Take a look at what parents are saying about Parkview!
I am a grandparent (Daniel and Leah Jackson's Grandma) who had the extreme pleasure of helping in the "3's" class on a few occasions and attending your fundraising event. What a joy it was to watch as the teacher taught them social skills, science, math, language, reading readiness, large and small muscle development, music, art, history (and whatever else they expressed an interest in at the time) all in the guise of "playing with children." What a delicate art form it is to do all of this, and more, while creating a community of peace, love, mutual respect and have great fun doing it.
I raised three children myself, and all three had different preschool experiences. I still maintain that the best things I learned about being a parent/teacher and a member of the teaching profession, were the intangible things I learned from my daughter's Cooperative Preschool years. The approach to discipline, building the learning community, transferring a love of discovery and the individual worth of every soul were the things that the cop school did better than anyone else. It was so very heartening to me to see these things still alive and well at Parkview School. My grandchildren loved going and they knew they would experience something wonderful each time they went. It was a world of friends, fascinating discussions about things that amaze them and the opportunity to experience teepees, rocket ships, or whatever, in a wide variety of mediums. At 2 and 3 years old, children are primarily learning through their senses. If the senses are awakened, they will learn about anything and they certainly did that while I was there; you could tell by the colossal mess, the sticky fingers and hair and the smiles on the faces!
I loved my time at Parkview. It reminded me of all that is good in the world. I strongly encourage every grandparent to spend time there and discover what's going on in the hearts and minds of you grandchildren. I guarantee you will take with you a special spirit.
I thank the Parkview staff for giving my family a joyful experience this past year. I know a lot of "sweat equity" goes into a year of cooperative preschool, but the results are so worthwhile. You are helping entire families grow together and I hope you continue the fine work you do for a very long time.
Being a cooperative preschool alumni, I knew that I wanted my children to have the same benefits of parent participation. We toured three different cooperative preschools but finally decided on Parkview. The instant I walked in to Parkview I felt welcomed and comfortable. I'm happy to say that those feelings have only persisted and grown over the last two years. The teachers are incredibly devoted to their students and understand the fears and apprehension of a parent taking their child to school for the first time. Our whole family loves participating in school fundraisers, events, and field trips. We have been thrilled to be a part of the Parkview family and are grateful for the memories it has afforded us.
Heidi Sexson
-- The most important gift we can give our children and grandchildren is a world they would choose to inherit as opposed to one they are forced to endure.
As the mother of an extremely shy two year old, I did not think my daughter, Aria, was ready for preschool. She hid behind me when meeting new people and begged to leave the playground if other kids showed up to play. I was worried she would not leave my side to go to kindergarten when the time came so I decided preschool might help. After looking at all the options, I knew a co-op was the only way for us to go. I looked at three co-ops and after just one visit, I knew Parkview was the perfect fit.
On our first visit to Parkview, I was impressed with the kindness of the 2-3's teacher and the co-op president. They both got down on their knees so they would be on the same level as my little girl. When they said hello to her, I was shocked that Aria did not hide behind me. This was a small gesture but it made a huge difference. They then explained that the teacher, Miss Joy, would come to our house for a one on one visit with my daughter so they could get to know each other before school started. I am convinced this is the reason Aria was able to make it through the first day of school without one single tear. I thought for sure she would scream and cling to me but she simply walked into her class and started to play. I could not believe it!
Now that we have been at Parkview for two years I realize that the small class size, involved parents, and dedicated teachers are what make it such a great school. Through school activities and parties, I know every family and feel confident that who ever is co-oping will be kind and gentle with my daughter. The teachers go above and beyond what I think preschool teachers should do. The amount of thought and care that goes into each craft, song, and field-trip astounds me. I can tell the teachers really care about helping our children learn and grow. In many ways, Parkview feels more like a family than a school and I am so happy that we are a part of it.
