Heart, Soul, and Heritage: Honoring Ms. Kacia & Ms. Liz
As Teacher Appreciation Week arrives this May, the air at Broadmoor feels a little more festive, a little more grateful, and a whole lot more filled with love. While we celebrate all our educators, we want to take a dedicated moment to shine a spotlight on the two women who steer our ship with grace, humor, and unwavering strength: our Co-Directors, Ms. Kacia and Ms. Liz.
Carrying the Torch of Tradition
Taking over from our beloved previous directors, Colleen and Dale, was no small feat, but Kacia and Liz have done more than just "fill shoes"—they have blazed their own trail while honoring the Broadmoor traditions we hold dear. Because of them, the magic of the Pancake Breakfast, the joy of the Halloween Parade, and the spontaneous karaoke dance parties remain the heartbeat of our campus.
It’s not Halloween unless Ms. Liz has a wig on!
They’ve shepherded our children through the most formative years of their lives—watching them grow from "tiny tots" (2s) to curious toddlers (3s) and finally into confident "little people" (4s and 5s) ready to take on the world.
Nobody loves stickers more than Ms. Liz!
Resilience Through the Unprecedented
Pandemic outside-time - one of our favorite activities: hammering golf tees into pumpkins in the fall!
Their leadership was truly forged in fire as they navigated the complexities of the last few years. From the days of the pandemic—hand-delivering weekly activity packets to families—to the transition of "unmasking" in class and the long-awaited reopening of our Cooking Station, they never wavered. Their priority has always been clear: the safety, emotional well-being, and joy of our students.
The Many Hats of a Broadmoor Director
The job of a Co-Director at a cooperative preschool is a marathon, not a sprint. We see them as our expert educators, but they are also:
Parent Liaisons: Helping us navigate the beautiful, messy journey of co-op parenting.
Boo-Boo Kissers: Providing the magic touch that makes everything okay.
Administrative Powerhouses: Dealing with the SLUSD, San Leandro Adult School, insurance, and budget line items.
Lifelong Learners: Representing Broadmoor at CCPPNS conferences across California to ensure our school stays at the forefront of play-based education.
The Science of Trusted Leadership
Why do we place our trust so deeply in them? Because they are credentialed experts who understand that early childhood education is about more than just ABCs.
According to research from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the "relational coordination" between directors and families is a primary factor in a child’s academic and social success. Kacia and Liz embody this, staying late until the last family leaves and attending every board meeting and parent ed night with the same passion they had on Day 1.
Sliding with Ms. Kacia = core memory unlocked.
“It’s Star of the Week” time!
Teacher Appreciation Action: Show the Love!
In honor of their 8th year of directorship, let’s show Kacia and Liz why Broadmoor is "just that great":
Share a Memory: What is your favorite "Kacia and Liz" moment? Whether it's a specific song they sang or a way they helped your child, share it in the comments!
The Gift of Time: As they continue to support our school's growth, consider how you can help keep our campus thriving—perhaps by tending to a task in our Roosevelt Elementary Garden plot.
Sustainable Gratitude: In the spirit of Earth Week, a hand-drawn card from your child on recycled paper (or a plant for their homes!) is a beautiful way to say thank you.
Support Local: If you’re looking to gift them something special, consider a gift card to a local San Leandro business they love.
To Kacia and Liz: Thank you for your tireless efforts, your irreplaceable storytelling, and for being our karaoke dance-party DJs. We love you, and here’s to at least 8 more years!
With love,
Your Broadmoor Family