University Methodist Preschool of Excellence and Afterschool

Today UMPA held their annual Think Pink Walk. This year’s walk was dedicated to Joan Owens (UMPA Employee of 8 yrs) who passed away on May 5, 2025 to cancer. Also, we honored Mrs. Penny (10 yr Survivor) and Dr. Joan (4 yr survivor ). UMPA welcomed 3 new survivors Mrs.Lu, Mrs. Sabrina and and Mrs. Jana that we celebrated today. UMPA staff and students love these women tremendously 💕.

Good Morning Parents,

Dear Parents, teachers and supporters of University UMC Preschool and Afterschool,UMPEA and University UMC invite you to celebrate the life of Joan Owens on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 5 pm in the Fellowship Hall. The preschool and summer camp will close at 4:30 p.m. on that day for the teachers to prepare for the event.

Joan was a beloved staff member at UMPEA for eight years. In the brief time that I knew her, she was a warm and gracious member of our community who offered love to all who entered the kitchen or met her. She is deeply mourned and missed by me, our teachers and staff. We will celebrate her life with a light reception, prayers and stories of Joan’s life and faithfulness.
If you have any photos, you would like to share in a slideshow please email them to me at [email protected] .
In deep gratitude for you and for Joan’s life,
Rev. Mary Rachel Moore
Associate Minister, University UMC and UMPEA parent

Rev. Mary Rachel Moore
Associate Minister
office 225-344-0343, ext. 16
cell 864-888-9147

3350 Dalrymple Drive | Baton Rouge, LA 70802
PHONE: 225.344.0343 | FAX: 225.344.0530

Good Morning Parents.

The UMPEA community is sad to report that Joan Owens, a devoted employee of the preschool for 8 years, passed away last night May 5, 2025 at 7:20 p.m. We are sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful, loving person. Please keep Ms. Joan's family and UMPEA staff in your prayers. We will keep you updated on details for the memorial service once we receive them.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, concern and love.

--
Toi Davis
Director of Preschool and Afterschool

Good Afternoon Parents.

The UMPEA community is sad to report that Joan Owens, a devoted employee of the preschool for 8 years, is transitioning to her final resting place in her battle with cancer. On Thursday, May 1, 2025 Joan's daughter Misha sent us a text with this update on her mother. Joan Owens is currently in hospice in the Baton Rouge area, and because of this, will not be able to return to us for a proper celebration of her contributions and exemplary work among us.

Ms. Joan worked in early childhood education for over 40 years and continued to work in the cafeteria with Ms. Chelsea.. During her time at UMPEA, Ms. Joan assisted in the kitchen and the classrooms. We understand that Ms. Joan is loved by all the children here and she loves them in return. We are sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful, loving person. Please keep Ms. Joan's family and UMPEA staff in your prayers as we navigate during this time. Her family requests that we honor their privacy until the time of her passing. We will keep you updated on details for the memorial service once we receive them.

Thank you in advance for your prayers, concern and love.

UMPEA Annual Afterschool Christmas Party. Thank you to these wonderful counselors, for all that you do at UMPEA.

October 25th-November 1st-UMPEA Annual Food Drive-Please join UMPEA in the fight against hunger by donating to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In order to participate,have your child bring non-perishable cans or food to their classroom. Food bank boxes are located in your child's classroom. The classroom that collects the most canned or dry food the teachers will receive a Walk-On’s gift card and the class will win a pizza party or sundae party. Also, you can Donate here: https://brfoodbank.org/?form=UMor scan the QR code below (Don’t forget to write your child’s class in the comments to get credit!!). Thank you.

UMPEA is happy to report that no damages have been reported at the preschool. UMPEA kept the staff, parents, and children in their prayers during Hurricane Francine. If any families suffered any losses or damages please notify the preschool. UMPEA will reopen Friday, September 13th at regular hours. Please buckle up and be safe on the highways. Thank you!

UMPEA has just been notified that all schools in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System will be closed Wednesday, September 11 and Thursday, September 12 due to Tropical Storm Francine. UMPEA follows the East Baton Rouge Parish School System if there is a school closure due to inclement weather, as stipulated in the parent handbook. UMPEA thanks you for your patience and cooperation during this time. We will continue to monitor the weather and keep you updated. Thank You.

UMPEA 2024 Mardi Gras Royal Court

Today several UMPEA teachers were honored at the EBR Ready Start Network Excellence In Teaching Brunch Event. EBR honored early childhood educators who scored an Excellent Score within the range of 6.0 to 7.0 during the 2022-2023 school year.

UMPEA is so proud of these ladies!

Abbegail McCann/Billie Butler
Terri Gage/ Diane Gilmore
Cheryl Graham/Veronica Turnley
Bridgette London/ Sahhana Khanom
Kathy Spears/Su-Jun Sun Orzoco
Natasha Breaux/Mable Thompson
Niki Mills/Stacy Franklin

UMPEA will like to send a special thank you to Mr. Hays, Mr. Ben and Roberto's River Road Restaurant for blessing the staff with Thanksgiving Lunch. Also, thank you to the preschool committee for the dessert and help. UMPEA is blessed to have wonderful and supportive parents and students.