Letter from a Parent

20 December 2006  

Dear Nikki,
What a magical time of year – the excitement is in the air!  We wanted to take this opportunity to let you know what an incredible difference Footprints has made in our Lauren – in her happiness, in her spirit, and of course, in her education.  

Being a public school educator myself, I have always been a strong advocate for public schools.  Last school year (05-06) we were so excited for Lauren to start kindergarten (she attended public school).  Sadly, throughout the school year, our hopes and dreams for her education were being replaced by the reality of our public schools option.  It truly broke our hearts – at where it was taking Lauren, and more sadly, how it would continue.   

We decided to look into private school options last spring- which really was difficult for me, after being such a part of public school education.  After visiting with other private options, we visited Footprints on a “New Family Orientation” evening.  That night we K-N-E-W … after listening to Scott, Jill and you talk about the school and spending time walking through the classrooms, we knew Footprints was our choice.  We were over-the-moon!!!  I remember walking through one of the classrooms with tears in my eyes imagining our Lauren in your school.  This special place had a unique and precious spirit that was radiating!!!

Lauren had her “visit” the following week and I had the opportunity to observe other students and teachers as she spent the morning with the kindergarten class.  We both left that morning full of excitement!  Lauren sang a “Nickel Worth Five Cents” song all the way home!!  This may not seem like a big deal, but just the week prior she came home from her kindergarten class singing some “Burger King, McDonalds, Wendy’s” song … very telling of her kindergarten experience.

Needless to say, we were THRILLED for Lauren to start first grade at Footprints this fall!  This change had been everything we had hoped for – and more!  Lauren has grown an incredible amount in the time she has been at Footprints.  Mrs. A has been able to motivate Lauren to push herself and work hard.  She is an incredible teacher who appreciates the joys and challenges of her students.  The families we have met through the school have been wonderful.  To say that we are elated with her move to Footprints just doesn’t seem to say enough.  Lauren LOVES coming to school!

We have chatted with you briefly before about what it was that helped us decide to come to Footprints.  It is absolutely the PASSION we see in your teachers and staff.  Walking into the building in the morning is such a wonderful way to start the day – kids are buzzing with fun energy, the teachers are happy to see the kids and get into their day together, and the staff is always friendly.  It is a wonderful feeling dropping off Lauren knowing that she is happy, excited to learn, and in such an amazing environment!

Thank you for the gifts you bring to Footprints – your school is incredibly special, and we feel so blessed to have Lauren be a part of your Footprints family.   

Wishing you all the blessings of the season –

Ann and Scott Kennedy