Kindergarten Report Card

Dear Nominating Committee:

Please receive this letter of support for two teachers being nominated for the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence – Kathleen Paiger and Ellen Reid.

I am a parent at Manoah Steves Elementary School with three daughters attending, one of whom is in Kindergarten taught by Mrs. Kathleen Paiger.  Layla McKay is a bright, delightful, and sensitive little girl with special needs. 

Mrs. Paiger, has introduced into her K class a variety of creative, multi-modal methods and teaching techniques in order to create a fulfilling and enriching kindergarten experience for my little girl.

This little girl who is visually impaired, non-verbal, non-mobile and wheelchair bound, and is fully dependent on all her mobility and self-care needs.  But there is no woe is she.  Not in this space, not in this class.  Not with this teacher. There is no time for that.  And she and the children in the class make a point of embracing Layla as a capable and equal member of the classroom.

Two classrooms actually.  Kathleen along with Mrs. Ellen Reid, the K/1 teacher across the hall have allowed both classes to come together and collaborate on their Kindergarten adventures.  Along the way, establishing extra benefits for Layla, with the children across the hall embracing and including her with open arms also. 

The spirit of community and “no walls” is obvious with this collaboration of classes. I have always stood by the notion that it takes a village to raise a child.  These teachers embrace this village mentality – almost like a sense of family – two villages sharing experiences, stories, activities and adventures.  Reducing the likelihood of cliques and any “me versus them” attitude. 

Having a special needs daughter with such great livelihood challenges creates much anxiety for me when it comes to her future compared to her older two “typical” sisters.  Starting Kindergarten was mighty scary – for both me and her father.  To the extent that her dad was concerned that she go at all at this time.  Fear for her wellbeing, and also how she will be received, how she will be cared for, how she will be included.

What a year this first year of Layla’s academic life has been.  Kathleen and Ellen have created a beautiful foundation for Layla’s social and academic possibilities.  I move forward with my head held high because these two professionals have raised the bar for me.  I see more possibilities for this child.  There is no ceiling. She, with all of her neurological unknowns, will develop.  She can be taught and she will learn.  And the children in these two classrooms will challenge me if I say that Layla is not able – oh no, they will show me what she can do.  Her peers will show me how Layla “talks” to them, uses an iPad to do her work, and how she leads then through gym class with “Layla Says”. 

I knew that incorporating Layla into this wonderful neighbourhood school would be no simple feat – what with equipment, change tables, g-tube needs and all the rest of her care requirements – and it had its stressors, for us, her team.  However, for this Kindergarten student, her transition into elementary school has been very “typical”.  Mrs. Paiger and Mrs. Reid have risen to the occasion with a diligent, creative and confident approach.  Suddenly, my anxiety sailed away into the sunset….

Layla’s future as a student will be bright and filled with an empathetic and compassionate environment, with the foundation laid in her Kindergarten experience.  Her beautiful school village.  

With this letter, I am acknowledging these professional’s extra efforts that go beyond the dictated curriculum, in my humble opinion.  This is something greater that cannot be measured by a standard appraisal but by the richer community that they are creating for all the children they guide.  What they do in this school is huge. Far greater than what we – the average parent – gives Kindergarten teachers credit for.  I hold them in high regard and respect for opening up doors and bringing down walls, literally, for my daughter, and creating an incredible model for inclusivity. 

I am my daughter’s legs, these lovely teachers have given her wings to fly.

Sincerely,

Jennifer R McKay

Proudest Mom Ever ;)