Preschool celebrating milestone jubilee

Local preschool workers and parents believe there is something special about the faith-based school that has been serving the community for three-quarters of a century.

Director Michelle Hall, administrative assistant Linda Zumbar and 11 teachers make up First Baptist Preschool, 212 S. Fifth St. in Palatka, which this month is celebrating 75 years educating children – and eventually their children, too.

Hall believes the school is the longest existing faith-based school in Putnam County, having opened its doors Sept. 13, 1948.

“We are part of a strong Baptist church,” said Hall, who has been the director for nine years. “Our teachers are dedicated to teaching and reaching out to the families of our community.”

Zumbar agreed, saying certain families have made it a tradition to send their kids to the preschool.

“Families are comfortable with us and continue to carry on the family tradition of attending our school,” said Zumbar, who is in her 30th year at the school. “Since we have been here for 75 years, we are seeing some of the (former) students’ children and grandchildren attending.”

Hall said preschoolers start their day with the Pledge of Allegiance and then pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and the Bible.

“We sing songs and recite Bible verses together,” she said. “The children are then dismissed to their classes where we attend small and large groups, as well as hands-on learning in a variety of centers based on the theme, letter, shape, color, number, pattern, math, science, social studies, pattern making and more.”

The preschool is open from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the year. In 2022, the school added a nursery for children ages 2 and younger. In the last few years, the school has added new playground equipment and teachers.

The school also has all-day programs for each age group as well as voluntary, state-subsidized prekindergarten for half of the day.

“We currently have 92 students ranging from infants through 5 years old,” Hall said.

Hall is proud the school provides not only an education curriculum, but also a faith-based program for its families.

“Our typical learning times are 8:30–11 a.m. every day,” she said. “Every moment of every day is always a teachable moment here at First Baptist Preschool.”

First Baptist Preschool employees try to incorporate fun activities, including Green Eggs and Ham to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the church family cooking breakfast for the school, singing Christmas songs on stage and Operation Christmas Child, which sends shoe boxes of gifts to underprivileged children around the world.

“The children love to be able to spread the news of Jesus to other children,” Hall said.

And the parents notice the difference the school is making with their children.

Palatka residents Michael and Kaley Renner have two children, Ty, 5, and Kennedy, 2, who attend the school.

“We love First Baptist Preschool,” said Kaley Renner. “Our kids enjoy the time they spend there, learning and playing.”

Lauren Barnes and her husband, Chase, live in Palatka and have two children who started at the school last year. Cayson, 4, is in preschool and Chloe, 2, is in the nursery program.

“First Baptist has been nothing short of phenomenal for our family,” Lauren Barnes said. “Within a few days of the kids going to a brand new school, they felt like it was their second home. They are a Godsend for a beginner school for my kids and kids in this community.”

Besides having children in a learning environment, First Baptist Preschool staff believe they have a responsibility beyond that of public and private schools.

“It is the mission of the church to not only offer a faith-based program of the highest type of curriculum, but also provide a Christian atmosphere under the guidance of Christian leaders,” Hall said. “Our preschoolers may also be a means of encouraging parents to develop a closer relationship with God and aid in helping them establish Christian homes.”

Forty students are anticipated to graduate this school year and a graduation ceremony will be at the church’s worship center in May.

Hall feels blessed with her connection to the school as director.

“I get to work alongside some great Christian leaders and teachers and I also have the privilege to teach a class of (voluntary prekindergarten) students,” she said. “It’s such a reward to guide them and witness them grow into a new student ready for kindergarten.”

For details about the preschool, call 386-325-1363.