Celebrating generations of connection: Katherine, Ellie, and Harry
Katherine’s birthday celebration in the basement (1987)
At Calvary Nursery School, the impact of a child’s early years often carries forward in meaningful and lasting ways. For some families, that connection spans generations—shaping not only childhood experiences, but the choices they make years later as parents. Katherine Sollers' story shows just how deep that connection can run.
Katherine attended Calvary in the 1980s. She still carries vivid memories of morning sing-alongs and special birthday celebrations.
Her younger sister, Stephanie, also attended. Among Katherine’s most treasured recollections is when Stephanie brought her back to Calvary for show and tell. "She brought me in to play the piano,” Katherine remembers fondly, “my Mom recently found a really cute photo of Steph introducing me."
Katherine’s sister, Stephanie, having me in for show and tell (1994)
Decades later, Katherine says, “I loved my preschool, and I'm still connected to it.” Now, her own children are Calvary students. Six-year-old Ellie (McReynolds) is a proud graduate and currently at St. Vincent de Paul as a first grader, and four-year-old Harry is currently a Penguin. Her husband, Marty, is also on the school’s board of directors.
When Harry began singing the same gratitude song Katherine remembered from her own snack times, the connection between past and present became beautifully clear. "There was a song we always used to sing before eating, a grateful-ness song,” she shared. “When Harry started singing that song once, it all came back to me. It was so sweet."
For Katherine, Calvary's approach to early childhood development extends far beyond traditional academics. "They're really learning life skills,” she says. “It's not just sitting around and coloring all day. They're learning what they're interested in, how to build relationships, and how to resolve conflict."
This foundation has served Katherine well throughout her own life, with Calvary connections supporting her through her education and career in San Francisco's close-knit community. “When kids leave Calvary, they're just so ready for the next stage of life,” she says.
Returning to Calvary as a parent has been profoundly moving. For her, Calvary Nursery School represents more than just preschool. It's a cornerstone of family tradition, community connection, and educational foundation that spans generations, embodying her belief that "it's a great full circle journey. Being able to revisit somewhere that was so impactful in my childhood... having the opportunity to go back to those memories as an adult, and then not only to just be back in that place but seeing it all through my kids too. I'm so grateful to have that opportunity."
Ellie's Calvary graduation with Katherine’s husband Marty and son Harry too! (2024)
