Dear
Parents,
As
the school year draws to a close, I am looking back and seeing what a
successful year this has been. Our two proficient and experienced teachers, Kim
and Mary, have as in past years provided enriching and developmentally
appropriate classroom programs for your children. Sometimes with all the media
noise about high stakes testing and academics, it is hard to figure out what is
the best educational approach to teaching our young children. Yet through
current brain research and other reliable sources we know that young children
learn best through warm interactions with caring adults, active hands-on
experiences, and an appropriate balance between child-directed and teacher-directed
activities. These things Mary and Kim provide in abundance. Lucky parents,
lucky children.
This
year has also produced a highly successful fundraising season punctuated by an
especially profitable and fun trike-a-thon. Although some of you may not
understand the need for fundraising, it is necessary to keep the price of
tuition affordable. Fundraising also allows the co-op to provide scholarships
for families that need financial help.
During
this year you benefited from some terrific parenting education opportunities
including the addition of online articles. You parents did your job by working
in the classroom and serving on the board or on committees. Some of you went above
and beyond by helping the teachers and the school in extra ways. Key Peninsula
Co-op has traditionally been able to depend on strong leadership from both its
teachers and its board with a strong commitment from its members. This year was
no exception.
To
those of you who are “graduating” from preschool this year, I would like to
wish you well and thank you for all your contributions to the co-op. I would
also be willing to predict that as you move on your journey through parenthood,
you will realize many times how helpful and enriching your days in co-op were.
I would also like to encourage you to stay active in your child’s education. It
is one of the best investments you can make.
I
want to thank those of you who are continuing with the co-op. I know that we
can look forward to another special school year.
Thanks!
Carol