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Dear Mr. Land,
My husband, daughter, son-in-law, and I visited
your school on February 5th. Thank you for your time, thoroughness, and tour.
We were quite impressed with all aspects of the school. My husband
was Director of Elementary Schools, supervising 33 elementary
principals in Lexington, Kentucky and is currently an educational
consultant with Safe and Civil Schools. Although I taught middle grades
math, I was a NSF math coach for our state working with teachers and schools at
all levels. I mention this only to let you know that we have been in
hundreds of schools and we know what a welcoming, quality school feels like.
We appreciated your warm welcome and contagious enthusiasm for Santa Rita
School. The Office Staff greeted us as welcome guests, rather than
distractions. The teachers we observed and with whom we spoke briefly
were knowledgeable, friendly, and took obvious pride in their jobs and
their kids. And the most important part of a school; the kids! When
we gathered in the courtyard with you, one of the upper classes was in
transition. As they left their classroom door and spotted guests in their
midst, they gave each other signals to be quiet as they moved past us.
Yes, they were well-behaved, but even better, they were so happy! We
witnessed that across the tour; children engaged and smiling. The
kindergarten boy, who explained the 100 day necklace to us, could barely
contain his enthusiasm as he said, "And we get to eat it when we get
home!!!" Santa Rita has a beautiful campus and it was so good to see
the outdoors used as part of the educational space. Your school has many
innovative programs and offerings with involvement potential for parents as
well as school staff and students.
During the tour, my daughter asked you about
entrance skills for incoming kindergartners. Your response, for the family to
encourage reading and the joy of learning rather than being overly concerned
with checking off skills from a checklist, was exactly what we needed to hear.
You assured us that you will work with students as individuals, teaching
each at his/her level. Shortly after our visit, I came across the the
article with the attached link. I thought you would enjoy reading it.
I'm sorry that I didn't get names, but I want to
thank the first grade teacher who took time from her busy planning period to
explain the first grade literacy program. Please thank the kindergarten
teachers for letting us interrupt their day. I want to end with one of the most
impressive interactions we experienced. My husband returned to Santa Rita
on February 7 (without an appointment or prior phone call) to pick up an
enrollment packet, and the staff member at the front desk greeted him by
saying, "You're Henry's grandfather!" Quite amazing! We wish we
knew her name to reciprocate!
Again, please thank the entire staff at Santa Rita
School for allowing us to tour the school and experience and enjoy the unique
environment.
Sincerely,
Bob and Kathy (Henry's grandparents)
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