Press Releases
Tasting part of preschool benefit
News Enterprise/June 10, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's current Ways and Means and Auction Committee Co-Chairpersons Abby Harris and Stacey Russel hosted an Olive Oil Tasting Party at Antica Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegars and Spices in Los Alamitos, on the evening of May 26.
They purchased this party at LCP's Auction last February and wanted to share it. A few moms and Vicki Donahue, School Director/Teacher came. The group not only had a fun night but also has acquired some knowledge about olive oils and balsamic vinegars, which is very helpful for healthy home cooking. Each went home with gourmet oilve oils, balsamic vinegars and spices.
The Olive Oil Tasting at Antica is just one of the many events outside the school program that LCP families attended together. They have also gone to family events such as a play, a puppet show and birthday parties with their children and spouses.
There is no doubt that the spirit of camaraderie amongst the LCP families is very strong. This could well be attributed to LCP being a cooperative school. For more information about Li'l Cottonwood Preschool, please visit their website at: http://www.lilcottonwoodpreschool.com/
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool holds Installation of new Board
News Enterprise/June 17, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's Parliamentarian Maria Jimenez led the oath taking ceremony for incoming board members on May 29. They solemnly pledged to execute their respective offices’ duties while working with the School Director and fellow board members in promoting the welfare and mission of Li’l Cottonwood Preschool.
The 2015 – 2016 LCP Board Members are: Augusto Partida (Co-President), Susie Tsai (Co-President), Kirsten Pykosz (Ways and Means Chairperson), Juli Enriquez (Senior Chairperson), Luisa Burress (Junior Chairperson), Mandy Hart (Secretary), Kieran Nolan (Treasurer), Susanne Salcido (Job Coordinator), Jeanna Murray (Public Relations and Community Outreach Chairperson), Patty York (Parliamentarian) and Jennifer Rafferty and Liz Hogue (Auction Co-Chairpersons).
Prior to the ceremony, LCP’s Director/Teacher Vicki Donahue received a gift for her dedication to the school and to the children’s development. She gave a speech and presented each outgoing Board Member with a token of appreciation for their hard work during the 2014 – 2015 school year. The installation dinner was organized and hosted by Current Junior ChairpersonTiffany Kerzie.
Li’l Cottonwood Preschool is located at 12341 Montecito Road, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.lilcottonwoodpreschool.com/
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool moms enjoy olive oil tasting
Sun Newspapers/June 4, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's current Ways and Means and Auction Committee Co-Chairpersons Abby Harris and Stacey Russel hosted an Olive Oil Tasting Party at Antica Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegars and Spices in Los Alamitos, on the evening of May 26.
They purchased this party at LCP's Auction last February and wanted to share it. A few moms and Vicki Donahue, School Director/Teacher came. The group not only had a fun night but also has acquired some knowledge about olive oils and balsamic vinegars, which is very helpful for healthy home cooking. Each went home with gourmet oilve oils, balsamic vinegars and spices.
The Olive Oil Tasting at Antica is just one of the many events outside the school program that LCP families attended together. They have also gone to family events such as a play, a puppet show and birthday parties with their children and spouses.
For more information about Li'l Cottonwood Preschool, please visit their website at: http://www.lilcottonwoodpreschool.com/
Fiesta supports Li'l Cottonwood Preschool/ 'Fiesta' for Li'l Cottonwood Preschool
News Enterprise/March 18, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's Annual Auction and Dinner at Saint Cornelius in Long Beach on February 28 was a huge success. According to the incumbent Ways and Means Chairperson Abby Harris, the school raised a record high net of nearly $18k from the approximately $50k worth of donations collected from different organizations, establishments and individuals.
One hundred and twenty guests came and enjoyed the company of family and friends, bidding on ticket items and capturing memories in the photo booth. Scrumptious food and unlimited drinks were served.
Adding to the excitement were fabulous raffle prizes, which were drawn by Li'l Cottonwood Preschool Director and Teacher Vicki Donahue.
Through the joint effort of families currently attending LCP and the school's most valued donors, the event was a success. Funds raised will help keep the tuition fees low, while providing a quality and fun educational program with a loving environment for LCP students.
Li'l Cottonwood shows teacher appreciation/ Preschool students appreciate teacher
News Enterprise/May 13, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's Teacher and School Director, Vicki Donahue was honored by her students with flowers during Teacher Appreciation Week. Mrs. Donahue, as they call her, has been with LCP since 2004. Parents have claimed that she has been a good influence to the development of all children that went there and that her contribution to the school is invaluable.
When asked about her teaching philosophy, Vicki Donahue answered: "Children learn best through play. I follow and support Piaget's Theory by offering many experiences that are developmentally appropriate. Children will be able to experience all of the senses through music, language arts, science materials, literature, dramatic play, nuturition and small and large motor activities. I believe that it is my responsibility to facilitate the children's learning experience by guiding them to wonder, discover and explore the world around them. Children will be able to make choices and to express themselves. With guidance, they learn about appropriate behaviors as they move about their day. Redirection is used to help children regain self-control when necessary. Teaching respect for ourselves and for others is essential in our classroom to ensure that all of the children feel safe, valued and nurtured. I believe that good communication between parents and teachers can strengthen the connection between home and schoool, which is essential to a happy and productive learning experience for all children".
Local preschool celebrates moms on special day/Li'l Cottonwood Preschool Mother's Day Celebration
News Enterprise/May 20, 2015
For about a month, the Senior and Junior students of Li'l Cottonwood Preschool excitedly prepared for the Mother's Day Tea. Their mothers were equally looking forward to it as their children had been talking about the so many surprises they had planned for the event. On the day of Mother’s Day Tea, the children cheerfully greeted their respective Moms with paper flowers they created beautifully, followed by refreshments. The children proudly presented their creative gifts to their beloved mothers, which included a jewelry box, a display teapot, and a placemat, each with a picture of the mother and child together. Mothers were teary eyed upon seeing the note that was on the placemat, which read…
"I’m your little flower, Mom. Please help me grow and bloom: Take the weeds but leave the roots and give me lots of room. Mom, you are my gardener, my sunshine and my rain. Too much will make me wither. With enough, I’ll bloom again. I am your little flower, Mom. I’m different from the rest: Don’t pick me Mom, just help me to be my very best.”
As culmination of the Mother's Day Tea, the children joyously performed for their Moms, singing and dancing while their teacher Mrs. Vicki Donahue coached them. This program by LCP encouraged the children to pay tribute to their Moms and express their love especially on Mother’s Day. One of the children said "I love seeing my Mommy cry happy tears".
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool students visit Chick-fil-A
News Enterprise/February 4, 2015
Sun Newspapers/February 5, 2015
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's senior class went to Chick-fil-A at the Shops at Rossmoor in Seal Beach on Jan. 23 for their second excursion. It started with a walk from the school to the The Shops at Rossmoor where Chick-fil-A is located.
Upon arrival, the group was greeted by Chick-fil-A's staff, seated and served a healthy and delicious snack. The staff was courteous and accommodating. The children had some playtime in the playroom before their tour of the kitchen facility began.
The children showed much interest while one of the staff explained how food is stored and prepared. They were also thrilled to meet the restaurant's cow mascot, which stayed with them the whole time.
Together with their teacher Vicki Donahue and some parents, the LCP senior class returned to the school happily. The excursion lasted about an hour, and was a fun learning experience.
Los Alamitos preschool adopts family for holiday/
Preschool sends love and support to a family
News Enterprise/December 24, 2014
It is a tradition for Li'l Cottonwood Preschool (LCP), which again teamed up with WE CARE of Los Alamitos under the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Porgram. Some LCP students together with their parents went to WE CARE to deliver the gifts on Dec. 15.
WE CARE is a non-profit organization that provides support for framilies in need. This year, LCP is privileged to sponsor a family of seven with children ages 14, 13, 12, 8 and 3 years old.
The LCP junior class and senior class families were excited to participate and happy to get gifts for everyone. They collected two big boxes full of gift items that were based on the hobbies, interests, needs and wishes of each adopted family member and their household's needs.
LCP hoped to make a difference in struggling families' lives, especially during this holiday season. It was also a good opportunity for LCP families to reinforce what they have been teaching their children about how to be grateful for their blessings and to be compassionate to others by doing good deeds or 'mitzvah'.
Li'l Cottonwood teams up with WE CARE
Sun Newspapers/December 18, 2014
Like tradition, the Li'l Cottonwood Preschool, again teamed up with WE CARE under the Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program. WE CARE is a Los Alamitos based non-profit organization that provides support for families in need. This year, LCP is sponsoring a family of seven with children ages 14, 13, 12, 8 and 3 years old, and helped to collect two boxes full of gift items that were based on the hobbies, interests, needs and wishes of each adopted family member. On December 15, Li'l Cottonwood students went to WE CARE to deliver the gifts.
Cottonwood celebrates with costume party fun
News Enterprise/November 2014
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool located at 12341 Montecito Road in Rossmoor had its Halloween Party where Senior and Junior classes' families and friends attended the event on Oct. 18.
Children and parents looked great in their Halloween costumes.
Alumni from different school years joined the fun as well and some Girl Scouts from Weaver Elementary School came to help with the games and arts and crafts, subsequently earning community service hours.
Some of the activities included were doughnut eating contest, stationary dance contest, arts & crafts, play dough, bean bag toss, and pinata, which the children enjoyed very much. The food was potluck style and everybody had quite a feast.
The Halloween Party is just one of the Li'l Cottonwood Preschool's events that promote strong camaraderie among families. Everybody pitched in for the success of the event by helping in the set up/decoration, food preparation, activities, clean up and donating prizes for the games and more. The school's current Social Directors Jeanna Murray and Liz Hogue organized the event.
What is so special about the Li'l Cottonwood Preschool is that it has generated lifelong friendships, in addition to contributing largely to the beneficial social, physical and mental development of its students.
Local Preschool takes excursion to Irvine Farm/
Li'l Cottonwood Preschool excursion
News Enterprise/October 8, 2014
The Senior Class of Li'l Cottonwood Preschool had their first excursion to Tanaka Farms in Irvine on September 29. After assembly, they first rode the tractor to the petting zoo, then back on the tractor to the corn maze, then vegetable picking, and lastly, pumpkin picking.
The kids were allowed to pick 4 pieces of each vegetable (carrots, onion, green beans and red radish) and one pumpkin no more than 20 lbs., which they had to carry by themselves. It was a two-hour fun filled educational excursion.
