Introducing our FPDS Early Childhood Director, Mrs. Dea Bowling!
First Presbyterian Day School has been wholly devoted to elementary education since 1965. As the world has changed, and needs have changed, we have also seen the need to add childcare for infants through preschool. We were fortunate to open our preschool several years ago and have been amazed by the community support and the growth of children in our program.
This past November, we announced our Early Childhood Program (serving infants and toddlers). FPDS Early Childhood filled in less than two weeks, and has been building a steady waitlist since. What a wonderful opportunity for our school and our community! However, this is not new to FPDS! FPDS for nearly 18 years has provided a nurturing and loving childcare center for our staff members, and we are excited to share that with a larger community.
We have worked tirelessly to find a strong, godly, & wise leader for our Early Childhood. The Lord has blessed us immensely with phenomenal candidates, and we are excited to announce that Mrs. Dea Bowling has accepted the task of building out and leading our FPDS Early Childhood!
Mrs. Bowling and her son, Liam
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Mrs. Bowling graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in Education, then received her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Bowling has over twenty years of teaching experience, and she truly embodies the mission of First Presbyterian Day School. Here are a few Q&A’s to get to know Mrs. Bowling!
What is your favorite memory at FPDS?
My favorite memory at FPDS is definitely witnessing the third graders learn all the books of the Bible with Mrs. Day. I often find myself reciting it each week in church as I turn to certain passages of scripture. Mrs. Bell leading the kids in Chapel worship each Thursday is a close second!
Why do you feel that FPDS is important? What makes us different?
FPDS is important for a number of reasons, but planting seeds of Christlikeness is top of the list for me as a mother and teacher. While we begin each day in Bible study and prayer, it doesn't stop there. God's Word is woven into every aspect of our day, and I think that's what makes us different. Being able to share the truth of God whether I'm teaching math or reading Charlotte's Web is such a gift that I hope to never take for granted.
What is your funniest memory at FPDS?
The power going out minutes before our play performance this past Friday, March 3rd, may now be my funniest FPDS memory! I'm sure I'll also look back and laugh about Zooming from my dining room, water shortages, countless tornado warnings, and much more.
Mrs. Bowling & her husband, Michael, son, Liam and daughter, Lily
Who is someone at FPDS that has made a profound impact on your teaching and or life?
Kendal Waters, Sally Beth Maxwell, Megan Bell, and Ellen Champagne have all had a huge impact on my teaching and my life since I arrived at FPDS. It's hard to believe I've only been teaching with them for 4 years! From teaching through COVID and the birth of my daughter, Lily, we've been through quite a bit of life together. I will forever be grateful for the love, support, and prayers they've given me over these past few years.
What is your favorite FPDS tradition?
My favorite FPDS tradition is certainly our individual grade plays. The truth of the Gospel being shared through those performances is unlike any school experience I've ever encountered. Having watched several plays as a mother while knowing the hard work and dedication that is put forth on the teacher-side of things, I am often brought to tears of gratitude that my children get to be a part of this special place.
How has FPDS impacted your life? Your children's lives?
FPDS has impacted my life in a number of ways. I actually look forward to going to work each day. The faculty and staff are some of the kindest, most loving, and most fun people I've come to know. They have taught me how to glorify God in all that I do and how to cling to him when trials come. My children also have been greatly impacted by FPDS. The Biblical knowledge that my son Liam has already been exposed to is mind-blowing. As our pastor preaches on Sundays, Liam often leans over and whispers "we learned about that with Mrs. Lowry". My daughter, Lily, has spent the first 2.5 years of her life in the nursery at FPDS, and she too is already being taught about the love of Jesus. I can't imagine the impact FPDS will have on Liam and Lily by the time they are in sixth grade. My heart is comforted just thinking about it!
What are you looking forward to in this new position? Why did you feel you should make this change?
While the classroom is certainly my "comfort zone", I'm most excited about shifting gears and trying something new. After many years of leadership training through the Junior League of Jackson, I feel equipped and ready for this next task. I'm looking forward to working with a new group of people while continuing to love, support, and implement the mission of FPDS. I've felt God calling me to this change for quite some time, but the opportunity had not presented itself until now. With my children a bit older, I feel like I can finally take that leap of faith.
Join us in welcoming Mrs. Dea Bowling on her new adventure! We are excited to see her thrive in this role (and yes we will be sure she still gets to have lunch with her incredible third grade team).
We have a few positions in FPDS Early Childhood that we are looking to fill! If you or someone you know would like to help us implement our FPDS mission in Early Childhood, please have them fill out an application!
