We Found Our New Program Director!
It is with great excitement that I introduce myself to you as your new Director of Bethel Highlands Preschool. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead a preschool with such outstanding students and families, dedicated teachers and staff, and a supportive faith community. I feel very fortunate to be a part of BHP and to have the opportunity to support students and families. My official start date at BHP will be July 5, but Miss Kari Jo and I will be working hard prior to summer to make for a smooth transition.
I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than fourteen years. I am a 2006 graduate of Iowa State University and am currently moving into my second year of graduate school in Innovative Leadership and Teaching Coaching with Viterbo University. I have worked with students in grades preschool through 8th grade in a variety of roles. I am currently the kindergarten teacher and drama director at Saint Patrick School, here in Hudson. Prior to teaching kindergarten, I taught in the classroom and worked in the office right here at BHP for two years, and I also taught middle school English and drama for a year at Mounds Park Academy in St. Paul. I am thrilled to bring my skills as an educational leader to BHP and work with you as a partner in education to ensure your child’s success.
I have lived in the Hudson area for over 15 years with my wonderful husband, Tim, and our daughters, Lillie (14) and Sophie (11), who attend middle school at New Life Academy in Woodbury, MN. We love Hudson and all that the metro area has to offer. As a family, we enjoy traveling to new and familiar places, local restaurants, movies, and paddleboarding. We are always ready for an adventure!
I am excited to unite my experience and child-centered approach to support the students at BHP. I look forward to meeting you very soon!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Emilee Wagner
September 21, 2020
Dear BHP Families and Friends:
In the summer of 2007 I was a newly-single mother of two young boys. After many prayers I was given the opportunity to move to Hudson from Bloomington, MN as the director of a brand new preschool. It has been the purpose-driven, passion-filled work that everyone desires in a career. Bethel Highlands Preschool has changed my life, the life of my family, and I will forever be grateful for the last 13 years.
Over the past year I have felt a nudge that it’s time to move on to something new. I’m not yet exactly sure what that entails, but I am beginning my journey. I submitted my resignation to the Board of Directors this week so that we have time to conduct a thorough search for a new director, with ample time to transition and train.
I am emotional as I share this news with you, especially because the relationships I have developed with the families and staff are genuine. I have always thought of our students as “my kids” even years after they’ve moved on – (our first graduating class of students at BHP are now in their senior year of high school!).
We have a solid and capable board of directors, as well as talented and infallible staff. I have complete confidence that BHP has a bright future with leadership that is energized, visionary, and God-driven. I will continue to lead BHP through these unique days we have immediately in front of us, while steering toward the goals for long-term success. Your children continue to be my priority.
We appreciate your support, prayers, and understanding during these next few months as we all navigate so many new experiences. Thank you for being a part of this very special program.
Peace, Kari Jo
AND FROM THE PRESCHOOL BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Dear Bethel Highlands Preschool Families,
We have been so blessed to have Kari Jo Fore as the Bethel Highlands Preschool Administrator and Director for nearly 14 years. Kari Jo has always been a hard-working, dedicated individual who is team-driven and collaborative amongst the preschool, our church, the Hudson School District, as well as the greater Hudson community; all qualities that have blessed our preschool and made it a peaceful and welcoming environment for all. Kari Jo's dedication and commitment as a leader helped open Bethel Highlands Preschool as well as creating a positive and enriching environment for both parents and children alike.
Although we are sad for her departure, we celebrate all that Kari Jo has done for Bethel Highlands Preschool; and what she will continue to do in this new chapter of her life. We trust that as God brought Kari Jo to start Bethel Highlands Preschool, God will also lift up a new Preschool Director to fill this position. With that in mind, the board of directors have formed a search committee, and will be posting the position opening this week with interviews of quality applicants to follow.
We will continue to keep you informed via email through this process and our progress for our new Preschool Director. We know this news may come as a shock for you, and you likely have a lot of questions. Please know that Bethel Lutheran Church and the Preschool Board of Directors are here to help answer any questions and we are here to support you. You can contact our Preschool Board President Jenna Kron at: jskron221@gmail.com and/or Pastor Ladd at ladds@bethelhudson.org or 217-720-8459.
Sincerely,
Bethel Highlands Preschool Board