Feb 05, 2004

Shepherd of the Valley: Good things are worth waiting for

By Justin Petersen
Special to the Times

On Jan. 29, several families from the Almaden Valley and beyond gathered their belongings and moved into Shepherd of the Valley, a Lutheran church on Redmond Avenue. The accommodations weren’t permanent [one or two nights at most], but the results should last for a lifetime, assuming the parents’ residential sacrifices secured their children’s place in Shepherd of the Valley Preschool.

“We have to register our students early for the fall,” said Preschool Director Marie Mosier. “And with a limited amount of space, it becomes very competitive.”

This year, preschool registration grew so competitive that the church’s parking lot filled with overnight campers capitalizing on the church’s policy of first come, first serve.

According to Los Gatos resident and Leland grad Alex Garwood, who camped with his wife, Christine, also a Leland grad, to secure a spot in preschool for their 3-year-old son Ryan, the overnight adventure wasn’t all that painful.

“It was actually a pretty good time,” said Garwood. “There were some other families out there with us and we ended up sitting around a bonfire and sharing pizza. It’s always nice to meet people that share your same values. We all want what’s best for our kids.”

Apparently, many local parents share the opinion that Shepherd of the Valley is the best preschool for their kids.

“I’ve seen a phenomenal amount of growth in our kids,” said Laurie Chiappe, a Shepherd mother and volunteer. “The preschool has helped form my children into exceptional young people with good manners and a compassion for others.”