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Testimonials from our Parents _________________________________________________________________________________ From our 2007-2008 Parent Survey "Our son has seemed settled and very happy from day one: a combination of the caring, welcoming teachers, the fun activities, and the home-like surroundings. The children have learned to work and eat and play together as friends. Academically, our son has learned so much in a fun, explorative way: he still won't eat pancakes, but he loved playing with water and machines. You've introduced him to exciting new words and Spanish. He loves to help with cooking now. We love the weekly newsletter and photos. You've indulged his passions yet expanded his interests." "What makes you stand out from 'the crowd'? 1) the level of parent-teacher communication, 2) the depth of project work, 3) the intensely caring/nurturing relationship between adults and each child, 4) the way you encourage/facilitate relationships between the children. Having such a small group is a prvilege. This facilitates all the wondrous things you do, but you certainly have a wonderful way with the children plus a deep understanding of just how to nurture and challenge all at the same time. I feel lucky and appreciative on our daughter's behalf for such an opportunity to enjoy learning in your school. You truly have a clear view of the needs of the young and bright learner. Everything about the environment and your thoughtful words to the children reflects this. I am very impressed both from a professional and personal standpoint." "We love it all! Particularly the affectionate understanding and appreciation of our child. Adore the newsletters, pictures, and conferences. Essentially we think it's heaven on "kid" earth and so does our son. His experience exceeded our wildest expectations." "Seriously, I cannot think of a way to make things better. You guys really stand out from the many other programs I have investigated. Keep up the good work! P.S. I love the way you regularly invite parents in to be involved in the classroom. And I love the emphasis on all core curriculum: reading, math, and science." _________________________________________________________________________________ December 7, 2007 Dear Ren, As you know, we struggled over the decision to send our daughter to Bellevue Discovery Preschool. After all, she was having a very good time at her developmentally appropriate school. However, it was clear to us that our daughter needed something more. Sometimes it was extra time to work on a project which other kids finished in 5 minutes. She was also beginning to read, and we knew we'd be on our own for that if she continued in that preschool. There was nothing wrong with that, but Bellevue Discovery would offer very welcomed support. From the beginning it was clear that we made the right decision. Our daughter has absolutely loved her new preschool. She is so excited about learning new things, and in the past months she's become interested in much more. She loves choice time inside and free time outside as much as she does her teacher directed activities. More than once she has suggested we do things as a family the way they do at preschool. She loves all three teachers. We have found it very easy to communicate with them. A quick chat at drop off or an email ensures that we are on the same page with our daughter. We like that the teachers don't talk down to the children, simplifying their language. Have that smaller adult to child ratio at some points in the day adds a lot to the program. Ms. Sinclair has been a great lead teacher. She has many fun and amazing ideas; and she is constantly adapting her curriculum to the students' needs, assessing their interest levels, personalities, etc. Our daughter is enjoying her reading time with Grandma Jan. We still can't believe that we have someone working with reading in both the languages our daughter speaks. She is progressing nicely, and most of all continues to enjoy learning to read. We also have to add that your help in finding schools for her the next year is invaluable. Having someone to discuss the different schooling options, private versus public, specialized in gifted or traditional, is something we appreciate very much. It has been an added bonus to have someone along the way to guide us through our process. What impresses us the most is how much you seem to "get" our daughter after having worked with her for only a few months. We all have loved being part of the school's first year. Thank you again for dreaming and creating such a wonderful preschool. _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family I would be happy to share my thoughts on Bellevue Discovery with other parents. In my decision-making process I researched and toured over a dozen schools. There are many options, but I found few that met my son's needs. For us, the size and structure of the class were most important. Since this would be my son's first experience away from home without a parent or grandparent, I really wanted a small nurturing environment. At the same time I was looking for a creative environment where he could learn and have fun. Intellectually he was eager for preschool, but emotionally he needed support. To my happy surprise, we had absolutely no issues with separation anxiety (despite prior problems). I attribute the ease of transition largely to the feel of the school and the teachers' tremendous sensitivity. Ren, Jan, and Sinclair have provided exactly what I was looking for and what my son needed. Their approach and environment are perfectly suited to children like my son. I feel so fortunate that we found Bellevue Discovery, and am looking forward to being part of it again next year. _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family Finding the right preschool for our child was a stressful and time-consuming process. We could not, however, be any happier with our decision for her to attend Bellevue Discovery Preschool. Our child's enthusiastic love of learning and creating has only increased with the nurturing support found there. It is clear that the Bellevue Discovery teachers are not only highly experienced and skilled, but that they truly love what they do. This high level of teaching quality combined with passion is what makes Bellevue Discovery more than just a typical preschool but an experience we know our child will benefit from long after she completes the program. _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family Bellevue Discovery Preschool is fantastic. Our son has been challenged intellectually, nurtured emotionally, and guided appropriately in his social development - all by teachers who understand and appreciate his unique strengths and challenges. The BDP teachers bring an energy and creativity to their program that is priceless. Our child absolutely delights in attending Bellevue Discovery Preschool, and as a parent, nothing makes me happier. _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family Our son has been virtually transformed since he started attending Bellevue Discovery Preschool this fall. Now, he can't wait for each "Discovery School" day, and he gets himself ready on those mornings just so we can leave the house sooner. Sinclair, Ren, and Grandma Jan have exposed him to so many new and exciting things in such a nurturing and accepting way, it is as if someone has flipped the switch in his brain to overdrive. His confidence is growing, his skills are increasing by leaps and bounds, and his curiosity is off the charts. This year of preschool has far exceeded all of our expectations - and it's only half over! _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family Bellevue Discovery Preschool is providing a wonderful first experience of school for our child. The teachers are very enthusiastic, kind, and caring: the children always look so at home when they're snuggled up in the big white chair with Miss Ren or Grandma Jan. The teachers are also very knowledgeable and professional, making learning fun with games, songs, rhymes, and other activities within a well-planned curriculum. The children's passions are indulged, but they're also encouraged to try new things and do activities that stretch and challenge them. Not only are the children's advanced academic skills developed, but social skills, responsibility, and appropriate behavior are also strongly emphasized. _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Family Dear Ren, I am writing to let you know what a wonderful place we feel Bellevue Discovery is. Having a highly capable child is not always easy, because most schools are not prepared for or do not want to deal with the challenges that are the flip side of a bright, inquisitive mind. We truly feel that your school is like an oasis in the desert. Our child was deemed "to active" and even "too gifted" by one of the more prestigious schools in the area. At Bellevue Discovery, however, he is valued and loved and supported in ways I never imagined possible. Becoming a part of your school for us has been like finding close friends that really care about our child succeeding both emotionally and intellectually. You, Sinclair, and Grandma Jan go above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis, and we can't thank you enough. You support our children's growth and you support us as parents dealing with the unique issues surrounding parenting gifted children. Our son is eager to go to school, and asks every morning if it is a "Bellevue Discovery Day." He started the year unwilling to read books to us, although he could, and now he has gained so much confidence he even reads to his baby brother. Thank you, thank you, thank you! _________________________________________________________________________________ From a 2007-2008 Grandparent Dear Miss Ren and Grandma Jan, I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful day you all shared with me. It was a privilege to spend the day at your preschool and share with my grandson the happiness and joy he feels when he is with all of you. _________________________________________________________________________________ | | |
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