Dear First Step Preschool, 

We are so sad to say that our time at the most wonderful school in the world has come to an end! We discovered First Step two years ago when we were trying to find a place for our son, JP, to meet some friends and get used to some of the routines that come along with going to school. We had no idea then what an impact you all would have on his little heart. When we were looking at some other schools, we really liked most of them. However, when we came there and met you, Ms. Geanina, we knew it was the perfect fit. We will never forget the way you knelt down to his level and introduced yourself to  him (rather than just talking with us)! Every day since then has been such an amazing blessing. Not only has he shown incredible improvement in letter recognition, writing, and social development, but most importantly to us he has gained a very real understanding of his relationship with Jesus Christ. We are so proud of the stories, Bible verses, and lessons that he comes home and shares in such great detail! You all have become a part of so many of his conversations. JP can't wait to have a campout with you Ms. Tammy and he looks forward each week to talking with Mr. Dave. EVERYTHING we do at home or away, he can't wait to share with Ms. Geanina!

Obviously, we would recommend First Step Preschool to any parent looking for a warm, caring environment for their child to grow and learn. From the time you drop off your child to the time you pick them up, you can be certain that they are being shown the same love and attention that they would receive from you. We feel like JP has a second family at school and could not be more amazed at your dedication to your students. We are always impressed with the time you take to talk with us. We never feel like we are rushed in and out. You always make time to let us know about any successes and/or concerns there may have been that day.

We cannot tell you how thankful we are for all that you do for children, and especially the lasting impression you've made on JP. We will always treasure our time at First Step and will miss you all terribly. Thank you again, and God bless!

All Our Love,

The Cates Family

Dear Geanina Brown & Staff

We had the pleasure of discovering your warm and bright pre-school 6 years ago when we were looking for a place to send our eldest daughter. Our finding your school was by chance (I think the phone book), and we have been so thankful for our fortune. Since then, you have helped develop two more of our children's academic and social abillities and we are about to send you our last precious child because your staff and program are excellent.

All of our children were ahead in reading and writing when they moved on to elementary school. We were informed regularly of their progress and given feedback to help assist our children. When any of our children developed reading readiness books were sent home with them to help foster their continual academic progress. Art projects and writing papers were plentiful and helped develop letter formation, phonics, and sense of self.

Finally, we would like to say that our family is greatly appreciative of the work you have done to assist our children's growth. All are doing well in school and have fond memories of their experiences with you. We would comment to anyone what a wonderful school you have.

Sincerely,

The Kulbacki Family

Dear Geanina,

Thank you so much for all that you did for my daughter, Michelle at First Step Preschool. When I first approached you about sending Michelle to your preschool, you assured me that the Montessori style of teaching would be perfect for her. You explained that you would pay close attention to Michelle�s academic needs as well as her social needs. Since she was one of your older students and going through a second year of preschool, I was concerned about her being in a pre-k environment rather than another year of traditional preschool. I was extremely pleased with the extra attention you gave to Michelle�s reading and writing. You and your teachers guided her at a pace that was perfect for her. As a result of Michelle going through your preschool program, she is more than ready for kindergarten. As a matter of fact, she�s ahead of the game and is reading and writing above grade level! Thank you so much for caring so much for the students and for treating them all as individuals.

Sincerely,

Jane

Dear Ms. Dana, Ms. Geanina, Ms. Maeve and Helping Moms!,

Last week we had our family meeting after church where our girls go over whatever events of the week were important to them and to fill us in on what's coming up that's exciting to them.

Kendall went through all her school things and others, but when she did the Easter Story from the egg carton, it was absolutely incredible! She was so proud of the story and remembered everything about it. I wish you could have seen what your message sent to her and how heartwarming it was.

Thank you so much for all you do, how hard you work, and for the wonderful impressions you leave with our children as you shape them to enjoy the world of learning at school.

We appreciate you so much!

Sincerely,
Greg and Ronnette

First Step Preschool has played a significant role in my daughter's growth and development over the past couple of years. They have not only provided her with a beginning foundation for academics, but also with Christian-based values as a tool for interacting with others. The teaching staff is very kind, supportive and patient, and they encourage and welcome parental involvement throughout the school year.

Ann

Dear Geanina,

I stumbled upon First Step Preschool entirely by accident going through the yellow pages trying to find a preschool close to home. I have been so grateful for that accident as it has been a wonderful experience for our two children.

My son started at First Step when he was 3 ½. He was a very shy child who did not want to participate in the group activities and had separation issues for most of the first year. By the end of his second year he was a totally different child. He had become a leader in the class and was willing to participate in everything. He loved going to school and learning and playing with all his friends. It was amazing to see the change in him. He is in Kindergarten this year and continues to be a leader in his class. His teacher has commented that he is in the top portion of his class in all areas of study. She also complimented the preschool for preparing him so well for Kindergarten.

First Step Preschool taught him the normal things you would expect a child to learn at preschool and much more. He came out knowing how to count past 100 and was able to identify double and triple digit numbers. He was learning sight words and sounding out words to begin reading. Besides the typical A, B, C and 1, 2, 3 curriculum he also learned life skills such as his address, phone number, and the importance of using good manners. These are all things that we were teaching him at home, but having them reinforced in a different way at preschool has really made these lessons stick with him.

My daughter is in her second year of preschool there and has excelled there as well. She loves her teachers and they are so loving and kind with her as well. She will go to Kindergarten next year and we will greatly miss the First Step Preschool staff. I simply cannot say enough wonderful things about this preschool and the staff. After three years of having children attend First Step, the staff feels like family and I feel as if they have treated my children as their own.

Jill