is ever present as she strives to meet the goals of NCRCs Sustainability mission.
I am blessed to have Maryann as a friend. What she does for NCRC she also brings to her friendships: dedication, commitment, loyalty, kindness and love.
Maryann is one very special individual who will be gravely missed at NCRC. I wish my dear
friend all the best in her new adventure.

Marian Brice, NCRC Faculty

High fives and handshakes!

Nancy Meakem, PA Chair | Kate (Treetop) and Ben (Bunny)

As the school year draws to a close, I am reminded of the terrific experiences our community has shared together and I am heartened by how much
our children have flourished.
When I look at my kids today, it is hard to believe how nervous they were on the first day of school. Back in August my daughter Kate was excited to
see her friends but anxious and uncomfortable in the dress I made her wear. My son Ben was thrilled to don his big kid backpack but apprehensive
about changing his routines. I remember seeing Val at the door with big smiles and big hugs for parents and children. Val gave my kids a high five (a
friendly and adept accommodation that evolved into a proper hand-shake) and welcomed them warmly. Inside, my husband and I were thrilled to
see how quickly our children fell in love with their teachers and friends.
As the year progressed, our kids love affair with NCRC continued. In their classrooms and on the playground they explored the poles of the earth,
the essential elements of a story and the life cycle of butterflies, all through play. Our kids also learned to be kind, caring and inclusive members of
our community. They navigated complex social interactions and countless bumps and bruises, all with the support of devoted faculty and staff, and
an amazing community.
As parents, we all contributed to the strength of this community. We raked hay on Family Work Day or painted faces for the Pumpkin Party. We
brought in snacks for the Winter Celebration and the Staff Appreciation luncheon or we organized details for the Pajama Picnic. We documented
our year in photos, wrote articles for publication and organized workshops. We collected bottle tops, made play dough and asked our kids to tell us
more about their day.
Some parents spent countless hours organizing our Tuition Assistance Auction while others raised their paddle to make a contribution in support.
Room parents coordinated class events and shared information with families all year long. But regardless of how large or small our involvement has
been we have all helped make NCRC a special community.
We are truly grateful to all Parent Association volunteers, as well as to the NCRC faculty and staff. Your talent, time and energy help to make NCRC
the joyful, inclusive and supportive environment that we all hold so dear. Please stay tuned for more information on how to get involved with the
Parent Association next year. And thank you again!

Life lessons from the magical house on the hill

...continued from front

Lesson #3: Practice makes perfect (but when in doubt just ask Joan)
Ive always known that Im a bit directionally challenged; Im addicted to the GPS on my cellphone as a result. So, Im not ashamed to admit
that in the early days at NCRC I almost resorted to using it to find my way around our unique building with its hidden stairwells and passages. There were times when I would set off for the kitchen and find myself in the motor room. There is a fabled secret stairway I still havent
foundyoull probably need to send out a search and rescue team if I do! Luckily, Joan, our clever NCRC receptionist, is a closet teacher of
adults with hidden deficiencies.
Lesson #4: Once NCRC always NCRC
Everyone seemingly knows someone who knows someone who went to NCRC, maybe its the woman Ive met in the dairy aisle of the supermarket whose niece graduated from NCRC, or the 80+-year-old man I met recently who was so proud to tell me that his brother attendedand swore to me that he would find the picture to prove it. They all loved being a part of this magical house on the hill. They have fond
memories of their Treetop years, or still vacation with families theyve met while their children attended NCRC. People continuously tell me
that NCRC is a great institution. And Im continuously proud and honored to be considered a part of it.
At the end of the day, the most important lesson Ive learned and the most powerful by far is that the capacity to love is infinite. I should know,
because Ive fallen in love with all 146 families here at NCRC.
Thank you to the NCRC faculty for making my first year such an incredible experience and thank you to the NCRC families for your warm
acceptance and support. And, finally, thank you to the children of NCRC you are my joy and delight and help me remember that the world
is a beautiful place, indeed.

JOIN THE PRESCHOOLER TEAM!

The Preschooler relies on the ideas, writing and editing talents of the NCRC community. If you are interested in contributing or joining the editorial team
next year please contact [email protected]

Thank you for a fun two years! Kristin Solheim and Kate Josephs, Preschooler Editors