Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom
Primrose® introduces and reinforces new information through playful exploration, teacher-guided inquiry and rich discussion as they help foster Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts®. Your child will have fun every day as they play and learn important academic skills, social skills and more, because when they are mentally, physically and emotionally ready to learn a skill, they develop mastery.
Nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies, and Happy Hearts
Health & Safety
Our school is committed to high standards of safety and cleanliness as we create a caring and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
- Requiring any children or staff with respiratory illness symptoms or fever to return home and stay home until fever free for at least 24 hours
- Frequent disinfecting and sanitizing of high-touch toys
- Frequent handwashing by children and staff, which is embedded in our curriculum and daily staff protocols
- Training teachers on common signs of illness in children, and placing signage in every classroom to keep signs of illness top of mind
- Daily laundering of crib sheets for infants; for older children, individual cots and blankets are provided for each child and laundered weekly
- Ensuring appropriate teacher-student classroom ratios
- Continuous health & safety training for our staff, including first aid and CPR certification
- Maintaining an up-to-date and customized Safe School Plan posted in all classrooms for easy teacher access
Our Pre-Kindergarten Classroom Teachers & Staff
Ms. Veppert
I’m Ms. Veppert and I was a Pre-Kindergarten teacher here at Primrose for over ten years before becoming the Assistant Director. I’m originally from Rootstown, Ohio where I lived until moving to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University. After graduating in 2012 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, I began working at the Primrose School of Johnstown Road and have been here ever since! I love teaching and it’s really become my passion. My favorite part is getting to know the families-even teaching multiple kids from each family! I know that going to work each day, I’ll never have a dull moment! In my spare time, I love reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. Pennell
I moved from Arizona to Ohio after I got married in September 2019. I was an elementary teacher in Arizona and really missing being in a classroom, so when I heard about Primrose, I jumped at the chance! It was a big leap from 5th grade to Pre-K, but I have loved every minute of it. These kids show so much love, it brings me back every year. When I’m not hanging out with my Pre-K kids, I enjoy playing with my 2 dogs, Flash and Walle. I also enjoy photography, cooking, and traveling back to Arizona to visit family!
Mr. Lape
I’m Mr. Lape and I am a Pre-Kindergarten teacher here at Primrose. I have been working with children for 37 years as an educator and a gymnastics coach. I was a member of the Ohio State men’s gymnastics team from 1983-87 and part of the ‘85 NCAA Championship Team. I spent nine months living in England and I have also lived in Oregon and Washington where I enjoyed sailboarding and some mountain climbing. I have three grown children, a daughter and twin boys. My wife, Jenn, and I live in the woods in Johnstown with our fluffy dog, Daisy, and our loud cat, Echo.
Mr. Bennett
I graduated from Otterbein University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I have been working with children for four years. I enjoy spending time with my wife and my pet cat. I also enjoy going for walks on nature trails, playing video games, reading manga, and building model kits. This year, at Primrose, I am looking forward to working with the children and staff to help the children develop a strong foundation for life-long learning.
I can’t wait to learn more about you and your family.
Ms. Ward
I am a Gahanna Lincoln graduate and attended Ohio State School of Cosmetology. I have worked with children for the last 10 years and have found it to be the most rewarding career experience. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter and family. A few hobbies of mine are visiting record/book stores, watching documentaries, and going on small outdoor adventures. This year at Primrose, I look forward to watching our center grow and meeting all the new children and families!
Ms. Scott
I have worked with children for 7 years and have loved teaching and being able to see them grow! I am super excited to get to know you and your children. In my free time, I love to paint and hang out with my family and cats.
Ms. Hashmi
I completed my Bachelor’s of Science from Pakistan. We moved to the United States in 2014 and I worked in logistics for four years. My backgroung is in teaching and I have such a passion for making a difference for young growing minds so in 2018, I started my journey at Primrose. I love being around children because they keep me motivated and constantly entertained! They are the purest souls and everything about them is so genuine!
