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Building Blocks Preschool

New Play Yard and — Extended-Day Program

By Jessie Thorsen · September 2025 · Volume MMXXV, Number 9 · Page 28 · 3 min read

Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool is buzzing with excitement as two major projects come to life: the transformation of our outdoor play yard and the launch of a new extended-day program. New Play Yard. Our play yard has always been the heart of Building Blocks, a place where imaginations soar, friendships form, and discoveries happen. Thanks to the hard work of dedicated families and community partners, our play yard got a major refresh.

Improvements include a tricycle path, a hill with a slide and climber, new natural play features like logs and boulders for balancing, a new dig pit, and a sand and water area to encourage sensory exploration. Parents and volunteers have been rolling up their sleeves to make the space safer and more inspiring for curious young learners.

Behind every shovel of dirt and every new play feature is an incredible team. Teachers Nicole and Jessie have spent countless hours on-site preparing logs for installation, delivering and placing garden soil and mulch, and coordinating Building Blocks families, construction teams, and community members to ensure that the new play yard reflects the heart of Building Blocks’ play- based philosophy.

Sarah Walker is a parent, play yard visionary, and our beloved designer. Sarah’s creativity and dedication have been the guiding force behind this project. From the early days of sketching plans to countless hours, meetings, and phone calls, Sarah brought this project from paper to reality.

Her dedication has transformed ideas into a space that will nurture exploration for years to come. Building Blocks is eternally grateful. Extended-Day Program. Building Blocks debuted a new extended-day program at the start of the new school year. This option is designed for families who need a little extra time, and for children who can’t get enough of their preschool day. Enrollment is offered in one-hour increments, based on availability.

Enrollment opportunities in the core program, bonus days, and extended-day program allow families to meet their early- childhood-education needs up to five days a week. Every family’s schedule is different. We need your feedback and ideas as we continue shaping programs for our community. We welcome you to complete the community feedback survey at this QR code.

Save the Date Loma Public Education Fund Gala Lydia Harville The Loma Public Education Fund’s annual Gala will be on Saturday, October 4. This year’s captivating theme is “California Gold Rush,” promising a night filled with music, delicious dining, and dancing.

The Gala is a celebration that unites parents, teachers, and community members to honor the incredible support and generosity our community has shown to Loma Prieta Elementary and C.T. English Middle schools. More than just a festive gathering, the Gala serves as LPEF’s primary fundraising event, historically contributing over half of our annual budget. The funds raised are crucial for supporting essential programs at our schools that ensure every child has access to a curriculum that fosters growth and success.

Volunteer. To make this spectacular event a success, we depend on the support of dedicated volunteers. This is an opportunity to connect with fellow parents, families, and community members while making a difference. Whether you enjoy party planning or prefer working behind the scenes, we welcome anyone willing to share their time and talents. Did I mention that volunteering is a lot of fun? If you’re interested in getting involved, email president@lpef.org.

Donate. We welcome donations for our live and silent auctions. From artwork and jewelry to unique experiences and events, your contributions are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated. If you’re interested in donating an auction item, email lpef.gala.

auction@gmail.com. Sponsor. Don’t miss the chance to sponsor LPEF and this year’s Gala. Sponsorships provide a fantastic way to support our mountain schools while gaining valuable exposure within the school community, online, and throughout our greater mountain community. The deadline to sign up is September 10. For more details, email president@lpef.org.