Saying goodbye to an institution
The Lake Arrowhead Co-op Preschool is closing its doors after 64 years.
In 1961, Marilyn Asher, along with a group of local moms, started the Lake Arrowhead Co-op Preschool, located at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church at 351 Highway 173, to provide a fun learning experience for the children in the community.
Many teachers have come and gone since, but Jodie Auten has been the longest standing teacher/director for the last 25 years. Their final graduation ceremony and celebration was held on Thursday, May 15.
Each child enrolled presented Mrs. Auten with a sunflower and kissed her on the cheek, representing the love and growth of each child over the years.
Auten estimates about 750 children have gone through the school during her time. “That’s pretty remarkable,” she said, adding she has mixed emotions about the school’s closing and her retirement.
“I was so grateful when I came for a job interview,” she said. “I didn’t have teaching credentials but had been teaching preschool out of my home in Menifee.”
Auten had moved to the mountain and learned the preschool was looking for a teacher. When the preschool’s board saw her lesson plans, Auten said, “they said they were similar to what they had before. They got clearance for me – I had to take some classes. I’m grateful they took a chance on me. It’s been such a huge blessing in my life and to the community.”
Although Auten said it breaks her heart that the school is closing, she was comforted by what one mother told her. “She said that, even though the school is closing, the good things I taught the children – love, compassion – will last their lifetimes. That doesn’t close down – it will last forever.”
On May 23 and 24 the Lake Arrowhead Co-op Preschool will be hosting a huge parking lot sale for the community, held at the Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church, 351 Highway 173 in Lake Arrowhead.
To be a vendor at this event (garage sale stuff, crafts, food, etc.), contact Wayne at (908) 226-2368.
The preschool will be selling off all their assets: art supplies, games, toys, furniture, physical equipment, outdoor toys, bikes at this event.
At the end of this sale, on Saturday, May 24 from 2 to 3 p.m., anything left from the preschool liquidation sale will be free!
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