“Thank you so much for loving on our boy.” These were the words I said as I handed my 3 month old son off to his daycare teacher for the first time. As I got in the car I began to pray fervently that he would know he is loved, cared for, and safe. I prayed that his teachers would love him the way I do, that they would comfort him when he was sad, teach him, and guide him. As I prayed for my son, his school, and my own heart, I began to pray over Sonrise, the students, and
you. I sat in the parking lot thinking about the first day of school, the first day you too, had to leave your precious baby. Nothing prepares you for that moment, the moment where you realize their safety is out of your control and I was reminded that all of you have faced that moment. As I sat in the car I began to reflect on the last 15 years of teaching. Have I made my parents feel comforted as they leave their babies with me? Have I always made sure to tell them how much I love and care for not just their kids but for them? How many of my parents have walked away with the same anxiety I had and did I do enough to reassure them that their child will always be loved and valued?
One of the things that sets Sonrise apart is the love our teachers and staff have for you and your kids. The moments of prayer at the curb, the hugs at flag salute, the reminders that you and your family never have to walk alone is not something you find at every school. As much as I love my son’s daycare, the feeling of family is what’s missing. It’s where my small bit of anxiety still exists. Sonrise is a family, a community, that rallies around each other and lifts each other up. Your kids are safe, loved, valued, and poured into with the love of Christ every moment of every day. As you begin to decide about re-enrollment and whether another year at Sonrise is right for your family, I want you to know we are praying for you. All of us here at Sonrise are praying for your family, because we know the decision to leave your child all day is one of the biggest decisions you can make and none of us take the honor of partnering alongside you lightly. We love you, we are thankful for you, and we are here for you.
Mrs. Meghan