Highland Plaza United Methodist Preschool

The HPUMP Alumni Spotlight ☀️

Emma Blazek HPUMP Alumni 2012

Emma Blazek is graduating from Soddy Daisy High School in the top 10% of her class, earning both Honors and Distinction.

A dedicated four-year volleyball player, Emma also stepped into leadership this past year as head coach for Daisy Elementary’s 4th and 5th grade volleyball team—bringing encouragement, skill, and confidence to younger athletes.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and has served as co-president of the SDHS Yearbook team for the past two years, helping shape and document her school’s memories with creativity and care.

In the fall, Emma will attend Chattanooga State to pursue a degree in Radiologic Technology, supported by the Tennessee Promise and HOPE Lottery Scholarship. She has already applied to work at the Chattanooga State Child Development Center outside of her class schedule, with a goal of continuing to invest in young children the way she once was invested in at HPUMP.

Emma is a creative problem solver and an out-of-the-box thinker—qualities her family attributes in part to her early childhood experience at HPUMP, where her foundation for curiosity, confidence, and connection began.

We’re excited to kick off a special summer series: The HPUMP Alumni Spotlight ☀️

To begin, we’re featuring Emma Blazek, a former HPUMP student from our Director, Ms. Lindsey's, first year teaching in the Sunshine Gang (now known as our Sunbeams class). It is such a joy to see children from our program grow into young adults who are now graduating high school and stepping into college and beyond.

Emma—thank you for allowing us to celebrate you as you head into this next exciting chapter! Your spotlight post is soon to follow.

And now we’d love to keep this celebration going…
Do you have an HPUMP graduate? We want to feature them! Send them our way so we can highlight our amazing alumni and share the many paths our children take after HPUMP.

Highland Plaza Preschool is hiring educators for the 2026–2027 school year.

We are a Reggio-inspired, inquiry-based program where children’s ideas are taken seriously, learning is driven by curiosity, and classrooms function as collaborative spaces for exploration and research.

We are looking for educators who:
• Have experience working with young children
• Value listening, observation, and reflective practice
• Are curious, collaborative, and open to growth
• Hold a degree in Early Childhood or a related field, or bring significant experience in play-based, inquiry-driven, or non-traditional early learning environments

What we offer:
• Contracted hours aligned with the Hamilton County school schedule
• Paid hours: 8:45–1:30 (Monday until 2:00)
• Paid holidays (county breaks)
• A supportive, reflective teaching community
• Opportunities to engage deeply in project work and professional growth

If you are passionate about meaningful work with children and want to be part of a thoughtful, evolving program, we’d love to connect.

To apply or learn more: Email [email protected]

We are thrilled to announce that StudioPendous 2026 raised $21,027 for our Playscape!!! 💙

This number represents so much more than dollars—it’s creativity, generosity, community, and a whole lot of love for our preschool. From the incredible artwork and lively auctions to the laughter, sparkle, and unforgettable moments, this night was truly something special.

We are beyond grateful to every supporter, donor, bidder, volunteer, and attendee who made this possible. You showed up in the biggest way, and our children will benefit from it for years to come.

Let’s do it again next year 🐠

What a night to remember ✨

StudioPendous 2026 was everything we hoped for and more—joyful, creative, and full of heart. Thanks to this incredible community, we raised over $20,000 for our Playscape, bringing us one big step closer to creating a space our children will love for years to come.

From the moment you walked in, the student-created classroom artwork stole the show—beautiful, meaningful pieces that are the cornerstone of our event. And let’s talk about our Moonbeam Mermaids… our teachers absolutely sparkled—showing up in glitter, scales, and full spirit, reminding us just how magical they are every single day. The swimming robo fish table centerpieces were an unexpected crowd favorite—playful, mesmerizing, and such a fun detail that kept guests smiling all night.

The wine pull was a hit, the energy was high, and we were so grateful for the amazing vendors who not only showed up but gave back generously through donations to support our cause.

To everyone who attended, donated, bid, volunteered, and cheered us on—thank you. This night was special because of YOU 💙

It’s finally here… STUDIOPENDOUS WEEK!!! ✨🎨

We are counting down the days to one of our favorite nights of the year—and you do NOT want to miss it! From incredible student artwork to a one-of-a-kind auction and a night out in the heart of Chattanooga, this event is truly something special.

👉 Swipe through the carousel for everything you need to know before you go—timing, parking, what to expect, and how to make the most of your night!

🎟️ Haven’t grabbed your tickets yet? Do it NOW! Skip the last-minute scramble and secure your spot today so you can just show up and enjoy. Text STUDIOP26 to 44834

Let’s celebrate, support our school, and make this the best StudioPendous yet

StudioPendous isn’t just a fun night out—it’s what helps shape the everyday magic of HPUMP 💙

Because of this event, we’re able to invest in the spaces our children learn, play, and grow in every single day. This year, your support is helping us restore and revitalize our playscape—bringing new life back to a space that inspires creativity, exploration, and connection.

Join us on April 17 for an unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and impact—or support through the auction if you can’t attend. Every ticket, every donation, every bid, every bit of support helps our school continue to thrive.

🎟️ onecau.se/studiop26
Get your tickets now and be part of something truly meaningful!

Hey HPUMP parents! 🧺 We’re hosting a few Picnics on the Plaza over the next couple of weeks and would love for you to come hang out with us! Pack a lunch, stay after pickup, and join a few of us from the StudioP Parent Committee at Plaza Park. It’s a super casual way to connect, let the kids play, and chat about StudioPendous.

If you have questions about the event, tickets, the auction, or just want to hear why we’re so excited about this year’s fundraiser, come pull up a blanket with us. Mostly, we just want to make sure everyone knows about the event and is planning to join in on the fun!

Mark your calendar for the upcoming picnic dates—we hope to see you there!