Grand Connections
Spring 2025 Edition
Grandparents & Special Friends Day COMMUNITY
In January, we hosted our annual Grandparents & Special Friends Day, and today, we are honored to showcase our guest speaker, Bette Loyd. Bette’s reflections beautifully illustrate the immense role grandparents play in shaping our lives. Her speech highlights the enduring love, support, and faith they provide, as well as the lasting impact they have on future generations. It serves as a moving tribute to the strength and nurturing spirit grandparents bring to family, faith, and legacy.
On this Grandparents Day, I am reminded that a grandparent’s effort should never be underrated. In 1957, my dad retired from the Navy. We moved from Norfolk to Jacksonville, where my mom’s mother and stepfather lived. My Daddy Bill, was an enthusiastic member of Grace Chapel Parish (the original name of San Jose Episcopal Church). He was concerned that my parents weren’t churchgoers and was determined that I would get religion. So he made my mom a deal. He would pay my tuition at the Day School and she would bring me to church every Sunday. The first time I walked into the church I thought it was the most beautiful place I had ever seen. I still feel at home sitting in those pews.
I was a student there from 2nd grade to 6th grade. I was confirmed there. My two now grown sons were baptized and confirmed there and served as acolytes. I now have two amazing granddaughters and a daughter-in-law who were all baptized by Father Britt. Seven year old Savannah has been in the Day School since PreK and is now in 1st grade. I look forward to two-year-old Isabella following her path. She already loves the nursery.
The school administrators, teachers, and staff are amazing. Academic and behavior standards are high. Body, mind, and spirit are nurtured.
My prayers of thanksgiving go out to my dear grandfather and his determination to lead me to a life of faith and love for God. I couldn’t have made it alone.
HIGHLIGHTS
Staff Spotlight
In the wake of Mr. Harry Crosby’s passing, we reflect on the deep impact he had on our community. When asked about his favorite part of SJEDS, Mr. Crosby shared, “Definitely the kids. You can be having a bad day, and then they’ll jump out of line in the hall to give you a hug and it makes everything alright.”
His love for our students was returned in kind, especially by our youngest learners. Pre-K3 students shared, “Mr. Crosby protected the school for us” (Davis), “Mr. Crosby loved me” (Wiley), and “Mr. Crosby fixed everything in the school” (Amelia). Their simple words speak volumes about the care, safety, and love he brought to our community.
To honor his memory and the lasting impact he had on our community, The Harry Crosby Fund has been created. This fund will support his family during this difficult time and help establish a meaningful memorial on our campus to celebrate his life and legacy. To give, visit https://onrealm.org/SanJoseEpiscopal/-/form/give/HarryCrosby or scan the QR code.
May 1: Aladdin Jr. Production | After School Performance
May 2: Aladdin Jr. Production | Evening Performance
May 13: Crossing the Bridge - Kindergarten Event
May 13: Last Early Explorers Chapel of the Year
May 14: Acolyte Recognition
May 21: Red Tie & Awards Ceremony
May 22: Last Day of School
May 23: Commencement
