My name is Jenny Coleman, and I am the new director at Friendship Celebration Preschool (FCP). I am excited to be part of such a special program that has been providing a quality Christian education, socialization, and developmental support to children and their families in the community for over 25 years. I was born in Southwestern Idaho and moved to Eastern Idaho at the age of 10, when my dad was transferred there with Intermountain Gas Company. I attended Idaho State University and received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement as a reading specialist K-12. My first teaching experience in 2nd and 5th grade lasted six years and was at Grace Lutheran School in Pocatello, Idaho.

I moved back to the Treasure Valley the same year FCP opened. In fact, my first administrator, Gabe Flicker from Grace Lutheran came here that year to assist Pastor Tom (Friendship Celebration’s previous pastor) and the staff in starting the preschool. I began teaching first grade at Spalding Elementary. My children attended Spalding with me, and I taught with several staff members that sent their children to FCP. I heard how well FCP was preparing children to move on to kindergarten and have always been a cheerleader for this preschool to grow and prosper.

My wish has always been to return to Christian education. In 2015 we purchased a home in Olympia, Washington and I took a job at Faith Lutheran School teaching Jr. Kindergarten. There I met Pastor Matt Henry, who later took a call to lead Friendship Celebration Lutheran Church. In total I have taught 25 years in West Ada School District, Kuna School District, and in Olympia, WA. In addition, I spent three years as the Reading Coordinator for the Idaho State Department of Education and a year and a half when my husband, Barry and I opened and ran a Children’s Literacy Museum called The Story Station Depot. FCP will benefit from several  of the exhibits and props we used at the museum, as twelve bins are coming with me for use here at the preschool. When the opportunity to interview for the position of Director of FCP presented itself I knew I had to apply. All my experience in education combined with my love for Christ has led me to my new home- here at Friendship Celebration Preschool.

I started at FCP the first of July. Since, we have hired amazing teachers and assistants who are already helping me prepare and update the facility and curriculum. We are making everything, from the building to the curriculum fresh and renewed.  The church has approved and allocated funds for  recent updates, such as paint and flooring improvements. Volunteers are busy  implementing these updates for the coming school year. Our past director and teachers left everything organized and ready to go for us to continue their amazing work.

I feel so blessed to have such a well-prepared preschool with exceptional families ready and waiting for more adventures, as our students learn more about themselves, their peers, their loving teachers, and above all Jesus Christ. I feel blessed to be part of the Friendship Celebration Preschool Family, and the entire staff is excited for our 2023-2024 school year to begin. 

I can be reached by email at jcoleman@friendshipcelebration.org.