Students play at the old location at Walnut Creek Church on the climbing activity. Photo from Jeff Price.

By Shari Benyousky
Guest Columnist

WARSAW — For 48 years, Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool has been the heart of early childhood education in Kosciusko.

As it celebrates the beginning of the second year in a vibrant new home inside Madison Elementary at 1436 W. 300N, Warsaw, they are gearing up for the 2025-26 Open House.

This makes it the perfect time to explore what makes them special. From its rich legacy to its close-knit community, here’s why generations of families cherish this preschool.

Early History With Jean and Priscilla

The GWCP story began when a group of local families desired to create a cooperative model involving parents as active participants in the educational journey.

Kallie Chapman with pictures of herself attending the preschool as a kid from 1987-89.

Two of these original founding members were Jean Bowers Reed and Priscilla Wood, who have been friends since they helped to begin GWCP in 1977. Both had positive experiences with co-ops in other places and brought that vision to Warsaw.

Jean recalled an early co-op financial struggle — until fate intervened. At a co-op conference, she and her husband found $200 cash, turned it in, and weeks later received it back when no one claimed it.

“We saw it as a definite indication that we needed to move ahead with the project, and we did!” Jean exclaimed.

At first, they had trouble finding a location. Priscilla joked that back in 1977, regulations were so loose that they used to say, “we could hold classes in a chicken coop!” Eventually they landed upon Walnut Creek Church as the preschool’s home.

Jean remembered how supportive the Walnut Creek board members were. “Bob Kline, especially, was like a father to us,” she said. “He told us that the church wanted their building to be used for more than just Sundays.”

Priscilla and Jean talked about writing their first preschool handbook while sitting at their kitchen tables, and how proud they are of the progress the school has made since. In fact, there are numerous multi-generational families that have gone through the GWCP program.

Priscilla ended by telling me about her own now-adult children who sometimes still introduce their friends as “this is so-and-so; we were at the preschool together.”

Multi-Generational Example Kallie

Kallie Chapman lugged a heavy bag as she sat down for a cup of coffee. “I brought all of the old scrapbooks!” We started poring through yellowed 70s books looking for people we recognized.

Kallie herself was a student at GWCP (1987-1989) and loved early teachers Peg Burgher and Judy Case. When her own children were ready for school, she returned to GWCP as the board president for three years, just in time for a major challenge.

Last summer on July 4, the GWCP learned it had to leave Walnut Creek Church with just weeks to relocate. The new school year began in mid-August, so the option to be inside Madison Elementary came in the nick of time. Now, Kallie’s son Dax attends the new location with teacher Mandy Schotter.

I asked about a favorite memory, and Kallie showed me a video of Mrs. Schotter, dressed as a shark, waddling out to help her preschoolers exit their cars and come into school during “Letter S Week.”

Kallie couldn’t say enough about her family’s experience with GWCP. “The co-op attracts the most giving, amazing people. I think it’s because as a parent here, I have to become so engaged in my child’s education because I myself am sometimes in the classroom and see how it works.”

Middle Generation Teacher Lisa Sabones

After Judy Case retired, Lisa Sabones took over, focusing on socialization, science experiments, and “helping kids love learning.” She taught for 15 plus years, including when my own daughter attended.

We laughed remembering her annual Three-Ring Circus, where my 4-year-old played ringleader.

Lisa retired in 2014 but returned to teach her granddaughter Violet’s class during a maternity leave. She loved showing parents how play fuels learning: “When that lightbulb goes off in their little heads, it’s amazing!”

Sabones’ daughter Katie Wonderly provided a picture of her own daughter Violet and her friends when they attended the GWCP. Sabones smiled. “Six of the co-op girls are still together at Edgewood right now. How cool is that!”

The Newest Ones — Jeff Price And Megan Vega

Jeff Price, current board president, took over after Kallie’s joint term with Megan Vega. His son Maxwell attends, so Jeff sees the perks of the Madison Elementary location daily: “Being located within a public school is nice. The kids walk in the same hallways as kindergarteners, even periodically joining them for joint activities. They get to experience what it’s really like and be prepared.”

Amanda Schotter with Dax Chapman on a fall field trip. Photo by Kallie Chapman.

With a finance background, Jeff has also streamlined preschool administrative processes. He enjoys volunteering, especially seeing which toys kids pick from red educational bins each morning as they arrive at school.

A typical day for Maxwell starts with playtime, followed by assigned jobs like calendar, pledge, or weather helper — plus Show and Share if a parent is volunteering. After circle time, teachers assess each child on skills like fine motor or letter recognition.

Parents volunteer a few times a month, assisting with art, playtime, and snacks. Jeff notes that while GWCP is the most affordable preschool in town, parent involvement along with incredible teachers ensures high quality.

Megan Vega, a longtime teacher who took a break to raise her four GWCP graduates, is the newest teacher hired. “Being a parent has really shaped how I’ll be in the classroom again,” she laughed.

“I love this location — kids learn to line up quietly, use real bathrooms, and play on a proper playground. But what truly sets GWCP apart is parent involvement. No other school does this. It’s a huge gift.” Megan will teach the 3s-4s class (Tuesday and Thursday) and the 4s-5s class (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) this fall.

Reminder of the Upcoming Open House Event

GWCP invites you to its Open House from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, April 21 at Madison Elementary. Meet the teachers, explore the curriculum, and discover the difference of a co-op education. Both three-day and five-day 4/5s classes currently have 2025/2026 availability while the 3/4s class is waitlist only.

GWCP is unaffiliated with Warsaw Schools or any church, so all are welcome!

Do you know of an interesting place, restaurant, nonprofit, or person that you’d like to see featured in Inkfreenews? Send Shari Benyousky of SB Communications LLC an email at [email protected].