"WE AS COMMUNITY MEMBERS NEED TO INVEST IN THINGS THAT MAKE THE CENTER GREAT TO ENSURE THEY CONTINUE FOR OUR KIDS AND FOR KIDS IN THE FUTURE. I'M NOT OFTEN ONE FOR MAKING ANALOGIES, BUT TO ME, IT’S LIKE A GARDEN, AND YOU CAN'T JUST HOPE FOR A GREAT GARDEN. YOU HAVE TO DO THE WORK FOR IT TO FLOURISH." –Dave Regan
Center parents Edgar Cervantes and Dave Regan chose The Center for their then-toddler-age son in 2021 in part for the many opportunities students have here to pursue passions in areas beyond core subjects. They appreciate how the curriculum includes many opportunities beyond the core subject areas to help children identify their passions. And they, in turn, enthusiastically support the school’s fundraising efforts to help maintain the resources and the flexibility to enable children to pursue those passions.
Dave explains, “I think that breadth of The Center’s program is something about the school that really resonates with us. We both went to schools that didn’t create those opportunities for students in the same way, so we were looking for a place where children have the space to identify and explore everything they are interested in with full support.”
Edgar continues, “We appreciate that the school community has such diversity, and the way the parent community is so warm and welcoming stands out. When we first started in Toddlers, I was anxious as a new parent. But all of the parents of older children were so heartfelt and warm as we started our journey here.” Dave shares that they feel that “the community truly means something at CEE. The Core Values are integrated throughout not only the school day, but the whole community at large. That is something that feels different than other schools.” Edgar’s mother, who lives with the family, also feels a welcome part of the community, dropping off in the mornings and visiting on Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day, too.
They also see how much confidence their son, now entering Kindergarten, has developed in Early Childhood. Edgar describes “one time that melted my heart was seeing him do an After School karate demonstration; it was so magical and made me so proud of him. He didn’t want to try karate at first, but then he grew to love it! He overcame his hesitation and participated in the demonstration enthusiastically. These types of programs that the school offers build so much confidence in the kids, and it shows throughout.”
Both Dave and Edgar serve as Admissions Tour Guides, and they enjoy the chance to talk about their experience to prospective parents. Dave says that sharing about the school reminds them that we as community members “need to invest in things that make The Center great to ensure they continue for our kids and for kids in the future. I'm not often one for making analogies, but to me, it’s like a garden, and you can't just hope for a great garden. You have to do the work for it to flourish. And I think whether it be volunteering (and so many parents truly go above and beyond to volunteer) or supporting the Annual Fund Drive, all of those efforts lead to that successful garden or, in our case, a vibrant community.”
Dave emphasizes the importance of the school as a significant part of a family's life and a top priority for philanthropic giving. “You can see your giving in action, and that changed how we give,” he shares. The family underscores the rewarding experience of seeing the school's community grow and thrive through collective efforts, and looks forward to future years as CEE community members!