~Goodbye, STRIDE~

Kezia started going to STRIDE Learning Center in May of 2009. She had amazing teachers the first year and a half going there, but her last year has seemed to carry her into her class she is in. I was extremely nervous about having new teachers and a new classroom. Kezia does so well with the same people and schedule that I try not to mix it up too much. So when she went to school in August 2010 I was very nervous to let her go. "Ready, Set, Go" classroom was exactly what she needed. I realized that in life things are changing and teachers come and go, so it was time to expose her to that while she was still in a familiar building. Miss Renae and Ms. Angela were phenomenal teachers. They knew exactly how to reach every student at their level. They cared for Kezia and wanted to help her succeed.

The one thing Kezia learned the most was the recognition of her name. Everyday at the door they were met with their names and they would take them and put them on their letter inside one of the bookcases that held toys. Then they would sit down and have writing time where Kezia worked on writing her name. She came a long way in the year. Next she could play and then they'd have an activity, play on the playground, have a snack, and then circle time. Everything was there to help Kezia learn while having the children who develop on the normal scale learn as well.

One challenge Kezia overcame was learning to play with others. She is still learning, but has come a long way. She tries to interact with other children and play with them instead of doing her own thing.
We never experience this at home since she is always found with her sister and brother. She is like any other child in more ways than she is different and loves to play with others. She is learning to share and does a pretty good job most of the time, but has her moments like anybody.

Saying goodbye to STRIDE was difficult for me. It meant letting my baby grow older for a moment. It meant no more afternoons with just the two of us. It meant no more naps before everyone got home from school or work. It meant no more watching Dora or playing blocks just getting to pass the time. It is those moments though that I cherish and am grateful for. I knew our lives were changing and I was scared for her, me, and everyone else. To say I didn't shed tears would be an understatement, but with those tears came pride and amazement for who Kezia was becoming. Kezia, also, learned to love her class and teachers. She loves school and am glad she had such great people as teachers, so she can be a better person.

"Goodbye, STRIDE. We are grateful for all we learned. We are sad for all we leave behind. We will never forget all the wonderful people who have touched our lives, some are still with us and others have moved on to bigger and better things!"