About Us
History of MTU Preschool
click for full sizeMTU Preschool began in 1958 when a group of students from the “Michigan College of Mining and Technology,” as it was then known, joined together to form the “Michigan Tech Co-operative Nursery Center.” The first class had an enrollment of 42 families, a board of officers, a faculty advisor and two teachers. The first few years involved organizing the preschool’s constitution and general manner of operation, which proved to be an enormous effort by the founding families and teaching staff. Many had never experienced such a venture before, and fortunately the university provided a prefab building (barracks), some outdoor play equipment, and utilities for the preschool’s operation. In the fall of 1966, the preschool was invited to use the facilities at the Daniell Heights Community Center, part of the university’s new “married student housing” apartment complex (now known as Graduate Student Housing). The preschool continues in this convenient location today. In 1969, the preschool was formerly incorporated as MTU Preschool, Inc, operating four classes for children ages 3 to 5 year olds, open to all area families.
MTU Preschool has a long and proud history of community involvement. In the early 1970’s the preschool organized a “Little People’s Carnival,” offering pony rides, games, and a petting zoo. A similar “Cabin Fever Carnival” is still in operation today for young members of the community to play an array games and activities. In the mid-1970s, the preschool entertained a name change to the “Copper Country Co-operative Preschool” in order to promote its availability to the entire community. In 2003, MTU Preschool, Inc hosted an alumni gathering for former families and teachers; five prior teachers and one parent from the very first preschool class of 1958 attended. As we proceed into the sixth decade of quality early education, the preschool continues to be interested in stories, memorabilia, and other history related to MTU Preschool. Please feel free to contact us at 487-2720.
Return to the top of the pageMeet our Teachers
Our Teacher/Director, Janeen Stephenson, brings a wonderful background in early childhood education to MTU Preschool. With her degree in Early Education from the University of Wisconsin, Mrs. Stephenson previously served as Teacher/Director of MTU Preschool in the 1990s. Before returning in 2007, she facilitated playgroups for Keweenaw Family Resouce Center. Mrs. Stephenson has an enthusiastic approach to teaching, with a commitment to play-centered learning.
Our Teacher’s Aide, Patricia Fezzey, spent five years as a children’s librarian before joining MTU Preschool in 1992. Mrs. Fezzey is a caring and patient instructor with a love for children and a desire to see them learn and grow.
MTU Preschool is fortunate to have these excellent instructors guiding our children through their first school experience.
Meet Mrs. Stephenson
"The preschool years are precious and short. It is a privilege to work with young children and always enjoyable to meet so many interesting and loving parents and grandparents.
"It is marvelous how fast children learn and grow at this age and a delight to be a part of each child's development. The world of a preschooler is full of wonder and to be with them is to be constantly reminded of what is most important in life. They are honest with their feelings, present with each moment of life and motivated by the joy of learning. People are very important to them and they notice interesting details about people and the world.
"The most important part of preschool to the children is playing with their friends and forming new friendships. They learn so much from each other and from the wide variety of play that they engage in together. To be present with children who are deeply engaged in playing is an honor and is one of the greatest joys of my life.
"I value what I learn about life from each child and am committed to creating a learning environment that honors and respects each individual child's development and learning style."
- Janeen Stephenson, October 2007
Meet Mrs. Fezzey "I am starting my 15th year at the preschool. My first preschool students are now seniors in high school. I tell everyone I don't feel like I am working. Where else can you get paid to play with children? Someday I might have to grow up, but I'm in no hurry.
"My husband Bill and I live in Rabbit Bay, which is on Lake Superior (another of my loves along with children and books). Bill works as a 5th grade teacher and is a coach in the Houghton-Portage Township Schools. We have two grown sons and one granddaughter who is the best thing that has happened in our family.
"I look forward to working (playing) with all of the children. Every
day is a new adventure when you spend time with them."
- Pat Fezzey, October 2007
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Parent Participation
Most parents find that their own experience with the preschool is
enhanced when they become involved by volunteering in the classroom,
or attending classroom events and parent meetings. As part of the
cooperative agreement parents are required to participate in one
fundraising event per term. Fundraising buy-out options are
available.
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Board of Directors/ Bylaws
MTU Preschool is operated by a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, entitled “MTU Preschool Inc.” MTU Preschool Inc. has a Board of Directors, all volunteer, serving in the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, and Public Relations Coordinator. The Preschool teacher/director is an ex-officio member of the Board.
The Board meets once a month, with special meetings held as necessary. The primary responsibilities of the Board include the short and long term sustainability of the school, fundraising, student recruitment, and financial management. Please refer to the PDF file on MTU Preschool Bylaws for complete information and description of Board member duties.
Elections for the Board are held during the Spring Term parents' meeting, with nominations taken from the membership prior to and at the meeting.