Love and Dedication

Preschool and Mountain School proudly welcomed over 150 early- childhood educators from across California. They were official host sites during the recent California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools (CCPPNS) annual convention bus tour. This event was a labor of love and dedication.

For those who may not know, both Mountain School and Building Blocks are members of CCPPNS, a statewide professional organization supporting cooperative preschools throughout California. While our schools are rooted in our small mountain , we are connected to a much larger network of families and educators who share a commitment to parent involvement and play-based education.

This year’s convention brought that connection to life. Educators and parents gathered for professional- development and parent-education sessions. The topics ranged from play- based learning and social-emotional development, to building positive body image and cultivating communities of care within cooperative schools.

Behind the scenes, Mountain School’s co-director, Amanda Demers, and Building Blocks’ director, Teacher Nicole, as well as other local directors, spent months organizing and preparing for this convention. Their leadership highlighted that community-building isn’t just a philosophy, it is how we sustain our schools, support families, and raise children together.

While Black Road and Summit Road can sometimes feel miles apart, the mountain has a way of connecting and inspiring people across generations. Two Building Blocks teachers, Jessie and Yorleny, are Lakeside alumni who were taught by Anna Rainville, the daughter and esteemed educator of Mountain School founder Betty Peck.

Anna Rainville was on the bus tour. It

is a reminder that the roots of our showcased their learning spaces, and also the strength of a rural programs are different; we do not offer identical cooperative preschool experiences. Yet both schools provide something foundational: a strong, connected community for families with young children that is built on leadership, caregiver involvement, care, and an eternal gratitude for our outdoor spaces. It was a truly magical Thank you to our generous donors, Whole Foods, and to the amazing families who showed up and worked hard to prepare for this event. Local wineries generously stepped up to provide beverages for the bus ride.

Vineyards, Regale Winery, Burrell