For Linden Tree Students, School's Already Out For Summer

With their Cobble Hill school shuttered by the Department of Health, Linden Tree Preschool parents and students have taken to the streets.

"Parents have organized various gatherings, readings and parties here at Carroll Park, the Transit Museum and a bunch of other places," said principal Susan Kuhlmann, who was in the park along with a couple of teachers as a show of support. "I'm happy that the kids are still getting to see one another."

Closed by the DOH on May 9 for incorrect permits, the Linden Tree Preschool is operated by Christ Church Cobble Hill, which was struck by lightning last summer and is currently in a process of renovation.

In the meantime, Kuhlmann has been communicating the grievances of parents, "as well as our own grievances" to the officials of Christ Church, who over the weekend admitted negligence in filing the correct permits for the school.

Earlier this week, church wardens offered to temporarily reopen the preschool location at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen's as a "Mommy and Me" program so that students could finish out the school year together.

That format, which warden Greg Paul assured in an email would be in compliance with the DOH, would require that a parent or legal guardian be present with each student.

"So now I'm put in the position of hiring a babysitter to be with my child at school," said parent Dana Gallagher at the park. "That costs at least $100 a day and I've already paid tuition."

Many parents have expressed similar reservations, she said. They are still waiting for a response from Christ Church regarding tuition reimbursement.

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