Our Teachers’ Prayer

Lord, let me be just what they need.

If they need someone to trust,

let me be trustworthy.

If they need sympathy, let me sympathize.

If they need love, (and they do need love),

let me love, in full measure.

Let me not anger easily, Lord, but let me be just.

Permit my justice to be tempered in your mercy.

When I stand before them, Lord, let me look strong

and good and honest and loving.

And let me be as strong and good and honest and

loving as I look to them.

Help me to counsel the anxious,

crack the covering of the shy,

temper the rambunctious with a gentle attitude.

Permit me to teach only the truth.

Help me to inspire them so that learning

will not cease at the classroom door.

Let the lessons they learn make their lives

fruitful and happy.

And, Lord, let me bring them to You.

Teach them through me to love You.

Finally, permit me to learn the lessons they teach me.

Amen.

the faculty

W.E.E. CARE

Preschool & Kindergarten

Where love grows

2014 - 2015

Dear Parents,

We welcome your child to W.E.E. Care Preschool &

Kindergarten and we hope his/her learning experience

here will be a happy, wholesome one. As parents you

are cordially invited to visit us, ask questions and make

suggestions. The best assurance for the success of your

child’s learning experience is the close cooperation and

understanding of parents and staff.

Our program has the goal of helping children in their

mental, emotional, social, physical and spiritual devel-

opment. This handbook has been prepared in order that

you may know the policies and better understand the

program as we work together to help your child through

a successful year in our school.

We shall strive to give your child the loving care and

guidance children need in these formative years.

Sincerely,

The Faculty,

W.E.E. Care Preschool & Kindergarten

Train up a child in the way he should go and

when he is old he will not

depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

NURSERY

Jill Meighan

STAFF NURSERY

I received my degree in Early Childhood Education from Wittenberg Univer-

sity in 2005. I taught one year at IPS and am beginning my 3rd year at W.E.E.

Care. I love kids because they're so eager to learn and just have a good time!

I've been married to my husband, Matt, for 9 years and we have two perfectly

adorable boys, Caleb and Carson.

13Then some children were brought to Him so that

He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the

disciples rebuked them. 14But Jesus said, " Let the

children alone, and do not hinder them from com-

ing to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to

such as these." 15

Matthew 19:13-15

April Reynolds

DIRECTOR

This is my 10th year at W.E.E. Care and I’ve loved every little minute of it.

Originally from northern Michigan (above the bridge), I’ve called Indiana home

for more than two decades. After earning my BA in English and Journalism

from Indiana University, I worked for over 15 years in book publishing, starting

my own firm, Hoosier Books, to support local authors, independent bookstore,

and to advocate childhood literacy programs. In juggling several hats, I can cer-

tainly say that “Wife” and “Mommy” are the sweetest. My husband and I will

celebrate 14 years of marriage this fall and adore our three daughters: Alex (11),

Isabelle (6), Amelia (4). Two are W.E.E. Care graduates and one is a current

student. While I love hiking, biking, pretending to crochet, nothing is more pre-

cious in my spare time than snuggling up with my family; Add a book, a fire,

and a cup (or a few) of coffee … pure happiness.

Marla Ringger

FAMILY MINISTRY SERVICES

My husband Rick & I have been married for 40 years, have a growing family

of 4 daughters, 3 son-in-laws, and 7 precious grandchildren and counting. My

passion in life is family and all the people God brings into my life. I've taught

2- and 3-year-olds for 7 years. This year I’m looking forward to a new role in

ministering to our W.E.E. Care families. I enjoy children of all ages, working

with VBS, summer Bible camps, before/after care at public school, and always

seem to have children in my house! Another very important part of my life is

serving at Fall Creek in the women’s ministry, especially helping lead Bible

Studies, seeing women grow in their faith. I love jogging, walking, hiking,

riding bikes, watching sports and knitting. I grew up in central Illinois but

have come to call Indiana home. Thankful for all of God's blessings in my life.

ADMINISTRATION

Tracy Helm

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER— The Sunbeams CO-DIRECTOR

I have been at W.E.E. Care for 12 years. I have taught kindergarten for 11 of

those years and 1 year in pre-k. I received my Bachelors Degree from Indiana

State University in Education. I have taught for over 20 years at various levels

in public schools, church and preschool. I am a wife and mother of 3 beautiful

daughters (two are W.E.E. Care graduates and one is a current student). I love

children and seeing how they learn and grow. They are a precious gift from

God!

Susan Ongley

KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT— The Sunbeams

I am thrilled to be serving at W.E.E. Care. This is my 6th year as a member

of the W.E.E. Care staff and it will be my 4th year as Miss Tracy’s assistant.

I am a grandmother of 8 and I started doing childcare at the age of 12. Dur-

ing my life I have worked with and helped to educate children, from infants

through high school. I have also enjoyed a season of working with special

needs children, as well as children of families who are here in the United

States from around the world...all of whom are God’s precious creation. The

most wonderful part of my life came in August of 1980 as I began my per-

sonal relationship with God through accepting Jesus as my Savior.

KINDERGARTEN

PRE-K

Hannah Wencl

PRE-K TEACHER— The Leap Frogs

This is my 3rd year at W.E.E. Care and I am so excited to see what God has in

store for us this year! I decided to become a teacher in high school while volun-

teering for a 3rd grade teacher. Having the opportunity to love on children and to

help them develop their maximum potential hooked me into the teaching profes-

sion. I graduated from Ferris State University magna cum laude with a degree in

Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish. I have also served in Fall Creek's

Hispanic ministry for 5 years. When I’m not teaching, I spend my time caring for

my beautiful babies, Abigail (2 1/2) and Lukas (1). I also enjoy reading, shop-

ping, and baking.

Ashley Hasler

PRE-K ASSISTANT— The Leap Frogs

I am very excited to be a part of W.E.E. Care! This is my first year and I know it's

going to be very fun and exciting for both the children and for me. I was born

and raised in Indiana. Through the last 10 years, I have lived in Ohio and Tennes-

see. But Indiana is my forever home. I have two daughters, Arayah (10) and

Addison (8). I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors—we do a lot of hik-

ing, camping, and fishing. I also love cooking! Every evening you will find me

preparing a dinner for my family. I am looking forward to getting to know all the

of children, and sharing in this precious year of preschool with all the families.

SPECIALS

Jill Wilcox

MUSIC, ART, MOTOR GYM TEACHER

This is my 3rd year at W.E.E. Care. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to

share the love of the Lord with amazing kids through art, music and physical

activity. I am originally from Kokomo, IN and have lived in Indianapolis with

my husband, Nick, for 11 years. We are blessed with our beautiful daughter,

Nora (6). I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's of Art in Visual

Communications Design and a minor in French. When I am not teaching at

W.E.E. Care, I enjoy making jewelry, reading, knitting/crocheting, riding bicy-

cles and playing outside with my family.

Damian Sherling

SCIENCE & MATH TEACHER

I was born in Brooklyn, NY, but I have also lived in Florida and North Carolina

before moving to Indianapolis in 2003. My wife Stacy and I will celebrate our

16th anniversary this year and we have 3 daughters ages 12, 10 and 8 (all of

whom were W.E.E. Care students). I have my Bachelor's Degree in Environ-

mental and Forest Biology and my Master's Degree in Entomology (the study

of insects). I’ve been with W.E.E. Care for 9 years. I love working with pre-

schoolers because they are so willing to be taught. Although I have many inter-

ests (woodworking, rock climbing, volunteering, gardening, and helping other

people move), most of my free time is spent running. I am currently training

for my first ultramarathon (50 miles) in southern Indiana in December.

TWO-YEAR-OLDS

Tess Jones

TWO-YEAR-OLDS TEACHER— The Lovable Ladybugs

This is my 5th year at W.E.E. Care and I am looking forward to meeting a new set

of children, whom I will continue to know and love as they grow. I love being with

children because I like their innocence and eagerness to learn new things. I like

seeing their growth and being a part of their life. I was a teacher in the Philippines

for 12 years, and have taught Montessori and Elementary School. I received my

teaching degree in 1994 with major in Social Science and minor in English. My

husband of 6 years and I are members of Fall Creek Baptist Church. My interests

include cooking, traveling and listening Christian music. For me, teaching is not

just a profession, it is a mission to lead these children to God and teach them how

to be productive individuals.

Jessica Rodenberger

TWO’S ASSISTANT— The Lovable Ladybugs

This is my first year teaching at W.E.E. Care, and I’m thrilled to be joining the

staff! I love working with children, and am looking forward to watching these

little ones learn and grow! For the past 7 years, I have been a stay-at-home mom

to my two daughters, Lyla (7) is a W.E.E. Care graduate and Tessa (4) is in Pre-K

this year. Prior to becoming a mother, I worked at Roche Diagnostics in the Dia-

betes Care group. I also worked as a stockbroker at Charles Schwab where I met

my husband Joe—we have been married for 10 years! I have a Bachelor of Arts

Degree in Communication from Purdue University. In addition to spending time

with family and friends, I love music, reading, and playing outside.

Emily Wilson

THREE-YEAR-OLDS TEACHER— The Cuddly Caterpillars

I earned a BA in Elementary Education from Purdue University with a

Kindergarten endorsement and Reading minor. This is my 2nd year working

at W.E.E. Care. I feel blessed to be able to learn and play with some of my

former students and am also looking forward to meeting the new friends in

our classroom. Before coming to W.E.E. Care, my career included teaching

kindergarten, preschool, and sixth grade Math and Science. I love being

around children and enjoy helping them learn and grow. For over 11 years, I

have been married to my husband, Cary. We have two daughters, Esther (6)

and Nora (3). Most of my life I have called Indianapolis my home, but I have

also lived in Ohio and Michigan. In my free time I enjoy spending time with

my family and friends, reading, and trying my best to knit.

Alison Krauss

THREE’S ASSISTANT— The Cuddly Caterpillars

I earned a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Marion University. This

will be my 2nd year making a positive impact on young lives at W.E.E. Care.

I was born and raised in Indianapolis, but my husband swept me off my feet

and we moved to Wisconsin for a year. My husband Aaron and I are blessed

with two young and active boys, Aiden and Ari, who also go to W.E.E.

Care. I enjoy running, triathlons, taking pictures, riding my dirt bike, and

really anything that gets me out of the house and active. I'm looking forward

to a happy, fun, and learning-filled year with some familiar and new faces!

THREE-YEAR-OLDS

THREE-YEAR-OLDS TEACHER— The Royal Rainbows

I studied English and Journalism at Huntington University, a Christian college in

Huntington, Indiana. After graduating, I worked as a page designer at a local news-

paper. For the last few years I have enjoyed staying home with my two children:

Jasmyn, who is 5 and attending W.E.E. Care's kindergarten, and Jayden, who is 1

1/2. I started at W.E.E. Care last year as an assistant teacher in the Royal Rainbows

class and am excited to take the reins as lead teacher this year! My husband, Jer-

maine, works full time for the Indiana National Guard right here in Lawrence. We

enjoy traveling and experiencing new things as a family and when I have some

time to myself, you will most likely find me with my nose in a book (or in my Kin-

dle, to be exact!).

THREE-YEAR-OLDS

Keri McGruder

Merran Tatum

THREE’S ASSISTANT— The Royal Rainbows

I am a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a degree in Business

Management. Originally from Tampa, Florida, I’ve lived in Indianapolis for 7

years. I’ve previously taught Spanish at W.E.E. Care. My husband, Phil, and I

have two children, Luke (5) and Hattie (1). I look forward to being a part of each

student's academic, social, and spiritual growth this year and love seeing how each

little one develops over the course of the year. When not mothering or teaching, I

can be found hanging out with my husband, crafting, sewing, or getting lost in a

really good book!

Jann Wire

TWO-YEAR-OLDS TEACHER— The Shining Stars

I have 20 years of experience working with small children, and it’s definitely

my passion. I started out at W.E.E. Care 7 years ago, as an assistant in the 3s

class, and have been the lead teacher for the older 2's class ever since. Two-

year-old's are my favorite age to teach. Everything is new and exciting for

them. One of my goals is to make sure they love coming to school, and know

that school is a safe and fun place. I am a mom of two: My daughter Finnley

(9) is a W.E.E. Care graduate and my son Grant will be a W.E.E. Care kinder-

gartner this year. My husband and I have been married for 15 year and are

members of Indian Creek Christian Church on the southeast side.

Rachel Opheim

TWO’S ASSISTANT— The Shining Stars

This is my first year at W.E.E. Care. My husband and I and our 4 children be-

gan attending Fall Creek in December 2012. We knew immediately we were

where God wanted us to be. A year later, we became members and began serv-

ing in the 2’s & 3's Sunday School class every Sunday morning. Since then, I

have found myself with a growing desire to work with children even more. I

have been a stay-at-home mom for 5 years and I work as a dog groomer every

Saturday. I look forward to seeing God’s continued plans for my life and what

journey He has in store for me. I am excited to get to work with each one of the

children and parents during the school year at W.E.E. Care.

TWO-YEAR-OLDS