Discerning the Future of SMMS

THE QUESTION:
What will it mean for PMC to support SMMS becoming a licensed, full-day preschool program beginning in August 2025?

In order for PMC's preschool, Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School, to maintain full enrollment and thus regain fiscal viability, the congregation is being asked to consider allowing SMMS to become a licensed, full-day preschool program beginning in August 2025. This process is a bit complicated with many moving parts. This page is intended to answer as many questions as possible as we discern the future of Sunnyside Mennonite Montessori School together as a congregation. 

Your insights are needed. Thanks for stopping by!

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PLEASE NOTE: This page has been developed by the Leadership Table in partnership with the board of SMMS. SMMS is considered a ministry of PMC, even though it operates under its own board. SMMS began as a ministry of PMC in ​September 1976. Most of the answers on this page are provided by SMMS board members with consultation with PMC Leadership Table members. Dialogue is encouraged!

Questions & Responses

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​​Why are we talking about this? Why can't we keep it the way it is?

​SMMS is not sustainable due to low enrollment in its current form as a 1/2 day program. In order for the preschool, to return to full enrollment and thus regain fiscal viability, the congregation is being asked to consider allowing SMMS to become a licensed, full-day preschool program beginning in August 2025.

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​​Is there a time frame for making this decision?

If PMC can make a decision by mid-January, then SMMS would be able to move forward in one of two directions. If the answer is “no” then SMMS can inform our families and staff that we’re closing, allowing them time to find another preschool or new employment. If the answer is “yes” then SMMS can begin recruiting families for a full-day program next year and also work towards submitting the grant application. SMMS currently has a strong, highly valued teacher/assistant team, and if they’re able to retain their staff, it would be a huge asset to the program going forward.

This conversation will continue in the coming weeks. Check back here as more questions and information is posted. On Sunday, January 12th, during the Adult Education hour, we will try to have an update. 

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​​What has to happen in order for SMMS to become “licensed”?

​For the past 45+ years, SMMS has been a part-day “recorded” program. In order to become a full-day “licensed” program, they need to first get the occupancy code updated to include an E in addition to the A. (“A” for assembly and “E” for education) Then they need to meet the requirements of the Child Care Licensing Division. The main requirement that they know of at this point will be to add a 4’ high fence around the playground.

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​What does full-day mean? What hours are being considered at this point?

​According to the licensing folks, full-day means that the preschool would be open a minimum of 6 hours a day, 5 days per week. SMMS currently serves children for 3.5 hours and is now considering being open for 8-10 hours.

Are the hours being considered feasible for working families? 
SMMS initially considered being open from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm., mirroring the typical school day for PPS students. But clearly, extending hours both before and after would allow SMMS to serve more working families. So, SMMS is now looking at 7:30 am - 5:00 pm for students, with a staff member being onsite between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm. SMMS is trying to keep in mind the other ministries who need access to the downstairs after 5:00 pm. 

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​Will SMMS be year-round?

​SMMS’s would continue to be a 10-month program, largely following the Portland Public School calendar. 

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​How will an extended day affect PMC’s other ministries?

Children’s Christian Ed – The return to neutral policy (leaving the space empty when finished) we have on the lower level allows the school and Sunday school to co-exist without much conflict. Each program sets up their space and then tears it back down. Because of this, going full day shouldn't impact Sunday activities.
Family Promise – FP families arrive at PMC at 5:30 pm and leave in the morning by 7:00 am. So the currently proposed SMMS hours of 7:30-5:00 would work well with the comings and goings of our FP families. The living spaces for our guest families have always been outside SMMS’s school space. 
Quilters – Now that brighter lights have been added to the Old Chapel, the Monday morning Quilters are considering moving their activities upstairs. (Our Dorcas quilting group that meets in the Old Chapel on Tuesdays is also grateful for better lighting!) Bathroom usage is an issue. (See next question about bathrooms.) 
Kitchen usage – There may be times when PMCers will need access to the kitchen during the school day, perhaps to prepare food for an evening meeting or for a Memorial Meal. This should be doable with SMMS safety protocols being observed, including a sign-in sheet, etc.
Groups like Transitions – Bathroom usage is an issue. (See next question about bathrooms..) 
Ministerios Restauracion  – Ministerios and PMC may not be able to host events like conferences, weddings or memorial services during the week between 8 am and 5 pm due to the necessity of keeping guests and visitors apart from children enrolled at SMMS in the fellowship hall, downstairs bathrooms and our back patio area.

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​Why are bathrooms part of this discussion?

​Currently, everyone who needs to access the bathroom downstairs (pastors, quilters, etc.)  is encouraged to go down the back stairs behind the piano to use the All-users bathroom. This is obviously not an option for those of us who use the elevator. Since COVID is no longer the health concern it was in previous years, people are now encouraged to give the teachers a heads-up (text or call) when someone will be coming down the elevator. That way, children’s activities can be moved from the hallway to make room for people who need access to the bathroom.

If we add a new bathroom, where would it be located?
How much would it cost without a grant?
What approval issues might arise with permits from the city for a new bathroom?
The facilities people at PMC are in conversation with the Table about the best location for a bathroom. The location would affect the cost and the types of permits needed.

Comments from this webpage:
So much of what we do now, and might consider in the future, will be based on working around these long hours of the preschool. I understand that the long hours are needed to make the program work for working families, but we are a church that has other priorities as well. Saying “yes” to this change and then hoping that the bathroom issue can be solved is just one concern. Asking folks, who need to use the elevator to go to the bathroom, to text or call teachers and wait for children to move out of an area of activity is…..not respectful to that adult, I feel.

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​What is the Infrastructure Grant about?

​The Oregon legislature allocated $50 million for the purpose of increasing early learning capacity across OR by establishing the Child Care Infrastructure Fund. SMMS would like to apply for this grant to cover the costs of a fence around the playground (required for licensing) and to add a bathroom upstairs which would be accessible from the playground. The bathroom is not a requirement for licensing but seems like something that could benefit both SMMS and PMC. The grant, however, is highly competitive, so there is no guarantee that SMMS will be granted the funds. 

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​What if SMMS is not awarded the Infrastructure Grant? ​

SMMS would need to secure other funding for the playground fencing. They’re in the process of getting two estimates for this work. If an upstairs bathroom is important to PMC, funding will need to be secured for that remodel/addition as well.

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​If the School is Full-day, will PMC be able to host meetings during the week?

During the school year, larger meetings would likely need to be held upstairs (Monday-Friday). Obviously, weekends and summer months would be completely open for meetings during the school year. For groups like Transitions – Bathroom usage is an issue and use of the elevator would require alerting the teachers so that children can be moved out of the way. It is recognized that this arrangement is not ideal. Eventually, an upstairs bathroom could alleviate this issue.

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Will the new playground fence look nice?

Submitted Comment:
Fully onboard to support SMMS going to full day. Trust the fence design will allow for flow during PMC activities and not be an unsightly barrier, making the space less inviting and impeding traffic. Other upgrades to the space have been positive. Have concerns about an upstairs bathroom (space, flow, sound/disruption during service, construction, cost etc.) maybe this project could be delayed a few years till the school is on more sound financial footing.

Response from SMMS
SMMS is currently collecting initial bids for a fence, and these plans will definitely take into consideration both the design/look and the traffic flow. They will make sure that the design meets the needs of all three groups: PMC, SMMS, and Southeast Uplift, and will only move forward with approval from all three. As for the bathroom, you are not alone in your concerns regarding space, location, costs, etc. This is definitely an ongoing conversation, and the idea of waiting a year or so is definitely being considered. 

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Would a full-day SMMS program benefit lower income people?

By being a full-day, licensed program, SMMS would provide a safe and loving place for children whose parents are working full-time. A tiered tuition scale would make this care more affordable for families in the lowest income bracket, and tuition assistance would also be available (as it is now). Being a full-day, licensed program would allow us to apply to be part of the Preschool for All program as well as the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) subsidy, both of which cover the costs of childcare for lower income families. ​(answer from SMMS)

Would a full-day SMMS program benefit people in our neighborhood?
Having a preschool in one's neighborhood is an obvious benefit for young families looking for a childcare program nearby. Beyond that, investing in early childhood education can have a positive impact on the local economy. Families who have access to preschool are more likely to spend extra money in the community, which can help our neighboring businesses. Also, having a regularly and actively filled facility can help deter vandalism to our building. ​(answer from SMMS)

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Is this something we are excited and have energy for?​

There are many folks at PMC invested in SMMS. It has a long history in our congregation. But what about you? Let us know in the comment box below how you are feeling about the proposed changes with SMMS.