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Daycare Testimonials

See This Great Letter!

January 24, 2009

To whom this may concern:

I am writing in support of Ms. Broughton’s VPK teacher of the year nomination. My daughter, Estella Kirby, is currently enrolled in her class at Malena’s Mini School. I would like to describe how Ms. Broughton has made a difference in the life of my little girl.

At the beginning of school, naturally, I was nervous for my first child to start school. I was concerned about her getting along with the other students and would she have the right teacher. My mind was racing with all the “what if” scenarios any parent in my situation has experienced. Once I attended meet the teacher night-I had complete confidence in Ms. Broughton’s ability and was grateful she and her assistant Ms. Cash would be Estella’s educators. All my “what ifs” seemed to disappear-I knew Ms. Broughton was exactly the right teacher.

Estella is a rather bright child; I say that as a mother, but also, as a teacher. This creates challenges for both the student and the teacher. Estella was bored at the start of the year-she had a bit of an l-know-it-all attitude. Ms. Broughton was patient and consistent with her and encouraged her to be patient, raise her hand, and give the other students a chance to answer the questions, too. This was one of Stella’s biggest accomplishments-learning to shine brightly in her own right, while allowing those around her to also shine. One of Ms. Broughton’s strengths is seeing the individual child and her needs within the needs and requirements of the class and encouraging each child to reach for their potential.

I am amazed at all Ms. Broughton accomplishes within the 3 hours Estella is at school. I know it is due to her classroom management. The consistency of the weekly schedule contributes greatly to provide structure to each day. Each day gives something special for the students to look forward to: Monday-start of the week with new nursery rhymes, etc., Tuesday-Tumblebus gymnastics is offered, Wednesday-although just a typical day, it is midweek and a day to just be able to enjoy the curriculum, Thursday-book day, the kids can bring a book from home (actually one of Estella’s favorite parts of the week), and finally, Friday-treasure box day, kids are rewarded for their behavior. Ms. Broughton’s discipline plan, the light system, is very effective for this age level. I have found that Estella really strives to get a green light and on the few occasions she brought home a yellow light-true remorse was felt. Ms. Broughton’s consistency within this plan is truly what makes it successful. Each day we get a sheet of paper with the color light and a comment on the day-the students and’ parents know what to expect-and it just works!! And because it works, Ms. Broughton is able to accomplish all she needs to-and true learning occurs.

Being a music teacher, I was ecstatic when I heard Estella singing, “My Country ’tis of Thee,” “God Bless America” and “God Bless the USA.” Through singing songs each day, saying the pledge, doing nursery rhymes, and other activities; Estella began to be excited about school. This daily routine provided her with a sense of what to expect and what was expected of her. Each week she comes home proudly reciting, “Little Miss Muffet,” or “Jack Be Nimble,” or whatever the newest rhyme may be in her best performance voice. It is obvious that what they are doing in school is having a profound impact on her speech and future reading abilities-not to mention her self-confidence.

Ms. Broughton has a keen understanding of the VPK curriculum and allows for creativity and learning through play. This is one of the things I like best about the VPK curriculum. Within the structure of the individual day, each of the activities allows for individual creativity. For example, I was concerned at the beginning of the year that Estella seemed to be attending the same learning centers over and over; I thought that if she didn’t rotate through all the centers offered in a given week that she would not learn all the curriculum. I have since learned that allowing Estella to remain in the same center for several days allowed Estella to have a deeper understanding of one concept and “make it her own.” Some of her favorite centers have been drawing, writing, painting, journaling, magnets, and home. In each of the centers, there is learning through free play. She has never been given a worksheet or a coloring sheet and made to color within the lines-all activities are free for Estella to do as her mind sees fit. This has allowed Estella a better sense of self-a firmer understanding of who Estella is and what she likes.

Ms. Broughton has gone beyond just classroom teaching, she has also made efforts to reach out to parents and the community at large. As a parent, I enjoy getting occasional newsletters explaining what is happening in the classroom. In the October, the school held a Fall Festival with crafts and games. Ms. Broughton made sure we all felt involved. It was a great chance to be able to see the kids interact with each other outside the classroom and for parents to get to know Ms. Broughton a little better. Recently, we had a parent teacher conference. I was impressed at how organized Estella’s portfolio was and the effort Ms. Broughton put in to showing us Estella’s progress. Her commitment to each student is apparent, and her commitment to the community is also apparent. In December, after preparing and practicing, all the VPK students went caroling at a local nursing home. This service project truly touched my heart in that Ms. Broughton and the school are teaching more than reading and counting, they are teaching character.

Estella loves Ms. Broughton, and for that matter, all her students do. I know that all she does helps with that-but it is more of who she is to the children that speaks volumes to them. On days I am late picking her up, Ms. Broughton is always in the classroom spending one on one time with Estella and never has made her feel bad for my tardiness. She is always uplifting and encouraging-never demeaning or discouraging. One day, Estella wouldn’t get out of the car to go into school-she was adamant that she was not going to school. Ms. Broughton took the time to come out to the car, told Estella how sad she would be if Estella didn’t come to class, and Estella gladly held her hand and went into class. There are many untold moments threaded throughout each student’s year that have made it apparent that Ms. Broughton loves her students and takes utmost pride in herself and her vocation.

I love Ms. Broughton, too. She embodies everything a teacher should be. She is kind and loving, yet firm; planned and prepared, yet flexible; creative and fun, yet professional through and through. She is such a wonderful first teacher for Estella. She has set the standard of excellence-something I was very surprised to find in a small preschool atmosphere here in our corner of the world. As a former middle school music teacher and current teaching artist with the Pensacola Opera Company, I see in Ms. Broughton the compassion and understanding of her craft that one wishes to see in all teachers. It is because of all she is and all she does that I have no reservation in recommending her for VPK teacher of the year.

Most Sincerely,

Tresa Kirby
Mother/Teacher
9755 Bobwhite Way
Pensacola, FL 32514
(850)484-7360