After 25 Years, 'Miss Laura' Gets Her Retirement Party

Back in the day, when Avon was just a small rural town on the verge of turning into the growing suburb it is today, Laura Andrews saw the need for a local day-care center.

On April 1, 1987, when her daughter Shannon was in second grade, Andrews founded on Colorado Boulevard. Twenty-five years later, the booming suburb of Avon has dramatically changed, but the daycare center has kept close to its roots.

“Miss Laura” retired several years ago, but sold the business to her daughter Shannon Scheetz, now grown and married. Scheetz, recognizing that her mother never had a proper retirement party, is hoping to get families and past students of the daycare center together this (Friday). The celebration will be twofold: Celebrate Miss Laura’s retirement and the 25th anniversary of the school.

Scheetz, who is hosting the gathering for the school that also provides preschool and afterschool services as well, is inviting current, former and prospective students, and their families from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at the center at 37190 Colorado Ave.

She said she has seen the changes in Avon over the last quarter century, and the effects they have had on the city.

“At that time there were no other schools like this,” she said. “The growth of the community has been huge.”

Enough time has passed that one of the school’s earliest students is due to have a baby in September and Andrews will watch the child until it is old enough to join Laura’s Learning Treehouse.

Both Scheetz and her mother graduated from and have stayed true to the city and the program.

“I’ve worked here for 14 years,” Scheetz said. “I started the summer after high school.”

Since then she has earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

“I knew I always wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

The reception will include light refreshments and a chance for former and current students and their families to meet each other and Miss Laura. Current students have been busy preparing the center for the event and creating "thank you" notes for Miss Laura.

When and where

• The 25th Anniversary and retirement party at Laura's Learning Treehouse will be held Saturday, May 12 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Call 877-778-3893 for more information.