Success Stories
Letter from Laura (parent)
To whom it may concern
I am writing the letter in support of the curriculum “Tools of the Mind” that is currently implemented at my child’s Headstart center. I have had all 3 of my children progress through the Head start program and have been very happy with the results of all 3 children. I can tell you though, that there was a vast difference in kindergarten readiness between my oldest son Hagen who did not have “Tools of the Mind” at his Head start compared to the level of readiness that we encountered with my oldest daughter Isabella that did have the benefit of the “Tools of the Mind” curriculum. Our daughter Isabella was not only ready for kindergarten, but here academic skills superceded those of her peers thus resulting in Isabella being defined as gifted and talented. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy with the success of all my children, but I do find that the enriched learning experience that Isabella received as a result of “Tools of the Mind” curriculum immensely aided in Isabella achieving her kindergarten goals. I currently have my youngest daughter Birdie in the Head start program and she is receiving the benefit of the “Tools of the Mind” curriculum and because of this, I have high hopes regarding her future academic endeavors. I consider it a blessing in my children’s life that they are able to partake in such a fantastic and academically enriching curriculum and I hope that future generations of Headstart children will have the same opportunity as my children did. All children deserve the best opportunity possible to excel in both their academic careers and for their own self-worth and it is my strong belief that “Tools of the Mind” gives each child that advantage.
Sincerely
Laura
Letter from Michael & Theresa (parents)
We have a family of 5. Dad, Mom, sister Chelsea 10, brother Vincent
5 and little Carmen 2. Vincint is our primary focus for your concern
When we moved to Arvada we had little expectation from the Head
Start Program as we couldn’t find any class space for Chelsea
in Denver County where we moved from.
The beginning of vincent’s first year, we were introduced
to the Tools of the Mind curriculum by the teachers. Being that
we had no idea about how to educate a child, we were leaving all
our trust in their capable hands. They explained that they would
teach vincint to self-regulate. We talked and giggled just a little.
(Have you ever tried to get a 3 year old to mellow out enough to
pay attention to the task at hand for more than 5 minute?)
This being Vincent’s second year, we have seen things formerly
unbelievable to us. We see capabilities in him that we may never
have seen were it not for this program.
He is spelling words! He doesn’t quite have the vowel idea
down yet, but he is spelling . The other day, on the highway, he
was sounding out TW[TW-Tw. Then he says “T-W-L-V. That’s
how you spell twlve!” This is just one example of how he continues
to amaze us on a daily basis.
Our oldest, is a highly intelligent child as well. However did not
know as much as half of the things that Vincent does. She could
not comprehend the differences between today, tomorrow & yesterday.
She didn’t begin to try spelling on her own until about first
grade. I really don’t like making the comparisons between
the children. I don’t know how to get the point across effectively
without doing so.
We are so completely astounded at the progress Vincent is making
. His table manners have improved tremendously as has his comprehension
of what you and I would believe to be basics.
The calendar is the most tremendous idea in my personal opinion.
There isn’t anything about this curriculum that we don’t
like. We do believe that Vincent is going to excel in public school
due to these teachings.
I highly recommend this school to parents all of the time. I am an apartment manager . When I have an applicant come into my office with a young child, I could go on and on about this curriculum. I think sometimes they get tired of hearing about it. I just believe in what they are doing with my son. I consistently give the number to interested parents in order for them to begin the registration process I am really keyed up about the progress Vincent is making. I am also looking forward to seeing what happens in kindergarten.
In addition to this fun way of learning, I am dually impressed
with the teaching staff. They have been so unbelievably supportive
& helpful in clarifying any of the questions that we may have.
They are encouraging & absolutely delightful to know. I hope
that this mentod of learning is continued & supported until
our baby comes to the classroom in the fall of 2006. There aren’t
many things that we have such renewed faith in regularly. This just
happens to be something that we have the extreme pleasure of being
a part of.
You have done a fabulous job of designing this set of courses and
putting it in the every capable hands of three very wonderful teachers
are are aiding these children in their hopefully, ongoing quest
for knowledge. I couldn’t have asked for better people than
Judy Edwards, Becky Goshorn & Lea Conda with which to share
this thrilling experience. They take personal pride in teaching.
It shines through.
We appreciate the time & energy it takes to keep such a great
program in operation. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of
this
Sincerely
Michael & Theresa
Letter from Maria (parent)
A quien coressponda
Mi nombre es Maria. Tengo dos hijas Paloma de 5 anos (n has a cedilla on it) Jazmin de 17 dias. Palomita entro a su programa no sabia nada de ingles solso espanol (n has a cedilla on it) pelo ahora habla muy bien los dos idoamas se expresa muy bien el Ingles lo habla perfectament le facina ir a la escuela para quiere mucho a sus maestros y tiene muchos amigitos y estoy muy feliz preque ests in su programa porque le deo mas a listo par air a kindergarten el systema de ensenanza esta muy bien, el amor de las maestros les dan a neustros hijos con nada le pagamos en otras esqcuelas no los tartan tan bien. Como hai yo recomiendo a Head Start a otros papas porque para mi hija a sido fundamental en su educacion en todos los sintidos sin mas por el monento mil gracias
Maria abril 03
Translation:
To whom it may concern
My name is Maria and I have two daughters, Paloma is 5 years and
Jasmine is 17 days old. When my little paloma entered your program
she did’t know any English, only Spanish. But now, she speaks
both languages very well. She expresses herself well in English
and speaks perfectly. She is interested in going to school because
she likes her teachers very much and has many friends and I am very
happy because I can se she is very ready to go to kindergarten.
The curriculum is very good and the teachers give so much love to
our children even though we don’t have to pay for the school.
I would recommend Head Start to other parents because it has been
fundamental to my daughter’s educatin. In all hartfelt meaning
and without words for the moment, a thousand thanks
Letter from Andrea (parent)
To whom it may concern!
I am writing this letter in behalf of my children Dustin and Jessica who had the blessing of being taught with the “Tools of the Mind” curriculu.
Dustin is 7 years old now and came the Headstart in the 99-00 school year. Dustin only had 1 year practicing the learning techniques of the curriculum before he moved into kindergarten. Dustin is going to be in 2nd grade for the 03-04 school year. I can hardly describe what the teaching and learning experience at Head start did for my son. Dustin is not only the best reader in his class, he has an understanding of words and can express them in the most appropriate manner. Dustin from the beginning in Kindergarten had a very special way to figure out different patterns and word constructions. Without Headstart and their program, I believe, truly from my heart that Dustin would not be so advanced as he is and I am so grateful for the opportunity my son was getting by learning with the curriculum.
Jessica is 3 years old now and comes to Head start in the 01-02 school year. Jessica will have 2 years of practicing and learning in the Vygotsky curriculum before making her transition to Kindergarten. I can only say again that I am so blessed my children had the opportunity to learn at Head start. I know Jessica will just like her brother blow the challenges of kindergarten away because she is already so advanced in her skills of counting, understanding and building word patterns.
As for myself, I hope that some all children will have the opportunity and pleasure to be taught by the Tools of the Mind and I am so thankful that my children were one of the few that had this wonderful and helpful learning experience
Sincerely
Andrea
Letter from Mary (parent)
To whom it may concern
I would like to commend the Head start program on the aoutstanding education level my children have been exposed to. Just like any parent we wanted the best for our children. Our financial situation allowed us to put my son in a very expensive child learning day center. When our cash intake decreased dramatically, due to many negative business turns , we were unable to afford the learning center and were very thankful to qualify for the Head start program. We were very surprised to find out that the education my 3 boys got from the Head start program more than surpassed the other schools! As a matter of fact, my husband was embarrassed that his kid had to go to (school name removed). He now is very thankful and brags to everyone on how smart his kids are and how (school name removed) has contributed. Besides the everyday learning, they were exposed to many different interactive projects and programs. These programs are important especially since children need much diversity. I am in full support of all who have contributed to the success of my children and I know this program will have a reflection on the years to come. It has already helped my kids put their negative energy into a fun, and exciting learing mode.
Mary
Letter from Huibin (parent)
The following letter was translated from Chinese:
Dear Dr. Deborah Leong
We thank everyone in Head Start gave our daughter (Ying) such a good care and good teaching in last 2 years . And thank every one in charge and supporting this program.
Our whole family immigrated from China in 2000 with very little English. Our life is not stable, very limited income. We were so worried about our daughter’s education.
Luckily we found Head Start program, our daughter could go to school! In last 2 years , under good teaching method, she learn art, count numbers, games, alphabet, recognized words, singing, etc. It’s a big changed from not knowing any English before to be able to uses English to communicate now. At home, she becomes to our little English teacher.
We hope this education program can last forever. Kids like our daughter can to school and have a good start. Thanks again!
Wish Head Start continued doing better.
Sincerely
Huibin
Letter from Denice (Director of a preschool and a parent)
Dear Amy,
I would like to share my positive experience of the Tools of the
Mind Curriculum. I have been a Director of a Preschool for over
15 years. I have been fortunate to have overseen the implementation
of many curriculums throughout my career. The most successful and
fulfilling curriculum for the children, by far , has been the Tools
of the Mind Curriculum. I can speak professionally, but MOST IMPORTANTLY
I am speaking personally as a Mother of two very intelligent little
boys.
Both my boys have been extremely fortunate to have bean educated
with two years of TOM preschool.
My eldest son, Mickenna's birthday is in late September so he started
preschool at tender age of two. TOM allowed him to adjust to the
preschool program through hands on activities which instilled in
him a true love for learning. After Mickenna's completion of two
years in the TOM preschool program under the love and guidance of
a fantastic teacher (whom I must add was a "STRONG" believer
and "SUPPORTER" of TOM). He once again was fortunate to
be placed in a TOM kindergarten classroom. Under the beautiful and
creative supervision of yet another strong believer in TOM. He thrived
unbelievably and at the age of five he was beginning to read!!!
He is now (after three very enjoyable and successful years in a
TOM classroom) in the first grade LAUNCH program, where he just
made the high honor roll for the first marking period.(GO TOM!!!!!!!
We are such proud parents!! My husband and I contribute his success
to his wonderful dedicated teachers and the Tools of the Mind Curriculum!!)
Mickenna's story is truly one of SUCCESS!!!!!
My youngest son, Dayle, is now in his second year of TOM preschool
and is constantly astonishing us with his expanded vocabulary and
both his letter and word recognition. He too has developed a true
love for learning and reading. Throughout every conversation Dayle
is comparing sounds with letters and words. He constantly walks
around the house singing school songs and rhyming words. Our friends
and family are amazed by his educational progress. He really enjoys
writing and reading his own stories. Dayle, like his brother, has
learned self-regulation which has enabled them to stay out of trouble
in school. (Thanks TOM---It has also made for more self conscious
children about their behavior. Making my parenting job much easier!!)
Dayle is yet another TOM success story!!!
The TOM Curriculum, along with my sons strong and dedicated teachers,
has developed my sons into well behaved and intelligent young boys.
They both have acquired the love for reading and learning---which
is a priceless characteristic for a child in this generation. When
children love to learn and read the only result is SUCCESS!!!
I thank the Tools of the Mind Education and my sons loyal and incredible
teachers for helping parent them into "TWO PHENOMENAL LITTLE
BOYS!!!!!!!!
With Sincere Gratitude!!
Denice
Success stories of children with special needs