Glenn School for Young Children

We are sharing a photo of Glenn’s 1958–59 kindergarten class, in which Mackay Asbury was a student (seated second from the right in the middle row). Today, Mackay’s grandchild is a student at the Glenn School for Young Children.

The kindergarten teachers at that time were Jean May, whose husband, Rev. Dr. Jimmy May, taught at Candler for many years, and Mary Martin, whose husband, Romeo Martin, was a professor of geology at Emory University. Also pictured in the middle row is Ruth Driscoll, who served as Director of the Glenn School during that era.

As we look back on this moment in Glenn’s history, we are filled with gratitude for the generations of families, teachers, counselors, directors, and pastors who have woven together the rich fabric of the Glenn School for Young Children.

Each person has brought unique gifts, dedication, and love to this community, helping shape the lives of countless children and families.

Hope your summer is off to a great start! Missing Glenn?! Reminder that all are welcome to visit Glenn Church anytime… you don’t have to be a member!

Check out all the fun children’s ministries this summer:

www.tinyurl.com/GlennKidsSummer

Kids @ Glenn - Summer 2026 Check out this Facebook Post designed by Susan.

We are remembering Gatra Mallard today and her immeasurable impact on Glenn School and Glenn Church.

As both school director and counselor, she shaped generations of children, parents, and educators through her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering belief in the dignity and potential of every person. To read more about her life and memorial service plans, please visit her obituary page here: https://www.asturner.com/obituaries/gatra-mallard

For many years, Gatra taught Active Parenting classes, helping families navigate the joys and challenges of raising children. She was largely responsible for establishing Glenn School's commitment to learning through play and developmentally appropriate practices while honoring and celebrating each child's unique gifts, passions, and challenges. Even today, these values are lovingly referred to as "the Glenn Way."

Her influence extended far beyond the school walls. Gatra worked tirelessly on behalf of marginalized communities and was instrumental in Glenn Church becoming a Reconciling congregation.

She was also a driving force behind the creation of Glenn Church's environmental committee, helping the church live out its commitment to caring for all of God's creation.

At the heart of everything Gatra did was love – for children, families, community, justice, and the world around her.

Her legacy lives on in every child encouraged, every family supported, every act of justice pursued, and every person welcomed with open arms.

**portrait by Ann Manry Kenyon, Gatra’s college roommate

Happy last day of school! We had a wonderful year together and wish everyone a safe & fun summer! ☀️

Good news: you don’t have to wait until August to be back at Glenn! Glenn Church offers lots of fun with Family Vacation Bible School (details below), weekly Sunday School, & several summer camp options. Visit www.glennumc.org/children for all the info.

Toddlers through teen helpers with their grownups are invited to join the fun of Vacation Bible School in the evenings from June 1-5 for family fun together learning Bible stories through crafts, singing & dancing, games, crafts, & more. This year’s theme is Snowball Mountain Challenge!

Register children, youth, and adult volunteers here: www.tinyurl.com/GlennVBS26

Donate snacks for VBS here: www.tinyurl.com/GlennVBSsnacks

Oodazu hosted a Glenn School spirit play date, and it was so much fun! Thank you to Oodazu Decatur for welcoming our families and giving us such a special time together. We loved every minute! Check it out next time you’re looking for a fun outing with little ones! ✨💙 https://oodazu.com/

Today was full of colorful creativity, hands-on learning, and wonderfully messy fun! 🎨✨

The Whales Class explored art through playful experimentation as they painted with water and chalk, experimented with spray painting, splattered paint, twirled with bubbles, smashed colored ice, and created a sidewalk chalk “stained glass” mural!

Throughout the day, the children strengthened their creativity, fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and sensory awareness while exploring how colors, textures, movement, and materials change and interact. Every activity encouraged curiosity, confidence, and joyful discovery through open-ended play.

This is just a temporary art installation, and soon the paint will be washed off our church school building — these pictures will be our sweet reminder of it all!

☀️ A rainy morning was brightened by Harmonia Atlanta’s The Daylight Chorale singing for a few of our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes, along with the Glenn Church FriendShip Group older adult ministry. Ages 4 to 91 were represented!

Lunch plans tomorrow? Join us for the last picnic on playground of the school year!